Change LoL Name: Can You? Cost & Guide [2024]

Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, provides a mechanism for players seeking a fresh identity on the Rift. Summoner Names, visible to other players, can be altered, but the availability of the desired name depends on the League of Legends name availability rules. This raises a common question among players: can you change your League of Legends name, and what does the process entail? This guide explores the options, costs involving Riot Points (RP) or Blue Essence (BE), and step-by-step instructions for initiating a League of Legends name change in 2024.

Your Summoner Name: More Than Just a Tag in League of Legends

A Summoner Name in League of Legends is more than just a string of characters displayed above your champion. It’s your digital identity, your calling card in the sprawling world of Runeterra, and a crucial component of your overall gaming experience. It’s the name friends call you, the tag opponents recognize, and potentially, the foundation of your personal brand within the League of Legends community.

The Significance of Your Summoner Name

Think of your Summoner Name as your online persona. It reflects your personality, your playstyle, or even your aspirations within the game. A well-chosen name can be memorable, intimidating, or humorous, contributing to the way other players perceive you both as an individual and as a teammate.

Moreover, for content creators or aspiring esports professionals, your Summoner Name becomes an integral part of your brand. It’s how viewers and fans recognize you across platforms, and consistency is key to building a strong online presence. A carefully crafted name is therefore a tangible asset, fostering community recognition and, potentially, professional opportunities.

Why Change Your Summoner Name?

The reasons for wanting a name change are as varied as the player base itself. Here are some common motivators:

• Rebranding: Perhaps your original name no longer aligns with your evolving personality or content strategy. A rebranding effort may necessitate a name change to reflect your current image.

• Aesthetic Alignment: Tastes change. What seemed cool a few years ago might now feel outdated or even embarrassing. A new name can help you refresh your identity and align with your current aesthetic preferences.

• Fresh Start: Sometimes, you simply need a clean slate. A new Summoner Name can represent a turning point in your League of Legends journey, allowing you to leave behind old habits or negative associations.

• Name Regret: Maybe you chose a silly name when you first started playing and now you are older. The name you chose is no longer something you want to use.

Navigating the Process of Changing Your Name

Changing your Summoner Name isn’t merely about picking a new moniker. It’s a process governed by specific rules and methods. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know to successfully change your Summoner Name in League of Legends, including:

• The official methods for initiating a name change.
• The rules and restrictions governing acceptable names.
• The consequences of violating naming policies.
• The implications of inactivity on name availability.
• Common pitfalls to avoid during the name change process.

Understanding the Riot Account Ecosystem: Names and IDs Explained

Your Summoner Name: More Than Just a Tag in League of Legends
A Summoner Name in League of Legends is more than just a string of characters displayed above your champion. It’s your digital identity, your calling card in the sprawling world of Runeterra, and a crucial component of your overall gaming experience. It’s the name friends call you, the t…

In the interconnected world of Riot Games, understanding the difference between your Riot Account, Riot ID, and Summoner Name is crucial for managing your identity and presence across different titles. Let’s demystify these concepts and explore how they relate to each other.

The Riot Account: Your Central Hub

The Riot Account serves as the central hub for all your Riot Games activities. It’s the master key that unlocks access to League of Legends, VALORANT, Legends of Runeterra, Teamfight Tactics, and more.

This account is created using an email address and a password, and it stores your overall profile information, game progress, purchase history, and communication preferences.

Think of it as your overarching identity within the Riot Games universe.

Riot ID vs. Summoner Name: What’s the Difference?

While the Riot Account unifies your access, the Riot ID and Summoner Name define how you’re seen within specific games.

The Riot ID is your universal identity across all Riot Games.

It consists of your chosen name followed by a hashtag and a four-digit numerical tag (e.g., "ExampleName#1234"). This ID allows you to be uniquely identified even if other players have the same name.

Your Riot ID is visible in VALORANT, Legends of Runeterra, and other Riot titles outside of League of Legends.

The Summoner Name, on the other hand, is specific to League of Legends.

It’s the name displayed above your champion in-game, the name your friends see on their friends list, and the name used to identify you within the League of Legends community.

Importantly, Summoner Names must be unique within a region. Unlike Riot IDs, you can’t share a Summoner Name with another player on the same server.

Navigating the Riot Games Account Management Portal

The Riot Games Account Management Portal is your command center for managing your Riot Account and its associated settings.

You can access it either through the Riot Games website or directly through the game client (usually through a settings or account options menu).

Within the portal, you can:

• Update your email address and password: Keep your account secure by regularly updating your credentials.
• View your connected accounts: See which Riot Games titles are linked to your account.
• Manage your communication preferences: Control the types of emails and notifications you receive from Riot Games.
• Review your purchase history: Track your spending on Riot Points and in-game items.
• Change your Riot ID: Update your universal Riot Games identifier (changes are subject to cooldowns).

