Is League of Legends Worth Playing in 2024?

League of Legends, a titan in the MOBA genre, has captured the attention of gamers worldwide since its launch in 2009. With over 180 million registered players and a vibrant esports scene, the game offers a dynamic competitive platform where players select champions and battle it out in strategic, team-oriented matches aimed at destroying the enemy’s Nexus.

As we delve into whether League of Legends holds its value in 2024, this article will explore the game’s merits and considerations in terms of investment of both time and financial resources. Whether you’re contemplating beginning your journey in Runeterra or simply wondering if the game is still worth the commitment, we provide a comprehensive review to help you make an informed decision. Join us as we analyze what makes League of Legends a potential staple in your gaming repertoire.

League of Legends Review

League of Legends has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut, branching out into various other media forms, hosting grand esports events in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, and even inspiring an Emmy-winning animated series with contributions from the legendary musician, Sting.

In gameplay terms, League of Legends embodies the essence of the “easy to learn, hard to master” philosophy. Newcomers might find their initial foray overwhelming due to the vast array of champions, abilities, and strategic elements to absorb. However, for those who persist, the game offers a deep and engrossing experience that can dominate your leisure hours. The addictive nature of the competitive gameplay often convinces players that just one more match is always a good idea.

The major downside? The online community can be notoriously unforgiving. New players might face harsh criticism or outright hostility for minor missteps, which can make the learning curve feel even steeper. Riot Games has been criticized for not effectively addressing this toxicity, which can tarnish the gaming experience.

For those seeking a similar gameplay experience without the harsh online environment, Riot offers a superb alternative with League of Legends: Wild Rift, available exclusively on mobile platforms. This version maintains the core of LoL’s gameplay while providing a more welcoming environment for new players.

Time Expenditure

League of Legends offers flexible gameplay that suits both casual and dedicated gamers alike. You can jump into the game whenever you like, with no pressure to commit beyond your current session.

A standard five-versus-five match on Summoner’s Rift can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, providing a substantial gaming experience. For those looking for quicker bouts, the All Random, All Mid (ARAM) mode often wraps up in about 20 to 30 minutes. Various other seasonal and special event modes also offer diverse match lengths, though it’s rare for any game to extend beyond an hour.

To truly excel at League of Legends and climb the competitive ladder, be prepared to dedicate a considerable amount of time—often hundreds to thousands of hours. Mastery in League, as with any competitive skill, requires persistent practice. The top-tier players usually invest a significant portion of their time into the game, some even to the extent of pursuing professional esports careers.

However, the level of commitment is entirely up to you. League of Legends doesn’t mandate an all-or-nothing approach, allowing you to set your own boundaries and play at your own pace. Just remember to balance your gaming with regular breaks to ensure a healthy and enjoyable experience.

Cost

League of Legends promotes itself as a free-to-play title, which technically it is—you can enjoy the game without spending a penny. However, understanding the game’s economic structure is key to navigating its expansive offerings without unnecessary expenditure.

As a new player in League of Legends, you start with a select few champions after completing the introductory tutorial. The game’s roster is nearing 200 unique champions, with new additions each year. Unlocking these champions can be done without monetary investment, but this involves a substantial grind.

The primary currency, Riot Points (RP), is bought with real money and can be used for instant access to champions, special skins, and various in-game boosts. Prices vary; a new or popular champion costs around 975 RP, equivalent to approximately $7.50 USD, while smaller items may cost as little as 260 RP or about $2 USD.

Blue Essence, the secondary currency, is earned through gameplay, such as leveling up or completing specific missions. It can unlock champions, ranging from 450 to 6300 Blue Essence, depending on the champion’s demand and novelty.

Beyond gameplay necessities, the game also offers numerous cosmetic items, like skins, which are purely aesthetic and offer no competitive advantage. These are often used by players to showcase their style and achievements in-game. Other purchasable items include emotes and experience or essence boosts to accelerate progression post-match.

League also features Hextech and Masterwork Chests, types of lootboxes purchased with RP, that contain a mix of items such as champion shards, cosmetic skin shards, or direct champion and skin unlocks. These chests and their keys can be bought individually or in bundles. During special events, themed lootboxes become available, often filled with exclusive content relating to the event.

This monetization model, while offering free access, encourages spending on enhancing the visual and experiential aspects of the game, making it essential for players to weigh the value of time versus cost in their League of Legends experience.

League of Legends FAQs

Is League of Legends worth learning in 2024?

Yes, League of Legends remains a compelling game to learn in 2024, especially for those interested in competitive multiplayer games. Despite its maturity, the game continues to evolve with new champions, balance updates, and meta shifts that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. For newcomers, League provides a robust tutorial system and a range of difficulty levels among champions that make it accessible to players of all skill levels.

Moreover, the community and esports scene are as vibrant as ever, offering plenty of opportunities for social interaction and spectatorship. Whether you’re looking to casually enjoy the game or aspire to climb the competitive ranks, League of Legends offers a deep strategic experience that can be rewarding to master.

Is League of Legends good for starting an esport career?

Yes, League of Legends is an excellent game for starting an esports career, thanks to its robust competitive ecosystem and the strong support from Riot Games. With one of the largest active player bases in esports, it offers vibrant competition at all levels. The structured professional leagues, such as the LCS in North America, provide a clear pathway from amateur to pro, along with substantial prize pools that make the potential for a lucrative career quite real. Additionally, the game’s global reach expands opportunities for international competition and exposure, crucial for securing sponsorships and joining professional teams. Newcomers will find extensive resources for improvement, from coaching to community forums, making it a supportive environment for developing competitive skills. While establishing a career in League requires dedication due to the high level of competition, the game’s infrastructure and opportunities make it a promising platform for aspiring esports professionals.

What is the best League of Legends role beginners?

For beginners in League of Legends, the support role is often considered the best to start with. This role allows new players to learn the game mechanics and map awareness without the pressure of securing kills or farming extensively, which are more intensive tasks required of other roles. Playing as support involves assisting your team, particularly the ADC (Attack Damage Carry) in the bot lane, through healing, shielding, and crowd control. This helps beginners understand the dynamics of team fights and the importance of vision control and positioning.

Starting in the support role also means you can observe and learn from more experienced players in real-time, gaining insights into when to engage or retreat during battles. Moreover, it provides a safer space to get familiar with the game’s pace and objectives since the role does not heavily rely on achieving a high creep score or getting kills to be effective. As players gain more confidence and experience, they can then explore other roles that might require more intensive mechanics and individual performance.

Conclusion

Deciding whether League of Legends is worth playing in 2024 boils down to what you seek in a game. With its rich competitive scene, deep strategic gameplay, and ongoing content updates, League of Legends offers a vibrant and challenging environment for those who thrive on mastering complex game mechanics and competing against others. However, potential players should be mindful of the commitment required to truly excel and the notoriously steep learning curve, as well as a community that can sometimes be unwelcoming to newcomers. If you’re looking for a game that offers both depth and a competitive community, League of Legends remains a worthwhile endeavor as long as you’re prepared for its challenges. Whether you’re a casual player or aspiring to climb the ranks in esports, League has something to offer, making it a timeless choice in the realm of MOBAs.