How to Buy League of Legends Skins: A Comprehensive Guide
League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games in the world, with millions of active players every month. One of the key aspects that make LoL so engaging is its extensive collection of skins, which allow players to customize their champions and enhance their gaming experience. If you’re new to the game or looking to expand your skin collection, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying League of Legends skins.
Understanding League of Legends Skins
Before diving into how to buy skins, it’s essential to understand what they are and why they’re so popular. Skins in LoL are cosmetic items that change the appearance of a champion. They don’t affect gameplay but can make your champion stand out on the battlefield. Some skins also come with unique animations, voice lines, or particle effects, adding an extra layer of fun to the game.
Types of Skins
Riot Games, the developer of LoL, releases skins regularly, and they come in various categories:
Basic Skins: These are the simplest skins, offering a new look for a champion without any additional effects. They are usually the cheapest option.
Epic Skins: These skins offer more detailed designs and sometimes include particle effects or new animations. They are more expensive than basic skins.
Legendary Skins: These are the most elaborate skins, featuring complete overhauls of a champion’s model, animations, voice lines, and even splash art. Legendary skins are highly sought after by players and can be quite pricey.
Mythic Skins: Introduced in 2020, mythic skins are a new category that offers even more intricate designs and effects. These skins are often tied to specific themes or events.
Limited Edition Skins: These skins are only available for a short period, usually during special events or holidays. They can become rare and highly valuable among players.
How to Buy League of Legends Skins
Now that you know the types of skins available, let’s move on to the process of buying them.
1. Access the in-Game Store
The primary way to buy skins is through the in-game store. Here’s how you can access it:
Step 1: Launch League of Legends and log in to your account.
Step 2: Once in the game client, click on the “Store” tab located at the top menu bar.
Step 3: Navigate to the “Skins” section, where you can browse through the available skins for each champion.
2. Browse and Select Skins
The in-game store allows you to filter skins by champion, price, and theme. This makes it easier to find the perfect skin for your favorite champion. You can also preview how the skin looks on the champion by clicking on it.
3. Purchase with Riot Points (RP) or Blue Essence (BE)
Skins can be purchased using two types of in-game currencies:
Riot Points (RP): This is the premium currency that can be bought with real money. RP is used to buy most skins, especially the more expensive ones.
Blue Essence (BE): This is the free currency that you earn by playing the game and completing missions. BE can be used to buy basic skins or chromas.
4. Complete the Purchase
Once you’ve selected the skin you want, click the “Purchase” button. The skin will be added to your collection, and you can equip it from the champion’s skin selection menu before a match.
5. Explore Sales and Discounts
Riot Games frequently offers sales and discounts on skins, especially during events or holidays. Keep an eye on the in-game store to catch these deals and save some RP.
Alternative Ways to Obtain Skins
While buying skins directly from the in-game store is the most straightforward method, there are other ways to acquire them:
1. Hextech Crafting
Hextech Crafting is a system that allows you to earn skins and other cosmetic items by crafting them using materials. These materials can be obtained through Hextech Chests