Familiarizing yourself with the Account Management Portal empowers you to maintain control over your Riot Games identity and ensure a seamless gaming experience.

Methods for Changing Your Summoner Name: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your Summoner Name is a straightforward process, but understanding the available methods and potential exceptions is key. The primary method involves using Riot Points (RP), but alternative options and necessary actions exist depending on your specific situation. Let’s break down each approach.

The Standard Route: Purchasing a Name Change

The most common way to update your Summoner Name is by purchasing a Name Change service through the in-game store. This method is reliable and always available, provided you have sufficient RP.

Accessing the Name Change Option

First, log into the League of Legends client. Navigate to the in-game store by clicking the store icon, typically located at the top right of the client.

Next, click the "Account" button (often represented by a profile icon) located near the top-right of the store interface.

Here, you will find the "Summoner Name Change" option.

The Cost of a Fresh Identity

Changing your Summoner Name costs 1300 RP. Ensure you have enough RP in your account before proceeding. If needed, you can purchase RP directly through the store.

It’s important to carefully consider your new name before making the purchase, as you will need to pay again if you want to change it in the future.

Alternative Avenues: BE Sales and Events

While RP is the standard currency for Name Changes, Riot Games occasionally offers promotional periods where you can change your name using Blue Essence (BE).

These opportunities are rare and typically coincide with special events or anniversaries.

Staying Informed

Keep an eye on official League of Legends announcements, including the client news section, the League of Legends website, and Riot Games’ social media channels. These are the primary sources for information about BE name change sales.

During such events, the Name Change option within the "Account" section of the store will allow you to use BE instead of RP.

Seeking Assistance: Contacting Riot Support

In specific situations, such as dealing with an offensive or inappropriate Summoner Name, contacting Riot Support becomes necessary. This route is not intended for simple name changes, but rather for addressing violations of the game’s Terms of Service.

Identifying Offensive Names

An offensive Summoner Name is one that violates Riot Games’ Terms of Service. This includes names that are hateful, discriminatory, vulgar, sexually explicit, threatening, or impersonate Riot Games staff.

Examples include names that promote hate speech, use racial slurs, or reference sensitive real-world events in a disrespectful manner.

Names that infringe on trademarks or contain personally identifiable information also fall under this category.

Reaching Out to Riot Support

If you encounter a Summoner Name that violates these guidelines, or if you need to request a change based on a very specific circumstance, submit a ticket to Riot Support. You can find the link to Riot Support on the League of Legends website.

Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your Summoner Name and region
• The Summoner Name you are reporting (if applicable)
• A clear explanation of why the name is offensive or inappropriate
• Any relevant screenshots or evidence

Riot Support will review your request and take appropriate action, which may include forcing a name change or issuing a warning.

Note: Submitting false or malicious reports can result in penalties to your own account.

Always ensure you are reporting legitimate violations of the Terms of Service.

The Name Change Process: From Client to Confirmation

Changing your Summoner Name is a straightforward process, but understanding the mechanics of the in-client procedure, the availability check, and the limitations on name duplication is crucial for a smooth transition. Let’s delve into the steps involved and potential hurdles you might encounter.

Initiating the Name Change Within the League Client

The most direct way to alter your Summoner Name is through the League of Legends client. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Access the Store: Launch the League of Legends client and log into your account. Navigate to the in-game store by clicking on the "Store" button, typically located in the upper-right corner.

2. Navigate to Account Settings: Within the store, look for the "Account" section. The precise location may vary slightly depending on client updates, but it’s usually represented by a profile icon or a similar symbol.

3. Purchase the Name Change: Locate the "Summoner Name Change" option. This will require spending Riot Points (RP). Confirm your purchase.

4. Enter Your Desired Name: After purchasing the name change, a prompt will appear allowing you to enter your new Summoner Name. This is where the Availability Check becomes paramount.

The Vital Availability Check: Avoiding Frustration

Before you get too attached to a new name, remember: the Availability Check is your best friend.

This feature verifies whether your desired name is already in use.

Typos, character variations, and other minor errors can lead to a "Name Unavailable" message. Double-check your spelling and ensure you adhere to the naming guidelines, which prohibit offensive language and certain special characters.

Common Errors and Resolutions:

• Name Unavailable: This is the most frequent error. It means another player already has that name. Try adding numbers, changing capitalization, or using a slightly different variation.

• Invalid Characters: The League of Legends client restricts the use of certain characters in Summoner Names. Remove any special symbols or unusual characters and try again.

• Profanity Filter: The naming system has a built-in profanity filter. Even seemingly innocuous names can be flagged if they contain hidden or suggestive language.

