The summoner name is the unique identifier for every player in League of Legends (LoL). It represents you in-game, on leaderboards, and across the entire Riot Games ecosystem.
Because it is so important, many players wonder: can you change your summoner name? The short answer is yes!
Riot Games allows players to change their summoner names, but there are some rules, costs, and important details to keep in mind.
What Is a Summoner Name?
Your summoner name is the username you chose when creating your Riot Games account. It appears in the client, in-game chat, match history, and on your profile page.
It is distinct from your Riot ID, which is used for cross-game communication in Riot’s newer systems.
Since the summoner name is how other players recognize you, many gamers take great care in choosing a unique and representative name. However, tastes and preferences change over time, so Riot has made it possible to update this identifier.
How to Change Your Summoner Name
Changing your summoner name is a straightforward process but comes with a cost. Here are the steps involved:
- Log in to your League of Legends client or the Riot Games account management website.
- Navigate to the account settings or profile section.
- Look for the summoner name change option.
- Enter your desired new summoner name.
- Confirm availability and complete the purchase using Riot Points (RP) or Blue Essence (BE).
Once you complete these steps, your summoner name will update immediately. There is no cooldown on changing your summoner name, so you can do it as often as you want, provided you pay the fee each time.
Where to Change Your Summoner Name?
You can change your summoner name either through the League of Legends client or via the Riot Games account page. The client method is generally more convenient, but the website is equally effective.
Cost of Changing Your Summoner Name
Changing your summoner name is not free. Riot Games charges a fee to prevent abuse, impersonation, and name squatting.
This fee varies depending on your account status.
| Account Status | Cost to Change Summoner Name |
|---|---|
| New Account (less than 30 days) | Free (one-time only) |
| Established Account (more than 30 days) | 1,300 Riot Points (RP) or 13,900 Blue Essence (BE) |
Note: The free name change for new accounts helps new players correct mistakes or change names before they start playing seriously. After 30 days, the paid system applies.
Why Does Riot Charge for Name Changes?
The fee exists primarily for the following reasons:
- Preventing Abuse: Free name changes could lead to players frequently switching names to evade bans or harass others.
- Reducing Impersonation: Charging for name changes discourages players from impersonating others or famous personalities.
- Maintaining Community Integrity: Stable names help build reputation and trust within the community.
“A summoner name is more than just a label; it is your identity in the League of Legends community.” – Riot Support
Choosing a New Summoner Name: Rules and Restrictions
When selecting a new summoner name, Riot enforces certain rules to ensure the name is appropriate and unique. Here are the key restrictions:
- Length: Must be between 3 and 16 characters.
- Allowed Characters: Letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), spaces, and limited special characters like underscores (_) and periods (.).
- No Offensive Language: Names containing hate speech, profanity, or harassment will be rejected or penalized.
- No Impersonation: You cannot use names that closely resemble other players, Riot staff, or copyrighted brands.
- Uniqueness: The name must not already be taken by another player.
Failing to meet these criteria will result in the name being unavailable or an error during the change process.
Can You Reuse Old Summoner Names?
If you decide to change your summoner name multiple times, you might wonder if your old names become available for others to claim. Riot does not immediately release old summoner names back into the pool.
Instead, they remain reserved for a period to prevent name sniping and abuse.
However, Riot has not publicly disclosed the exact length of this reservation period. It is safe to assume that old summoner names are locked for several months, if not longer.
What Happens to Your Friends and Clubs After Changing Your Name?
Changing your summoner name does not affect your friends list, clubs, or match history. Your account ID remains the same behind the scenes, so all your social connections and progress stay intact.
Other players will see your new summoner name in their friends list and chat messages. Your previous name will no longer appear anywhere in-game once the change is complete.
Summary Table: Pros and Cons of Changing Your Summoner Name
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often can I change my summoner name?
There is no limit on how many times you can change your summoner name. However, each change requires the payment of the respective fee (except the free name change for new accounts).
Can I change my summoner name for free?
Yes, but only once and only if your account is less than 30 days old. After that, all name changes require payment.
What happens if my desired name is taken?
You will need to try a different name. The system checks for availability and rejects names already in use.
Will my summoner icon or level change after renaming?
No. Changing your summoner name only affects your display name.
Your level, icons, skins, and other account data remain unchanged.
Can I change my name during a game?
No. You must complete the name change process outside of a match, either via the client or the Riot website.
Tips for Picking a Good Summoner Name
Choosing a summoner name is an important decision. Here are some tips to help you select a name you’ll be happy with:
- Keep it simple: Easy-to-remember names are more recognizable.
- Be unique: Avoid common words or phrases to reduce the chance it’s taken.
- Reflect your style: Use names that represent your personality, favorite champions, or playstyle.
- Avoid offensive content: Stay within Riot’s guidelines to prevent penalties.
- Check availability: Use the client or Riot website to verify if a name is free before committing.
Conclusion
Your summoner name is your virtual identity within League of Legends. While it is possible and sometimes necessary to change it, Riot Games implements fees and restrictions to maintain community integrity and prevent misuse.
Whether you want a fresh start or just a slight tweak, changing your summoner name is a simple process that helps you express yourself better in the League community.
Keep in mind the cost, rules, and impact on your social circles before making the change. With a bit of creativity and patience, you can find the perfect summoner name to represent who you are on the Rift.
