Riot Games champion art · Official game assetYou do not have to know every champion. First, understand what you are trying to destroy.
The Nexus is the real objective
Two teams of five compete on Summoner's Rift. Each protects a Nexus and tries to destroy the opposing one by taking down defensive structures.
The map has three lanes, a jungle and neutral objectives. Start by recognising your lane, your nearby turrets, how to return to base and where the jungler is likely to be.
In a practice game, locate both Nexus structures, your lane's turrets and the jungle camps.
Learn to last-hit
Minions supply gold when you land the final blow. Being nearby when they die can also award experience, even if you do not last-hit.
Avoid spending every ability on the enemy champion. Practise judging when a minion will be low enough for a basic attack, then notice how item purchases change your damage.
Spend five minutes last-hitting in the Practice Tool without fighting an opposing champion.
Abilities and summoner spells
Most champions have a passive, three basic abilities on Q, W and E, and an ultimate on R. Summoner spells, usually on D and F, have separate cooldowns.
Before copying a combo, learn what each ability does, whether it needs aiming and which button helps you escape danger.
Read your selected champion's passive and each ability before queueing.
Make one useful decision at a time
Ask where the enemy team might be before chasing or pushing. A small lead can disappear quickly if you leave your lane without information.
An early retreat and a well-managed minion wave are often more valuable than an uncertain fight. Repeat good basic decisions before pursuing flashy plays.
Glance at the minimap every time you approach the middle of your lane.
Before your next match
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Sources and scope
This original guide focuses on gameplay fundamentals, not fixed win-rate statistics. Specific abilities, items and map details can change between patches.
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