Legends of Runeterra; how to play and what we know so far
Legends of Runeterra (LoR) is the most developed game out of the seven titles that Riot Games announced, and it may be the only desktop release in 2020. Luckily, the wait is almost over—here’s the latest on LoR rollout schedule.
The public beta for Legends of Runterra starts on January 24
Everyone with a League of Legends account will be able to download the game and test it. The progress will carry over to the release version, which is currently scheduled for the first half of 2020.
The exact start time is 11 am PT/8 pm CET. I’d be surprised not to see a big queue that would delay you for some time (remember the TFT demand?), therefore the January 24 beta launch is not split into any time windows.
Pre-registration for LoR would let you play a day early.
Head over to the official League of Runeterra website to secure your spot. It’s unclear whether pre-registration is limited to a certain number of players. This early reservation is free.
With an unrestricted early start, however, it is no surprise that Riot would want to moderate the traffic. Your journey will begin with an invitation link sent via email, which may come exactly at 11 am PT/8 pm CET or a few hours later.
Those who played LoR in November 2018, will have an early start secured.
The game is open for you again on January 23, and you won’t have to wait for any links before diving into action.
The open beta is not just about gameplay.
You can secure a Moonstruck Poro Guardian by logging into Legends of Runeterra at least once. This item will be delivered only with the game’s full release, but it’s evident that this game is not heading the Artifact’s way.
(Un?)fortunately, Moonstruck Poro will not be a very exclusive item. Even though it is spotlit as a beta reward, all new players who launch the release version within the first 7 days will earn the Guardian as well. Hopefully, Riot Games finds a different way to reward players for the testing effort.
Placing Cards in Legends of Runterra 
Action sequence in Legends of Runterra 
Card Reveal in Legends of Runterra 
Board view in Legends of Runterra
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Summary
When will Legends of Runeterra be released?
Legends of Runeterra is set to be released in the first half of 2020, as per early January dev video from Riot Games. The official website, however, says “later this year” reffering to 2020.
What are the Legends of Runeterra beta dates?
The open beta starts on January 24 for regular users and on January 23 for returning players and pre-registered enthusiasts. There is no end date: we will be streamlining into the launch.
How do I get Legends of Runeterra cards?
You earn cards as you play the game. Unlike most collectible card games, LoR will not have card packs, expansions or boosters sold for real money at launch. Riot Games intends to keep things this way and expand the card library with free updates.
When is Legends of Runeterra coming on mobile?
Legends of Runeterra will hit other platforms the day it moves from the open beta to launch. This will happen sometime in 2020. There will be cross-platform matchmaking from the start.
Is Legends of Runeterra free?
Like all video game titles from Riot Games, Legends of Runeterra is a free-to-play game. It is monetized through sales of cosmetic items, such as Guardians that keep you company on the battlefield. Riot is not planning to sell gameplay items.
Will there be a Ranked queue?
Yes, you can start ranking up as soon as the open beta starts. It will work the same as in League of Legends, but there are no promos to stress about. Players also won’t be able to lose their Tiers after reaching them (Gold, Platinum, etc.). The Beta Season will end when Legends of Runeterra is released.
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