Changing your summoner name in League of Legends (LoL) can be an exciting way to refresh your in-game identity or simply reflect a new style. Whether you’re tired of your old name, want to avoid recognition, or just crave something more creative, the option to change your name is indeed available.
However, the process isn’t entirely free or instantaneous, and several factors come into play such as cost, availability, and Riot Games’ policies. Understanding these details can save you time and frustration, especially if you’re new to the game or haven’t explored the account management features deeply.
League of Legends has grown into a global phenomenon, with millions of players worldwide, making your summoner name an important part of your gaming persona. Since it’s how friends, foes, and the community identify you, it’s natural to wonder how flexible Riot is about changing this crucial element.
Fortunately, Riot Games has made it possible, but it comes with some guidelines and limitations. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about changing your name in LoL, from the step-by-step process to the costs involved and tips to pick the perfect new name.
Understanding Summoner Names in League of Legends
Summoner names are the unique identifiers players use in League of Legends. They appear in-game, on leaderboards, and in social interactions, making them a vital part of your identity within the LoL community.
Each summoner name must be unique across the entire player base, meaning your desired name might already be taken. Riot enforces specific rules regarding what names are acceptable, ensuring they align with community standards and avoid offensive content.
Since summoner names are tied directly to your account, changing them affects how others see and recognize you. This can be especially important for competitive players or streamers who have established reputations.
Rules for Summoner Names
- Must be between 3 and 16 characters
- No offensive or inappropriate language
- Cannot contain spaces or special characters like @, #, or $
- Must be unique and not currently in use by another player
“Your summoner name is more than just a label; it’s a reflection of your presence in the League community.”
How to Change Your Name in League of Legends
Changing your summoner name in LoL is a straightforward process, but it requires a few steps within Riot’s account management interface. The change is not free; Riot charges a fee for each name change to maintain the integrity of player identities and reduce frequent changes.
To initiate a name change, you need to log into the Riot Games website or use the client. Once logged in, navigate to the account settings or summoner name section where you can request a new name.
You will be prompted to enter your desired new summoner name to check availability.
If your chosen name is available and meets Riot’s guidelines, you can proceed to purchase the name change with Riot Points (RP), the in-game currency bought with real money. After completing the transaction, your summoner name will update immediately.
Step-by-Step Process
- Log into your Riot Games account at the official website or client
- Navigate to “Summoner Name Change” under account settings
- Enter your desired new summoner name
- Check availability and ensure it follows Riot’s naming rules
- Pay the name change fee using Riot Points (RP)
- Confirm the change and enjoy your new name
| Step | Action | Details |
| 1 | Log into account | Use Riot website or client |
| 2 | Navigate to name change | Find option in account settings |
| 3 | Enter new name | Check availability and rules |
| 4 | Pay fee | Use Riot Points (RP) |
| 5 | Confirm | New name applied immediately |
Cost and Frequency of Name Changes
Unlike some games that offer free name changes periodically, League of Legends charges a fee for each summoner name change. This fee varies depending on the region but typically costs around 1,300 Riot Points (RP), which is roughly equivalent to $10 USD.
The fee helps discourage players from changing their names frequently, maintaining a level of consistency in player identification. However, Riot does sometimes offer free name changes in specific situations, such as when they update their policies or restructure the name system.
Players should be mindful that while there is no hard limit on how often you can change your name, each change requires the fee again. Planning your new name carefully can save you money and hassle.
- The standard name change fee is around 1,300 RP
- No free name changes unless Riot announces a special event
- You can change your name multiple times, but each change costs RP
- Check your region’s Riot Points pricing for exact costs
“Investing in a summoner name change is about crafting your identity, so choose wisely.”
Common Reasons to Change Your Summoner Name
Players decide to change their summoner names for a variety of reasons. Some want a fresh start with a new identity, others seek to reflect a change in their personal or gaming style.
Sometimes players want to correct spelling mistakes or update outdated references in their names.
Competitive players may also change their names to align with their esports branding or team affiliations. Streamers and content creators often update their summoner names to match their online persona for consistency across platforms.
Another common reason is privacy. If a player feels their current name reveals too much personal information or has become too recognizable, changing it can provide a layer of anonymity.
