League of Legends Beginner Guide: Roles, Champions and Your First Games
League of Legends has a steep learning curve: over 160 champions, items for every situation and a map full of objectives. You don't need to know all of it. Start with one role and a couple of champions, and learn the fundamentals that win games at every level.
Last updated: Beginner guide · Oct 18, 2026 · 2 min read
The five roles
Each team has one player in each position:
- Top: durable fighters and tanks on the long side lane, often fighting alone.
- Jungle: moves between lanes, clears monsters and takes objectives like dragons.
- Mid: mages and assassins in the shortest lane, with lots of influence on the map.
- Bottom (ADC): marksmen who deal steady damage and become strongest late in the game.
- Support: protects the ADC, places vision wards and starts or stops fights.
Easy champions to start with
Champions with simple, forgiving kits help you focus on the game instead of your abilities. Garen and Malphite (top), Warwick (jungle), Annie and Lux (mid), Miss Fortune and Ashe (bottom) and Soraka or Leona (support) are popular choices for beginners. Pick one or two and play them until their abilities are second nature.
Farming wins games
Last-hitting minions (landing the killing blow) is how you earn most of your gold. Practise in the Practice Tool: a good target for new players is around 6 minions per minute, rising as you improve. Gold buys items, and items win fights — a well-farmed champion is often stronger than one with a few early kills.
Map awareness and objectives
Glance at the minimap every few seconds. If enemies are missing from their lane, they may be coming for you. Take towers when you can, help your jungler with dragons and Baron, and place wards in the river. Objectives win games, not kills.
Before you play ranked
You can play ranked once your account reaches the required level and owns enough champions. Play normal games and draft until you're comfortable with your main role and two champions, then start ranked. Mute toxic players instantly and focus on your own play — you are the only constant in all your games.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest role in League of Legends?
Many beginners start as support or top lane, where champions like Soraka, Leona, Garen and Malphite are simple to play and forgiving.
How many champions should a beginner learn?
Two or three in one main role. Mastering a few champions climbs faster than playing a different one every game.
When can I play ranked in LoL?
Once your account reaches the required summoner level and owns enough champions to fill draft picks.