League Classic Launch Day Checklist
Complete July 29, 2026 launch day checklist for League Classic Patch 26.15. Client prep, rune setup, queue strategy, and first-session priorities.
Classic Is Now Live
League Classic activated globally on July 29, 2026 at 8:00 AM PT with Patch 26.15. If you have not logged in yet, open the League of Legends client and allow Patch 26.15 to finish downloading — maintenance windows vary slightly by region per Date & Patch.
For live launch coverage and day-one meta, see Launch Day Live. This checklist covers first-session setup whether you are queueing on launch day or joining during the first week.
First Login Setup (15 Minutes)
Step 1: Open the client and select Classic from the Featured Game Mode picker per How to Access. Step 2: Complete the tutorial overlay covering rune pages, masteries, and positional preferences. Step 3: Create three rune page templates using Rune Recommender—for top, jungle, and your main role.
Step 4: Verify owned champions on Champion Roster against your planned picks from Best Starters or Overall Tier List. Step 5: Set positional preferences in queue settings before entering Classic Draft—details on Role Preferences.
Launch Day Queue Strategy
Expect 5–15 minute Classic Draft queues during peak launch hours globally. Start with Co-op vs AI for one game to confirm rune pages load correctly, then enter Draft when comfortable. Custom games with friends bypass queue pressure—Riot emphasized squad play as Classic's identity on Game Modes & Queues.
Play ARAM Mayhem Classic-ish during launch week before Riot rotates the limited-time queue out—ARAM Mayhem Classic-ish covers the separate Mayhem-style mode with modern kits on a Classic-inspired map.
First Session Priorities
Game 1–3: Learn mana pacing and item actives on Pacing vs Modern. Game 4–6: Experiment with iconic builds from Iconic Meta Builds or AP Master Yi Build if comfortable. Track Classic Level progress on Classic Levels—Masteries fully unlock at Level 4.
Early live meta favors Ahri mid, Jarvan IV jungle, Leona support, and Caitlyn ADC per Overall Tier List. For week-one strategy beyond launch day, read First Week Guide. Showmatch VODs on LCS Classic TSM vs CLG and EULCS Legends Showmatch preview meta picks.