1. WHAT IS LEAGUE OF LEGENDS?


1.1 What kind of game is League of Legends (aka LoL)?
League of Legends is a competitive online game set in an imaginative world. Gamers take the role of a powerful Summoner, calling forth and controlling brave Champions in battle. League of Legends combines the best elements of session-based games with persistent elements of MMORPG's. Enter the Fields of Justice with your most trusted allies as you fight for your right to rule the world of Valoran. There is only one rule of law among those in the league: Winner rules all.

1.2 Is League of Legends an MMORPG?
League of Legends is not an MMORPG. However, League of Legends will have a persistent game element that is in the spirit of an MMORPG. That is to say, while a large aspect of the game will be session-based battles; there will also be persistent elements, such as the Summoner, abilities, and levels that exist continuously throughout the game. We will also offer very powerful in-game guild support. Additionally, we will have robust, ongoing community management and support. Ready to infuse some fast-paced, competitive action into your MMORPG experience?-League of Legends here we come.

1.3 Is League of Legends an RTS?
League of Legends is not an RTS. However, League of Legends will allow players to engage in short, session-based battles in the spirit of your favorite RTS games. League of Legends will also feature robust multiplayer features such as intelligent matchmaking, tournaments, ladders, and other forms of competitive teamplay.

1.4 When will the game be released?
LoL is planned for release this Autumn.

1.5 Do I have to buy a copy of the game to play?
The game will be free-to-play, which means it won't cost you a penny to play.

1.6 In what language will the game be available?
GOA will publish the game in English, French, German and Spanish

1.7 Will League of Legends be released in all or Europe?

Yes, the game will be released simultaneously in all countries for which GOA holds game rights.

1.8 Who is developing the game?

The game is being developed by Riot Games, an American studio.

1.9 What does GOA do then?
GOA is the European publisher of LoL. Our job is to make sure European players have the best time and service possible playing League of Legends. GOA works hand-in-hand with Riot, but GOA is not the creator of the game.


2. ABOUT THE GAME



2.1 What's the background of League of Legends?
After centuries of conflict and hardship across the lands of Valoran, the Rune Wars have finally come to an end. Treaties have been signed, and the superpowers that once ravaged this land have turned to a new role. Realizing that there must be a better way to settle their differences, they created the Institute of War, a multinational governing body that would settle all disputes. Inside the Institute is the League of Legends-where powerful magic users and delegates from each of the realms vie with or against each other to rule the land.

2.2 What's the difference between the Summoner and a Champion?
Summoners study the ancient art of spirit tuning. They tap into the flow of all energy-known as the Nexus. While tuned in, Summoners can link themselves with a Champion, lending strength and guidance to those who battle to resolve the conflicts of the realms. With each battle a Summoner takes part in, his or her power grows, giving them greater access to the Nexus, allowing them to influence battle more profoundly. Summoners are a persistent game element. Your in-game identity will be tied directly to your Summoner. Additionally, Summoners have the unique and exceptional ability to call forth Champions into the battle arena. So, the Summoner will not be directly engaged in battle; however, the more powerful and skilled a Summoner becomes, the more he or she can influence the battle. Your Summoner will be completely customizable, allowing for a dynamic and meaningful impact on combat.

Champions are the finest warriors reigning from every corner of the universe. Unlike the Summoner, Champions are session-based. At the beginning of each session your selected Champion will start out at level 1 and will progress in levels and power throughout that session. At the beginning of the next session, your Champion will start back at level 1. Champions only become active when a Summoner beckons them into the fray.

2.3 Is League of Legends session-based or a persistent-world?
League of Legends bring you the best of both worlds: Intense, fast-paced, strategic, session-based battles accompanied by the persistent element of a Summoner that you are constantly leveling and growing in power. In League of Legends, persistent game elements interact and influence session-based play in a dynamic way unlike any other game.

2.4 How many Champions will League of Legends have?
Over 25 champions have been announced so far, and there will be more by the time we launch. Riot will continually develop new Champions throughout the service of the game that will have their chance to fight for supremacy in the battle arena. Through the Suggestion EngineTM we will open our doors to all community members, giving everyone a voice in deciding which new Champions are created!

2.5 Are there classes in League of Legends?
League of Legends will not have different classes. However, Summoners will have ability trees and customization choices that allow for a wide range of strategic options. Additionally, Champions will each have uniquely crafted abilities designed for specific purposes within session play.

2.6 Is there crafting in League of Legends?

There will not be crafting in League of Legends, but players will be able to form legendary items by forging together two or more basic items.


3. ACCESS TO THE BETA



3.1 When did the beta start?

27th of July. Please note servers are down for maintenance at the moment.


3.2 How can I get a beta key?
There are a few ways:
European members of the American Beta will automatically be given access upon request . All they have to do is follow the instructions posted in the Riot Beta Forums.
Randomly chosen players from the European beta signup list will be added in waves over the coming weeks.
Helpful posters will be let in and beta keys will be winnable through a variety of contests.

3.3 When will you resume adding people to the beta?
As soon as we reopen the servers.

4. PRE-ORDER PACKS



4.1 Will there be a European pre-order pack?
More information about this as soon as possible.

4.2 When will the European pre-order pack be available?
More information about this as soon as possible.

4.3 How much will the European pre-order pack cost?
More information about this as soon as possible.

4.4 Where can I get the European pre-order pack?
More information about this as soon as possible.


5. MISC.



5.1 I want get in touch with GOA Staff members, what can I do?
You can post on the forums, join us on IRC (see useful links), leave us a comment on our blog or send us a ticket (Contact Support, upper-right-hand corner).

5.2 Will American and European players be able to play against one another?
More information about this as soon as possible.

5.3 Who is this Pendragon guy I see on the forums?
Pendragon is Lead Community Manager at Riot Games and is known to lurk on the forums...

6. GAME MECHANICS



6. Matchmaking.
Zileas, Director of Systems Design at Riot Games, explains how matchmaking works.
Pendragon, Lead CM at Riot Games, details the Summoner Progression

If you have any questions, feel free to post below and I'll make sure this first post is regularly updated.