League of Legends is one of the world’s most popular online games and is enjoyed by millions of players – including many teenagers. But what exactly makes this game so special, what challenges does it pose and how can you help your child to play it responsibly?

In this guide, we explain clearly what League of Legends is all about, what opportunities and risks the game offers and give you practical tips for a safe gaming experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already familiar with gaming, you’ll find the information you need to guide your child in the best possible way.

The League of Legends Parents’ Guide is a joint initiative of Deutsche Telekom AG and the esports player foundation. Together, we want to help parents understand one of the most popular games among young people. Parents often don’t know what’s going on in games like League of Legends. The League of Legends Parents’ Guide aims to clear up questions and explain game mechanics and content so that parents can guide their children through the game in the best possible way.

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Legaue of Legends for parents

What is League of Legends?

League of Legends is a team-based strategy game in which players play as one of over 150 characters. The aim is to destroy the opponent’s base. Each of these so-called champions has unique abilities and players must work together to destroy towers, fight monsters and defeat the opposing team. It’s fast, exciting and requires strategic thinking and good teamwork.

How does my child win in League of Legends?

The aim of League of Legends is to destroy the main building of the opponent’s base, the Nexus.

On the way there, you have to tear down various other buildings such as towers that protect the Nexus.

If you kill one of the opposing players, he has to sit out for a certain amount of time, which gives your own team more room to attack the base.

The League of Legends map

The League of Legends map, also known as Summoners Rift, consists of three main paths, known as lanes. Between them lies the Jungle. Each lane has its own towers and is the place where players fight to destroy the opposing team’s base.

The Jungle is an area between the lanes where players can fight monsters, collect buffs and launch surprise attacks. A team’s base is located at the end of each lane.

What game modes are available?

In League of Legends there are 5 game modes most of the time.

In Ranked, you play together with your 4 teammates against another team for points that improve your own rank.

Blind and draft pick are more or less the same thing, except that your own rank is not at risk here.

In Aram, the playing field is reduced to one lane and the player is randomly assigned a champion.

There is also a rotating game mode, which adopts the controls from League of Legends but follows its own rules.

Regular updates

In League of Legends, there are regular updates known as patches. These patches often bring changes and adjustments to champions, game mechanics and items. This is done to keep the game balanced and improve the gaming experience for all players. In this way, the game is constantly changing and never gets boring. For example, the basics of some champions may suddenly change completely. So read the patch notes carefully with your child and help them to understand what has changed.

The ranking system

The ranking system in League of Legends allows players to measure their skills and compare themselves with others. Players are divided into ranks from Iron to Challenger based on their success in ranked matches. Victories will move you up the ranks, while defeats can relegate you. At the end of each competitive season, ranks are reset and players can re-rank. Seasonal rewards such as exclusive items and cosmetic items provide additional motivation. The system provides a platform for improving skills, taking on challenges and achieving personal goals.

What does League of Legends cost?

This means that your child can download and play the game for free without spending any money. By playing regularly, your child can earn so-called Blue Essences, which they can use to unlock further champions. But how does the manufacturer earn money? Beware of in-game purchases, you can find out what they are in the next video.

How is Riot Games financed?

Riot Games, the producer of League of Legends, finances itself through in-game purchases, among other things. This means that your child can purchase the virtual currency Riot Points, or RP for short, directly in League of Legends via a range of payment options. Although these RP cannot be used to buy advantages for the game, there is a wide range of cosmetic content, champions and loot boxes that can be purchased.

Loot boxes in League of Legends

Loot boxes are virtual containers in the game that can contain random rewards such as skins, emotes and champions. It is important to note that loot boxes are purely optional and do not contain any in-game benefits for your child. All cosmetic content in League of Legends can be purchased directly without loot boxes. So there is no reason to buy them directly.

League of Legends - a pastime without value?

League of Legends is just a pastime and has no value.

Wrong! League of Legends is not only fun, but your child can also learn a lot here. LoL promotes strategic thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Players have to make complex decisions, react quickly and communicate with their teammates to be successful. Important decisions often have to be made in fractions of a second, which can also help with a child’s development.

Rules for the child

If your child plays League of Legends, set clear rules together: two hours of media time a day is recommended for 15-year-olds. Plan breaks between games to avoid tilt and health problems caused by sitting for long periods, and do regular family activities. Ask your child about their gaming experience to make sure they are comfortable. With clear expectations, gaming remains a part of a balanced lifestyle.

League of Legends - Only for boys?

We often hear: League of Legends is only for boys.

No, League of Legends is accessible to everyone. In recent years, the proportion of female players has increased significantly. You also see more and more women at offline events these days. League of Legends is a diverse game and there is room for everyone!

What is hate speech?

Before we look at hate speech in League of Legends, let’s first clarify what it actually is. Hatespeech refers to offensive, hurtful or discriminatory comments made against people or groups based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other characteristics. It can make players feel uncomfortable or even threatened and have a negative impact on the gaming environment. Now that we know what hate speech is, let’s talk together about how we can combat it.

How do I prevent hate speech?

Here are some important safety measures you should be aware of.

Protect your children by deactivating or restricting chat to prevent inappropriate behavior.

Encourage your children to block or report players if they encounter harassment or abuse.

Talk to your children about data protection and personal safety so that they feel aware and protected.

With these simple steps, you can help ensure that your children can play safely and securely in the world of League of Legends!

My child wants to become a professional esports player, what now?

My child wants to play League of Legends competitively. What now?

Be open to your child’s passion and recognize the value they see in the game. Like any other professional sport, League of Legends is a game where only the top 0.1% can make a living. Find out about the requirements and the time commitment. Set realistic goals together and promote a balanced lifestyle. If the goals are not achieved, it is important to maintain support and take an alternative career path.

Can you earn money with League of Legends?

Can my child earn money with League of Legends?

The answer is: Yes! If your child makes it into the top German league or even an international league, salaries of more than €10,000 a month are possible. However, it is also important that you always work together on a plan B in case a professional career doesn’t work out.

The career opportunities of League of Legends

League of Legends is not just a game, but also offers a variety of career opportunities.

Your child can not only become an esports player, but also a content creator, commentator, event organizer, marketing expert, coach, tournament director and much more. You can find out how to do all this on our website.