League of Legends Currency Guide: Riot Points Explained
League of Legends runs on more than one type of currency, and knowing the difference helps you spend wisely. The premium currency is Riot Points (RP), which you buy with real money. Alongside it, the game gives you currencies you earn simply by playing. Sorting out what each one does prevents wasted purchases and impulse buys.
What Riot Points Are and What They Buy
Riot Points are the paid currency used for cosmetic and convenience items. The most common things players spend RP on include:
- Champion skins that change a character's appearance and effects.
- Champions, which can also be unlocked with earned currency.
- Cosmetic extras like ward skins, emotes, and chromas.
RP is purely optional. None of it makes your champion mechanically stronger in a match, so you never need to spend money to compete. Skins and cosmetics are about personalization, not power.
Earned Currency vs. Buying RP
The game also rewards you with an earned currency for playing matches and completing objectives over time. You can use it to unlock champions without spending real money, which is ideal for newer players still building a roster. The trade-off is patience: earning enough for a champion takes time, while RP unlocks things instantly.
A sensible approach is to spend earned currency on champions you actually want to play, and reserve any RP for cosmetics you'll genuinely enjoy. Avoid buying things on a whim, especially during sales when it's easy to overspend.
How to Pay Less for Riot Points
Prices for RP can differ depending on where and how you top up. The official store sets standard rates, but they aren't always the cheapest option available to you.
- Compare the official price against trusted top-up resellers before buying.
- Check your region's pricing, since rates vary between markets.
- Wait for cosmetic sales rather than paying full price on items you want.
AllMyGG compares top-up prices from reputable resellers against the official store, so you can see at a glance whether you're getting a fair rate before you buy. A few seconds of comparison can mean noticeably more RP for the same spend.
The healthiest habit with any premium currency is to decide what you want first, then find the best price for it. Treat cosmetics as occasional treats, keep your earned currency for unlocking gameplay, and you'll get real value without overspending on your League experience over the long run.