League of Legends was released in 2009 and has evolved tremendously since then. Currently, there are over 160 champions. But which champions were actually introduced first? We at MeinMMO will tell you.
Who were the first champions? Even during the testing phases of League of Legends, players had a choice between different champions. This initial roster includes these 17:
- Alistar
- Annie
- Ashe
- Fiddlesticks
- Jax
- Kayle
- Master Yi
- Morgana
- Nunu
- Ryze
- Sion
- Sivir
- Soraka
- Teemo
- Tristana
- Twisted Fate
- Warwick
So, they started with a rough selection of about four champions per position, although the meta was quite different back then. The position of the jungler did not exist. The game was played in a 2/1/2 split and it was not uncommon to choose Smite with all five champions to kill both minions on the lane and the creatures in the jungle.
However, even before the official release, additional champions were added. Currently, there are exactly 162 champions that we will introduce to you in this list.
LoL launched with 40 champions at release
Which champions were added before release? The first to be added in April 2009 were the two champions Zilean and Singed. In May, Evelynn, Tryndamere, and Twitch followed.
LoL launched with a total of 40 champions. The aforementioned 23 and the following 17:
| Amumu | Anivia | Blitzcrank |
| Cho’Gath | Corki | Dr. Mundo |
| Gankplank | Janna | Heimerdinger |
| Karthus | Kassadin | Katarina |
| Malphite | Rammus | Shaco |
| Taric | Veigar |
First champion ever was not part of the first line-up
Who was the first champion ever designed? Surprisingly, the oldest champion in the universe is Singed. Although he appeared later than the first 17, the concept for him was already established earlier, as the developers revealed.
Right after Singed, work began on Twisted Fate and Annie.
Were you surprised by the champions from the first line-up? Which champion was missing at release but is now a real icon in the game? Feel free to write it in the comments.
By the way, there are not only special champions but also special skins in the game:
