In League of Legends, your summoner name is your identity on the Rift. It’s how friends find you, how opponents recognize you, and often how you express your personality. Whether you’re tired of your old name, rebranding yourself for a fresh start, or just want something more unique, changing your summoner name is a simple process once you know where to look. This guide will walk you through how to change summoner name in League, how much it costs, what limitations exist, and best practices to make the process smooth and successful.
Understanding Summoner Names in League of Legends
What Is a Summoner Name?
Your summoner name is the primary identifier for your League of Legends account. It appears in your profile, in lobbies, in matches, and on friends’ lists. It’s separate from your Riot ID, which is used across all Riot Games titles such as Valorant, Legends of Runeterra, and Teamfight Tactics.
While your Riot ID may be consistent across games, your summoner name is specific to League of Legends and can be changed directly through the League client. It’s the name other League players will see in-game and on leaderboards.
Why Change Your Summoner Name?
There are many reasons players choose to change their summoner name. Here are a few common ones:
- You’ve outgrown your old name and want a more mature or creative one
- You’re building a brand or streaming and need consistency across platforms
- You want a fresh identity for a new season
- You’ve noticed someone else with a similar name and want something more unique
No matter the reason, Riot has made it relatively easy to change your summoner name if you follow the correct steps.
How to Change Your Summoner Name
Step-by-Step Process
Here’s how to change summoner name in League of Legends:
- Open the League of Legends client and log in to your account.
- Click the Store icon on the top right of the client interface.
- In the store menu, select the Account option (it looks like a little person icon).
- Click on Summoner Name Change from the list of available services.
- Enter your desired new summoner name in the text box. Make sure you type it exactly how you want it to appear.
- Check if the name is available. If it is, you’ll be able to proceed.
- Choose your payment method either 13,900 Blue Essence or 1,300 Riot Points.
- Confirm the transaction and restart your client to see the changes take effect.
After completing these steps, your new summoner name will be updated and visible to everyone in League of Legends. If your desired name is taken, you will be prompted to choose a different one or try a variation.
Summoner Name Change Cost
Blue Essence or Riot Points
You have two options for paying for a summoner name change:
- 13,900 Blue Essence (BE) Earned through playing the game, leveling up, and disenchanting champion shards.
- 1,300 Riot Points (RP) Purchased with real money through the store.
If you’re a dedicated player who has been stockpiling BE, using that option is ideal to save money. However, if you don’t have enough BE and want to change your name right away, using RP is a convenient alternative.
Summoner Name Rules and Restrictions
What Makes a Valid Name?
Riot has specific guidelines for what kinds of summoner names are allowed. Names must:
- Be between 316 characters long
- Not contain offensive or inappropriate language
- Not impersonate official Riot Games employees or other well-known figures
- Not include copyright-infringing material
- Be unique (no duplicates are allowed)
Spaces are allowed, and capitalization is not case-sensitive when it comes to availability. That means Dark Knight and dark knight are considered the same name.
Inactive Names
Sometimes, the name you want is taken by an inactive account. Riot periodically cleans up unused names and makes them available again. If an account has been inactive for a long time and is below level 30, its name may become eligible for release. You can’t request a specific name to be released, but it’s worth checking availability occasionally.
Things to Consider Before Changing Your Name
Impact on Friends and Clubs
Changing your summoner name won’t affect your game history, rank, or friends list. However, your friends may not immediately recognize you if your name is drastically different. It’s a good idea to let your regular teammates know about the change ahead of time.
If you’re part of a club, your name in the club will update automatically, but your club tag will stay the same. There’s no need to rejoin or reapply.
Name History
There is no public history of name changes within the League client. This means players won’t be able to see your old name unless you tell them. If you want to completely reset your identity, this system supports that goal effectively.
One-Time Purchase
Changing your summoner name is a one-time purchase. You can do it as many times as you want, but each time you must pay the cost in BE or RP. There’s no cooldown or limit, but frequent changes might confuse friends or make it harder to maintain a recognizable reputation.
Tips for Choosing a New Summoner Name
Make It Memorable
Pick a name that is easy to remember and pronounce. This helps other players recognize you and adds to your in-game presence. Avoid using too many numbers or special characters unless they have meaning to you.
Stay Unique
To avoid name conflicts and ensure availability, try combining unusual words or creating your own. Even a slight change can open up creative options. For example, instead of ‘ShadowHunter,’ try ‘ShadowHuntress’ or ‘ShadøwHunt.’
Think Long-Term
Choose a name you’ll be happy with for months or even years. Trends change, but your in-game name stays visible. Avoid meme names or joke names unless you’re sure they’ll still make you smile later.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Can’t Access the Store
If you can’t open the store or the name change section, make sure your client is fully updated and you’re logged in properly. Restarting the client can often fix loading issues. You can also try switching to a different network if the store fails to load.
Name Already Taken
If the name you want is taken, consider creative alternatives. Add a space, modify spelling, or include a subtle symbol. Keep trying different combinations until one is available.
Insufficient BE or RP
If you don’t have enough BE, consider disenchanting champion shards or playing more games to earn it. If you’re short on RP, you’ll need to purchase it through the Riot store using real money.
Changing your summoner name in League of Legends is a great way to refresh your identity and personalize your gaming experience. Whether you’re rebranding for content creation or just want a cooler name, the process is simple and accessible. With the right preparation and a little creativity, you can choose a summoner name that represents your style and makes a lasting impression on the Rift. Follow the steps outlined above, make sure your name fits the rules, and enjoy your new identity as you climb the ranks and face new challenges in League of Legends.