Preventing Name Duplication: A Unique Identity

The League of Legends system strictly prohibits duplicate Summoner Names. This ensures that every player has a unique identifier. But what happens when your perfect name is already taken?

Dealing with Name Conflicts

The system will clearly indicate that the name is unavailable and prompt you to enter a different one.

Don’t despair! Here are some alternatives:

• Add Numbers or Symbols: Slight modifications can make a big difference. Try adding numbers to the end of the name (e.g., "AwesomeSauce23") or using subtle symbols.

• Experiment with Capitalization: While the game isn’t case-sensitive in-game, capitalization can offer a visual distinction.

• Get Creative: Brainstorm similar names or explore variations of your original idea. Sometimes, a slightly different name can be even better!

Rules and Restrictions: Naming Guidelines to Heed

Changing your Summoner Name is a straightforward process, but understanding the mechanics of the in-client procedure, the availability check, and the limitations on name duplication is crucial for a smooth transition. Let’s delve into the rules and restrictions surrounding name choice within League of Legends.

Choosing a Summoner Name in League of Legends might seem like a minor detail.

However, it’s a critical aspect of your identity within the game’s ecosystem.

Riot Games has implemented a comprehensive set of rules and restrictions governing Summoner Names.

These guidelines are in place to maintain a positive and respectful community environment.

Ignoring these rules can lead to penalties, so it’s essential to understand and adhere to them.

The Terms of Service and Acceptable Names

The foundation of acceptable Summoner Names lies within the League of Legends Terms of Service (TOS).

This document outlines the rules and regulations all players must abide by to participate in the game.

Within the TOS, specific clauses address naming conventions and what constitutes a violation.

Prohibited content includes, but is not limited to:

• Names that are offensive, vulgar, or sexually suggestive.
• Names that promote hate speech, discrimination, or violence.
• Names that impersonate Riot Games employees or other players.
• Names that infringe on trademarks or copyrights.
• Names that are excessively long or difficult to read.

It is important to carefully review the TOS for the complete and most up-to-date information.

Functionality of Name Filters

To automatically enforce these naming conventions, League of Legends employs Name Filters.

These filters are designed to detect and prevent players from using inappropriate names.

The filter works by scanning proposed Summoner Names for keywords, phrases, or combinations of characters that violate the TOS.

Triggers for the Name Filter may include:

• Profanity and vulgar language, even if misspelled or disguised.
• References to sensitive topics like hate crimes or terrorist acts.
• Personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, or full names.
• Names that could be considered harassment or bullying.

The filters are constantly updated to adapt to new slang, trends, and attempts to circumvent the system.

If your desired name is flagged by the filter, you will be prompted to choose a different one.

Consequences of Violating Naming Policies

Violating naming policies can lead to various consequences, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.

Riot Games typically issues a warning for first-time or minor violations.

However, repeated or egregious offenses can result in more serious penalties.

Potential consequences include:

• Forced Name Reset: Riot Games may force you to change your Summoner Name to something compliant with the TOS.
• Temporary Account Suspension: You may be temporarily banned from playing League of Legends.
• Permanent Account Suspension: In severe cases, your account may be permanently banned from the game.

It’s crucial to understand that Riot Games reserves the right to take action against any name that violates the TOS.

Even if a name bypasses the filter, it can still be reported by other players and reviewed by Riot staff.

Therefore, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a Summoner Name that is respectful, appropriate, and in line with the community guidelines.

Your Summoner Name is a reflection of your in-game identity, and should adhere to the proper policies of League of Legends to maintain your standing within the community.

Name Reclamation and Inactivity: Use It or Lose It

Changing your Summoner Name is a straightforward process, but understanding the mechanics of the in-client procedure, the availability check, and the limitations on name duplication is crucial for a smooth transition. Let’s delve into the rules and restrictions surrounding name choice within League… including what happens to a name when it’s been inactive for too long.

One of the less discussed, yet essential aspects of Summoner Name management in League of Legends is the policy regarding inactive accounts. Riot Games employs a system of name reclamation, ensuring that unused Summoner Names eventually become available to the active player base.

This policy, while sometimes frustrating for those returning to the game after a hiatus, serves a vital purpose in maintaining a vibrant and accessible naming environment.

Understanding the Inactivity Rule

The Inactivity Rule is designed to free up Summoner Names associated with accounts that have been dormant for an extended period. The specific duration of inactivity that triggers name reclamation isn’t fixed and can vary.

Generally, accounts below level 6 are subject to name reclamation much sooner than higher-level accounts. This is because lower-level accounts are less likely to represent dedicated players.

Riot Games has, in the past, stated that higher level accounts (level 30 and above) can maintain their Summoner Name for a longer time, potentially years, as long as they remain at that level or continue playing other Riot games.

