The year 2009 marks the seminal launch of League of Legends, a title that would go on to define the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre for over a decade. In its inaugural year, Riot Games introduced a foundational cast of champions, laying the groundwork for the expansive universe and diverse gameplay mechanics that players cherish today. These early champions, often referred to as 'OGs' by long-time enthusiasts, represent the initial vision for the game's strategic depth and character archetypes.
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Browse deals →The initial release didn't drop all champions at once; instead, they were rolled out incrementally, allowing players to gradually adapt to new playstyles and abilities. While some champions from this era have undergone significant reworks over the years to keep them competitive and aligned with modern design standards, their core identities often remain intact. Understanding the champions from 2009 provides valuable insight into the game's origins, showcasing how Riot Games began to balance different roles such as tanks, mages, marksmen, and supports from the very beginning.
From iconic figures like Annie, the Dark Child, with her formidable burst damage and trusty teddy bear Tibbers, to Ashe, the Frost Archer, a quintessential marksman embodying kite-and-shoot mechanics, each champion brought a distinct flavor. Garen, the Might of Demacia, offered a straightforward tanky bruiser playstyle, while Nunu & Willump (then just Nunu) introduced unique jungle capabilities. These pioneers established the bedrock upon which hundreds more champions would later stand, making their legacy an integral part of League of Legends history. Their simplicity, combined with nascent strategic complexities, captivated a burgeoning player base and set the stage for the global phenomenon League of Legends would become.
