ARAM Mayhem Classic-ish Guide
Guide to ARAM: Mayhem Classic-ish launching July 29. Classic map, items, augments, 60 champions with modern kits, and mirror matches.
What Is Classic-ish?
ARAM: Mayhem Classic-ish is a limited-time game mode launching July 29, 2026 alongside League Classic Patch 26.15. Riot labels it Classic-ish because it uses modern champion kits—not pre-rework abilities—while restricting the roster to Classic's 60 launch champions with Classic items and Classic-themed Augments.
The mode runs on a Classic-inspired map based on early Summoner's Rift rather than Howling Abyss or the old Proving Ground. It has its own queue separate from standard ARAM: Mayhem and from League Classic Draft.
How It Differs From League Classic
League Classic proper restores pre-rework kits, old runes, masteries, and full Draft macro on the OG Rift. ARAM Mayhem Classic-ish keeps current abilities so existing Augment balance tested on modern kits applies—Meddler confirmed pulling dev time from Classic to rebuild every augment for old kits was not feasible.
Classic-ish adds Mayhem Augments with Classic-era theming: empower passives, amplify specific abilities, or grant new effects. Classic items from the early seasons appear in the item shop within the faster ARAM pacing.
Mirror Matches and Champion Pool
Each team draws from its own 60-champion Classic pool, enabling mirror matches where both teams can pick the same champion—recreating old ARAM customs. Only launch roster champions are available; wave 2 additions like Irelia and Akali on Wave 2 / Patch 26.16 are not in Classic-ish until Riot expands access.
Use Champion Filter to study the 60-champion pool before queueing. Champion ownership from live League still applies for unlocking picks.
Launch Week Strategy
Play Classic-ish during launch week alongside Classic Draft and Co-op vs AI for maximum Season 1 Pass progress on Summoner's Journey. The mode is time-limited—prioritize it before Riot rotates the queue out.
Veterans wanting true nostalgia should prioritize How to Play and Game Modes & Queues for Draft. Classic-ish bridges Mayhem fans and Classic curious players during the celebration window.