How Many People Play League of Legends in 2024?

Curious about the current global player base of League of Legends? Let’s uncover the monthly active users worldwide for this strategic multiplayer game.

What is League of Legends Player Count?

Since its launch in 2009 by Riot Games, League of Legends (LoL) has evolved into a cornerstone of the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre. At its core, LoL pits two teams against each other with the ultimate goal of destroying the opposing side's nexus.

While the classic 5v5 battles on Summoner’s Rift remain the heart and soul of League of Legends, Riot Games has introduced various modes like Ultra-Rapid Fire (URF) and ARAM to keep the gameplay exciting and varied.

Despite these additions, Summoner’s Rift retains its crown as the pinnacle of competition and the benchmark for player skill, be it through the trials of ranked solo queue or the high stakes of professional esports tournaments.

How many people play LoL?

League of Legends stands as a titan in the global gaming scene, renowned for its accessibility and engaging free-to-play model. Its minimal hardware requirements make it accessible to a wide audience, fueling its popularity.

Over the past decade, League has witnessed a consistent rise in its player base, amassing millions of new players annually. Recent years have seen the numbers stabilize, maintaining an active global community of over 100 million, with spikes reaching 150 million during major events like the release of the Arcane series or the introduction of the Arena game mode.

Data from playeractive.io reveals that, over the past year, the game boasted a monthly player count of around 140 million, with a daily engagement of over 25 million gamers diving into the world of Runeterra.

Is LoL Still Popular in 2024?

Despite a slight decrease in recent months, League of Legends continues to captivate a massive audience with over 130 million players engaging monthly. Such fluctuations are typical in the gaming industry, often influenced by seasonal changes. As winter wanes, a resurgence in player activity is anticipated, especially during high-profile events. The much-anticipated second season of Arcane and the LoL World Championship are expected to significantly boost player counts, underscoring League's unwavering popularity and its role as a cornerstone in the esports and gaming community.

Which regions are the most active?

League of Legends has woven its way into the fabric of global gaming culture, creating vast communities of players across different continents. Here's a closer look at the regions where LoL's presence is most pronounced:

• China: A Titan of the LoL Universe
• China stands as the colossus of the League of Legends world, boasting over 70 million active players. The country's esports scene is not just burgeoning—it's booming, with League of Legends at its heart. Esports have transcended mere entertainment, becoming an integral part of China's cultural zeitgeist.

• South Korea: The Heartbeat of Professional Gaming
• In South Korea, League of Legends is more than a game; it's a national obsession. The country, particularly cities like Seoul, is a nexus for professional gaming, housing numerous teams and hosting grand-scale tournaments. With an estimated 20 million daily players, South Korea's fervor for LoL is unmatched.

• Europe: A Melting Pot of Talent
• The European West (EUW) server is a hotbed of LoL activity, with over 30 million players logging in daily. Europe's diverse array of countries contributes to a rich, competitive landscape, brimming with top-tier talent and an enthusiastic player base.

• Southeast Asia: The Emerging Powerhouse
• Regions such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam are on the ascent in the LoL community, with burgeoning esports scenes that hint at a promising future. Although exact player numbers are elusive, the passionate engagement in these areas, alongside the growth in regions like Brazil, signals a bright horizon for League of Legends' global influence.

These regions highlight the game's universal appeal and the vibrant communities it has fostered, each contributing uniquely to the tapestry of League of Legends' worldwide presence.

League of Legends player count over the years

Reference chart from kaynshop


From its inception by Riot Games, League of Legends has transcended its modest beginnings to become an unparalleled force in the gaming sphere. The journey from a fledgling indie project to a behemoth of the esports world is nothing short of extraordinary.

In 2022, League of Legends shattered records with an astounding 180 million registered players, witnessing daily peaks surpassing 32 million gamers worldwide. These figures fluctuate in tandem with the game's event calendar and the rhythm of competitive esports seasons.

The narrative of League's player count took a dramatic turn with the release of "Arcane," the critically acclaimed animated series. This cinematic venture propelled the game's popularity from 115 million to a staggering 150 million players within months, showcasing the impact of cross-media storytelling on game engagement.

Statistics:

• Anticipations for 2023 forecast the player base to marginally grow to 151 million, continuing the upward trajectory.
• Ranking as the fifth most-played game globally, League stands among titans such as Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, and PUBG.
• Demographically, the player base skews predominantly male (87%), with women representing 12%, and non-binary individuals accounting for 1%, predominantly within the 21 to 24 age bracket.
• The 2022 World Championship set a new standard for viewership, peaking at 5.1 million concurrent viewers and surpassing the previous 4 million record.
• On Twitch, League of Legends reigns supreme as the platform's most-watched game, though it occupies the 7th spot on YouTube and the 12th on Facebook Gaming.

League of Legends has evolved into more than a mere game; it's a cultural titan that continues to draw in players from across the globe. Whether you're a battle-hardened veteran or a newcomer eager to join the fray, the vibrant and ever-expanding world of LoL beckons with endless adventures and challenges.

Is League of Legends Dying?

The simple answer, despite any rumors, is no, League of Legends isn't losing its charm. Like any game, League has its better and quieter seasons. Riot Games, spreading their efforts across various projects, might have caused a slight dip in the usual flair of LoL's yearly events. However, when you put League next to its main competitors and other popular games, it's clear it stands strong:

• League vs. DotA 2: With DotA 2 holding the spot as the second most popular MOBA with around 11 million monthly players, League, even on its slower months, has numbers ten times that in 2022.
• League vs. CS: GO: The top FPS game with a massive eSports scene, CS: GO, sees about 26 million monthly players. League's player base topped this by over 100 million more a year ago.
• League vs. Minecraft: Minecraft, a leader in its genre with less focus on multiplayer, boasts around 125 million players. Still, League surpasses Minecraft by about 50 million players.

If the vitality of a game was measured by how many play it, and if DotA 2, CS: GO, or Minecraft are considered thriving, then it's hard to argue that League of Legends is anywhere near fading away. Though its growth has slowed a bit recently, the game is far from stagnating or losing popularity.

Conclusion

League of Legends continues to stand as a colossus in the gaming world, with player counts that are enviable by any standard. Despite the ebb and flow of its numbers, the game has maintained its grip on the title of one of the most popular and enduring MOBAs globally. Season 14 in 2024 proves no different, as millions around the globe flock to Summoner's Rift, showcasing the game's unyielding appeal. Whether it's through captivating game modes, the lore-rich universe, or the thrill of competitive play, League of Legends remains a beacon for both veteran gamers and newcomers alike. Its dynamic community, vast player base, and Riot Games' commitment to its evolution ensure that League of Legends will continue to be a pivotal force in online gaming. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: League of Legends is far from waning; it's a world that continues to expand, inviting players to be part of its ever-growing legend.