For the bigger picture and full context, make sure you read our main guide on League Of Legends Timeline: Key Events In Runeterras History.
Diving into the expansive world of Runeterra can feel as daunting as facing a fed Darius in a 1v1. The sheer volume of characters, regions, and historical events can be overwhelming when you're trying to figure out league of legends lore where to start. But don't worry; this guide will give you practical steps to navigate the lore and start enjoying the rich narrative behind your favorite champions.
At a glance:
- Define Your Focus: Determine if you want to explore a specific champion, region, or event.
- Utilize Official Resources: Prioritize Riot Games' official website, Universe page, and media for accurate information.
- Start Small: Begin with champion bios, short stories, and cinematics before tackling larger lore pieces.
- Engage With the Community: Join discussions and forums to gain insights and answer your questions.
- Recognize Lore Changes: Be aware that the lore is constantly evolving, and older sources might be outdated.
Why Understanding League of Legends Lore Matters
Beyond the thrill of climbing the ranked ladder, League of Legends offers a deep and engaging narrative. Understanding the lore enriches your gaming experience by:
- Adding Context to Champions: Knowing a champion's backstory makes playing them feel more meaningful. Why does Garen hate Sylas? What motivates Jinx's chaos?
- Enhancing World-Building: The lore provides a rich backdrop for the game, making Runeterra feel alive and dynamic.
- Connecting With Other Players: Sharing lore knowledge creates a sense of community and allows for richer discussions.
- Appreciating Riot's Storytelling: The lore showcases Riot's commitment to crafting a compelling and evolving universe.
Step 1: Identify Your Gateway
Before getting lost in the vast library of Runeterra's history, pinpoint what sparked your interest in the first place. This will guide your initial exploration.
- Champion-Focused: Are you drawn to a particular champion's design or gameplay? Start with their official biography on the Universe website. For example, if you like playing Ahri, exploring her connection to the Vastaya and her struggle with her inherent nature offers a compelling entry point.
- Region-Oriented: Does a specific region like Piltover and Zaun or Ionia intrigue you? Delve into the regional overviews and champion spotlights associated with those areas.
- Event-Driven: Did the Arcane series spark your curiosity? Then, exploring the conflict between Piltover and Zaun as well as the origins of champions like Jinx, Vi, and Ekko would be a great start.
Example: You enjoy playing Zed. Instead of diving into the entire history of Runeterra, start with his biography, read the related short stories, and watch any relevant cinematics. This will paint a picture of his past, his motivations, and his connections to other characters like Shen and Akali.
Step 2: Navigate Official Resources
Riot Games provides a wealth of official lore content. These sources are the most accurate and up-to-date:
- Universe Website: This is the central hub for all things lore. It features champion biographies, region overviews, short stories, maps, and more.
- Cinematics and Music Videos: Riot regularly releases animated shorts and music videos that expand on the lore and characters. "A New Dawn," "Awaken," and K/DA's music videos offer visual storytelling that complements the written lore.
- Comic Books: Riot has partnered with Marvel to create comic books that explore specific characters and storylines, such as League of Legends: Ashe—Warmother.
- Games: Games like Ruined King: A League of Legends Story and Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story offer interactive experiences that delve deeper into specific regions and characters.
- Arcane: The animated series provides an excellent introduction to the world, focusing on the Piltover and Zaun conflict.
Why prioritize official sources? Fan theories and interpretations can be interesting, but they are not always accurate. Sticking to official sources ensures you're getting the intended story.
Step 3: Understand the Timeline (and its Changes)
Runeterra's history is long and complex. Understanding the key events provides a framework for understanding the present-day conflicts and character relationships. Here are a few options, keeping context in mind: * Timeline of Runeterra's epic history * Explore Runeterra's historical events * League of Legends history unfolded * Runeterra's key moments timeline. However, it's crucial to recognize that the lore has been retconned and updated over time.
Key periods in Runeterra's history include:
- The Rune Wars: A cataclysmic event that shaped the world and left behind powerful magical runes.
- The Rise and Fall of Shurima: The story of a once-great empire brought to ruin by ambition and betrayal.
- The Void Invasions: A constant threat from an otherworldly dimension that seeks to consume all life.
- The Ruination: A recent catastrophic event that swept across Runeterra, leaving lasting scars.
Important Note: Riot Games rebooted the League of Legends' fictional setting in September 2014, removing summoners from the game's lore to avoid "creative stagnation". This significantly altered the story and character motivations. Make sure to focus on the current lore.
Step 4: Immerse Yourself Through Different Mediums
Don't limit yourself to just reading. Experience the lore through various mediums for a more immersive understanding:
- Visuals: Watch cinematics, music videos, and Arcane to see Runeterra come to life.
- Audio: Listen to champion theme songs and lore-focused podcasts.
- Interactive: Play the story-driven games to experience the world firsthand.
Example: After reading about the conflict between Demacia and Noxus, watch the "Demacia Vice" music video for a lighthearted take on the rivalry, or play a champion from each region to experience the gameplay differences that reflect their cultures.
Step 5: Join the Community (But Manage Expectations)
The League of Legends community is a valuable resource for lore enthusiasts. Join forums, subreddits, and Discord servers to discuss theories, ask questions, and share your own insights. However, be aware of:
- Misinformation: Not everything you read online is accurate. Always double-check information with official sources.
- Subjectivity: Lore interpretations can vary. Be respectful of other people's opinions, even if you disagree.
- Spoilers: Be mindful of spoilers if you're new to the lore.
Practical Playbook: Your Lore Journey Starts Now
Here's a step-by-step guide to kickstart your lore exploration:
- Choose a Champion/Region: Select a champion or region that interests you.
- Visit the Universe Website: Read the champion's biography or the region's overview.
- Explore Related Media: Watch any available cinematics, music videos, or short stories related to your chosen subject.
- Check for Game Tie-ins: See if there are any games or comic books that delve deeper into the lore.
- Join a Community: Engage in discussions with other lore enthusiasts.
- Stay Updated: Follow Riot Games' official channels for new lore releases and updates.
Actionable Tip: Set aside just 30 minutes each week to dedicate to lore exploration. Consistency is key to building your knowledge.
Quick Answers: Common Questions About League of Legends Lore
Q: Is all the old lore still canon?
A: No. Riot Games has retconned and updated the lore over time. Focus on the current lore presented on the Universe website and in official media. The old lore, while interesting, is not considered part of the official canon.
Q: Where can I find a comprehensive timeline of Runeterra's history?
A: The Universe website provides a timeline of key events.
Q: How often does the lore change?
A: Riot Games regularly updates the lore with new champion releases, events, and story expansions. Stay tuned to official channels for the latest information. Patches often contain small snippets of lore too.
Q: Is Arcane canon?
A: Yes, Arcane is considered canon to the League of Legends universe, though it may take certain liberties for storytelling purposes. It's a great entry point to the world.
Q: Are skin universes (like Star Guardian or Project) canon?
A: No. These are alternative universes that explore different themes and character interpretations. They are not part of the main Runeterra canon, although sometimes elements from these universes influence the main one.
Start Your Adventure Today
Exploring the lore of League of Legends is a rewarding journey that can deepen your appreciation for the game and its characters. By following these steps, you can navigate the vast world of Runeterra and uncover the rich stories that lie beneath the surface. So, what are you waiting for? Pick a champion, delve into their past, and start your adventure today. You might be surprised by what you discover.