Changing your name on Riot Games platforms has become a hot topic among gamers eager to refresh their in-game identity. Whether you’ve outgrown your original username or want to reflect a new personal brand, Riot understands the importance of personalization in the gaming experience.
Riot Games, known for titles like League of Legends and Valorant, provides options to change your display name, but the process comes with specific rules, timing, and potential fees that every player should know.
Many players wonder if they can change their Riot name freely or if there’s a waiting period involved. The answer varies depending on the game and whether you’re referring to your Riot ID, in-game name, or summoner name.
Understanding these differences can save frustration and help you plan your name change effectively. Additionally, knowing the limitations and guidelines Riot enforces ensures your new name fits within the community standards.
Let’s dive deep into the details about changing your Riot name, the steps to take, and some insider tips to make the process smooth and successful.
Understanding Riot Names: Riot ID vs. Summoner Name
Before you attempt to change your name, it’s crucial to distinguish between the different types of names Riot uses. Your Riot ID and Summoner Name serve different functions across Riot’s games, and how you change each will differ.
Your Riot ID is your universal identity across Riot’s games, including Valorant and Teamfight Tactics. It combines a display name and a tagline, allowing friends to add you across different games.
On the other hand, your Summoner Name is specific to League of Legends and represents your in-game persona for that title alone.
Since the Riot ID is more flexible and unified across games, Riot offers a straightforward way to update it through your account settings. The Summoner Name, however, is tied to League of Legends servers and has its own set of rules and restrictions.
Key differences between Riot ID and Summoner Name
- Riot ID works across multiple Riot games
- Summoner Name is unique to League of Legends
- Riot ID includes a display name and tagline (e.g., Player#1234)
- Summoner Name is a single name or phrase without a tagline
“Your Riot ID is your gateway to all Riot games, making it easier than ever to connect with friends, no matter which game you’re playing.” — Riot Support
How to Change Your Riot ID: Step-by-Step
Changing your Riot ID is a simple and user-friendly process. Riot allows you to update your display name and tagline once every 30 days, giving you flexibility without overwhelming the system.
To begin, log into your Riot account on their official website by visiting the account management page. From there, navigate to the Riot ID section where you can edit your display name and tagline.
Make sure your new Riot ID adheres to Riot’s guidelines, avoiding offensive language or prohibited characters. Once confirmed, save the changes and your new ID will be reflected across all Riot games.
Important tips when changing your Riot ID
- Wait 30 days before changing it again
- Ensure your display name is between 3 and 16 characters
- Taglines can include numbers and special characters
- Be mindful of community guidelines to avoid name rejection
| Action | Requirement | Limitations |
| Change Riot ID | Via Riot account website | Once every 30 days |
| Change Tagline | Part of Riot ID | Same 30-day limit applies |
Changing Your Summoner Name in League of Legends
The Summoner Name is your unique identifier on League of Legends servers. Unlike the Riot ID, changing this name requires an in-game purchase and is subject to server-specific rules.
To change your Summoner Name, you need to buy a “Name Change” item from the Riot store. This process ensures more permanence in the Summoner Name while allowing players to update their identity when they choose.
The cost is typically 1300 Riot Points (RP), Riot’s in-game currency.
After purchasing, you can select your new Summoner Name, but keep in mind it must be unique on the server and comply with Riot’s naming policies.
Steps to change Summoner Name
- Log into League of Legends client
- Go to the Riot Store and find the Name Change item
- Purchase the item with RP
- Enter your new Summoner Name and confirm
“Summoner Names are unique and permanent identifiers in League of Legends, which is why Riot requires a purchase for name changes.” — League of Legends Support
Common Restrictions and Naming Guidelines
Riot Games enforces strict naming policies to maintain a positive and respectful gaming environment. Whether you’re changing your Riot ID or Summoner Name, there are important guidelines to follow.
Names cannot contain profanity, hate speech, or anything that could be considered offensive. Additionally, Riot prohibits impersonation of other players, Riot employees, or public figures within player names.
It’s also important to note that certain special characters and spaces are disallowed, ensuring names remain readable and consistent across the platform.
Prohibited content and behavior in names
- Profanity and vulgar language
- Hate speech and discriminatory terms
- Impersonation of others
- Excessive use of symbols or spaces
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Alphanumeric characters | Profanity |
| Some special characters (in Riot ID tagline) | Offensive language |
| Names 3-16 characters | Impersonation |
How Often Can You Change Your Riot Name?
Frequency limits exist to prevent abuse and confusion among players. Riot ID changes are allowed once every 30 days, giving you enough time to settle on a new identity without constant disruptions.
For Summoner Names in League of Legends, while there is no hard cooldown, each change requires purchasing the Name Change item, which adds a financial consideration that naturally limits frequent changes.
Understanding these limitations helps you plan your name changes wisely and avoid frustration from trying to change your name too soon.
Change frequency comparison
| Name Type | Change Limit | Cost |
| Riot ID | Once every 30 days | Free |
| Summoner Name (League of Legends) | No official limit, but costs apply | 1300 RP per change |
“Patience is key when changing your Riot name. Frequent changes can confuse your friends and teammates.” — Riot Community Manager
What to Do If You Encounter Issues Changing Your Name
Sometimes, players run into problems when trying to update their Riot name, such as name availability issues or account restrictions. Knowing how to troubleshoot these problems can save you time and stress.
If your desired name is taken, consider alternative spellings or adding numbers within the Riot ID tagline. For Summoner Names, uniqueness is strictly enforced, so flexibility is essential.
Should you face account limitations, such as bans or restrictions, Riot may prevent name changes until those are resolved. Always check your account status and ensure compliance with Riot’s policies.
Troubleshooting tips
- Check name availability before purchase
- Use the Riot ID tagline for differentiation
- Contact Riot Support for account issues
- Review community guidelines to avoid rejections
Benefits of Changing Your Riot Name
Changing your Riot name isn’t just about aesthetics—it can impact your gaming experience significantly. A fresh name can reflect your evolving personality, improve how friends recognize you, and even enhance your presence in the competitive community.
Players who rebrand often find renewed motivation and a sense of ownership over their gaming identity. It’s also a chance to adopt a name that better fits your playstyle or current interests.
Furthermore, a clean, professional name can be beneficial if you stream or participate in esports tournaments, giving you a recognizable and memorable tag.
“A name is more than just letters; it’s how the community sees you. Make it count.” — Pro Gamer Advice
Final Thoughts on Changing Your Name on Riot
Changing your name on Riot Games platforms is a straightforward process but comes with distinct rules depending on whether you’re altering your Riot ID or Summoner Name. Riot’s emphasis on identity consistency across games makes Riot ID changes convenient and free, while League of Legends Summoner Name changes require a purchase to maintain uniqueness and stability.
Being aware of the guidelines, costs, and timing restrictions helps you navigate the process efficiently. When you take the time to select a name that truly represents you, it makes your time in the Riot ecosystem more enjoyable and authentic.
If you want to explore more about managing names across different platforms, consider checking out How to Change Your Display Name on Twitch Easily or how to change your name on Twitter quickly. These resources can help you maintain a consistent identity across your favorite online communities and games.
Ultimately, your name is your gaming brand, so choose it thoughtfully and enjoy the fresh start it brings.