The exact timeframe remains somewhat opaque, encouraging players to remain active to secure their chosen identity.

It’s crucial to understand that simply logging into the Riot Games account does not guarantee the name will be retained. You must log into the League of Legends client itself.

Circumstances of Name Reclamation

Riot Games reclaims inactive Summoner Names to prevent name squatting and ensure that popular or desirable names aren’t indefinitely held hostage by dormant accounts.

When an account meets the inactivity criteria, the Summoner Name becomes available for other players to claim.

The process of name reclamation is automated, and unfortunately, Riot Games typically does not provide advance warning before reclaiming a name.

This lack of notification underscores the importance of regular activity.

It’s worth noting that even if a Summoner Name is reclaimed, the account itself remains intact. Players returning to the game after a period of inactivity will simply be prompted to choose a new Summoner Name upon logging in.

All progress, unlocked content, and purchases remain associated with the account.

Preventing Name Reclamation

The easiest way to prevent name reclamation is, unsurprisingly, to log into the League of Legends client periodically. Even a single login every few months is generally sufficient to maintain ownership of your Summoner Name.

While the exact inactivity threshold is not publicly disclosed, erring on the side of caution is always advisable.

Consider setting a calendar reminder to log in, especially if you anticipate periods of limited play.

For those who are genuinely stepping away from the game for an extended period, there is no direct method to "reserve" a name indefinitely without logging in.

However, maintaining even minimal activity is a small price to pay for retaining a Summoner Name you’re particularly attached to.

Potential Issues and Considerations: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Changing your Summoner Name is a straightforward process, but understanding the mechanics of the in-client procedure, the availability check, and the limitations on name duplication is crucial for a smooth transition. Let’s delve into the potential issues players might encounter when navigating the League of Legends naming system.

The Frustration of Name Squatting

One of the most frustrating experiences for players is encountering name squatting.

This occurs when individuals create accounts solely to reserve desirable Summoner Names, preventing legitimate players from using them.

These accounts often remain inactive, essentially holding the name hostage.

This practice goes against the spirit of the game and can be incredibly discouraging, especially when a player has a strong connection to a particular name.

Unfortunately, Riot Games’ policy on name squatting is not always clear-cut.

Simply holding a name, even without actively playing, is not necessarily a violation of the Terms of Service.

However, there are avenues to explore if you believe a name is being maliciously squatted.

What Can You Do About Name Squatting?

While there’s no guaranteed solution, here’s what you can try:

1. Check for Activity: Verify if the account is genuinely inactive. Use third-party websites (with caution) to check match history. If there’s no activity for a significant period (potentially exceeding the inactivity reclamation timeframe, which varies by region and level), the name might become available eventually.
2. Try Different Variations: Experiment with slight variations of your desired name. Adding a number, underscore, or slightly altering the spelling can sometimes circumvent the squatting issue.
3. Contact Riot Support (As A Last Resort): If you believe the name is being used in a way that violates the Terms of Service (e.g., impersonation, hate speech if they were to play a game), submit a support ticket with detailed evidence. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy process and no guarantee of success. Be respectful and clear in your communication.

Remember that Riot Support has the final say, and their decision is based on their internal policies and investigations.

The Social Impact of Rebranding

Changing your Summoner Name is more than just a cosmetic update; it’s a rebrand.

While a fresh start can be appealing, it’s essential to consider the impact on your existing social connections within the game.

Your Summoner Name is how your friends, teammates, and community members recognize you.

A sudden change can lead to confusion and potentially disrupt established relationships.

Minimizing Social Disruption

Here are some steps you can take to ease the transition:

1. Announce Your Change: Before making the switch, inform your friends list and community groups about your upcoming name change. Explain your reasons and new Summoner Name.
2. Update Your Profile: Change your profile picture and add a note to your profile explaining your name change. This helps people quickly associate your old name with your new one.
3. Use Social Media: If you’re active on League of Legends-related social media platforms, announce your name change there as well.
4. Be Patient: It takes time for people to adjust. Be patient and understanding if some of your friends initially struggle to recognize you.

Choosing Wisely: A Final Word

Your Summoner Name is a crucial part of your League of Legends identity.

Choose it carefully.

Consider its long-term appeal, its relevance to your personality or playstyle, and whether it adheres to Riot Games’ policies.

Avoid names that are offensive, misleading, or likely to cause confusion.

By being mindful of these factors, you can create a Summoner Name that you’ll be proud to use for years to come.

And you can enjoy all the glory of the Rift without constantly worrying about having to change it later.

So, there you have it! Changing your League of Legends name is totally doable, as long as you meet the requirements and are willing to spend the RP or Blue Essence. Now you know when can you change your League of Legends name, what it’ll cost, and hopefully, this guide helped you through the process. Happy renaming!