- Desire for a fresh or cooler identity
- Aligning name with esports or streaming brands
- Correcting typos or outdated references
- Increasing privacy or reducing recognition
Tips for Choosing a New Summoner Name
Picking a new summoner name can be challenging given the millions of active players. It’s helpful to brainstorm creative, unique names that reflect your personality or gameplay style.
Avoid names that are too generic or common, as they are likely already taken.
Consider mixing words, using puns, or incorporating your favorite themes from gaming, mythology, or pop culture. Make sure the name remains easy to read and pronounce so your teammates can communicate effectively.
Check Riot’s naming policy to avoid names that might be flagged or banned. Keep in mind that your summoner name represents you in the community, so avoiding offensive or controversial terms is essential.
- Use combinations of words or unique spellings
- Keep it simple and easy to remember
- Avoid offensive or sensitive words
- Test your name with friends to get feedback
For inspiration on creative naming ideas, you might find it interesting to explore topics like What Are Good Names for Cars? Creative Ideas to Inspire which can spark your imagination for unique summoner names.
What to Do if Your Desired Name Is Taken
It’s common to find that your preferred summoner name is already in use. Since Riot requires unique names across all servers globally, this limits your options somewhat.
However, there are several strategies to help you find an available variant.
Adding numbers, replacing letters with similar-looking characters, or appending prefixes or suffixes can make your name more distinctive. For example, if “Shadow” is taken, try “ShadowX,” “Shadow_99,” or “TheShadow.”
Be cautious with overcomplicating the name, as it might make it harder for others to remember or pronounce. Using underscores or capitalizing different parts can also help highlight the name’s structure without breaking Riot’s naming rules.
- Try adding numbers or special characters allowed by Riot
- Use prefixes/suffixes like “The,” “X,” or “Pro”
- Mix upper and lower case letters for clarity
- Consider alternative spellings or synonyms
“Creativity is your best tool when the perfect name is already taken.”
How Name Changes Affect Your Account and Matches
Changing your summoner name does not affect your game progress, skins, ranks, or any other account data. Your match history remains intact, and friends will still be able to find you using your new name.
However, it’s important to remember that your old name will become available for others to claim after the change.
This means if you want to keep your old name secure, you should avoid changing it unless you are sure. Some players choose to keep their previous names by purchasing multiple accounts or avoiding frequent name changes.
In team play, it’s good practice to notify your friends or teammates about your new name to avoid confusion. Since your summoner name is how they identify you in chat and on the scoreboard, a sudden change can cause momentary disconnect.
- Your rank, stats, and skins remain unchanged
- Old name becomes available for others to use
- Notify friends to avoid confusion in team games
- Name change does not reset any penalties or restrictions
For more tips on managing your online identity, you might find it useful to read about How to Remove Real Name on PlayStation Easily, as it shares some parallels in maintaining privacy on gaming platforms.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
Players often have questions when attempting to change their summoner name, especially if they encounter errors or restrictions. One common issue is the name being flagged as unavailable despite it not appearing in use.
This sometimes happens if the name was recently taken or banned.
If you experience problems, ensure you are entering the name correctly without disallowed characters. Also, check your Riot client or website for any ongoing maintenance or outages that might affect account services.
Another frequent question is whether name changes are reversible. Unfortunately, once you confirm and pay for a new name, you cannot revert back without paying again and checking if your old name is still available.
- Ensure name follows Riot’s naming policies
- Check for recent bans or holds on the name
- Contact Riot support if errors persist
- Remember name changes are not free or reversible
“Patience and careful planning ensure a smooth summoner name change experience.”
Final Thoughts on Changing Your Name in LoL
Changing your summoner name in League of Legends is a meaningful way to redefine your presence in the game. While it requires a small investment of Riot Points, the process is simple and provides immediate results.
Given the importance of your summoner name as your identity across the community, it’s wise to choose thoughtfully and consider the impact on your friends and followers.
With millions of players worldwide, finding a unique and memorable name can be challenging but also fun. Using creative strategies and understanding Riot’s rules will help you secure the perfect name that resonates with your personality and gaming style.
If you want to explore how names carry meaning beyond gaming, consider reading about How You Got Your Name: Uncover the Story Behind It for an insightful perspective.
Ultimately, your summoner name is a small but powerful part of your League of Legends journey. Whether you’re climbing ranked ladders, streaming your gameplay, or just having fun with friends, making sure your name fits your identity can enhance your experience and help you stand out in the vast world of League of Legends.
