Change Runes in League of Legends: A Quick Guide

Updated 10 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To change runes in League of Legends, open the rune page in champion select, choose a primary and secondary rune path, then select the individual runes you want. You can edit a page before a match; once champion select ends and the game begins, that setup is locked for the match.

How rune pages work

Runes are pre-game bonuses that shape a champion’s strengths. They are chosen from themed paths, each offering a keystone and smaller rune choices. A rune page combines one primary path with a secondary path, along with stat shards. Your selections apply to the champion for that match; they do not permanently change the champion or its abilities.

League has five rune paths: Precision, Domination, Sorcery, Resolve, and Inspiration. Each emphasizes different kinds of effects, but a path is not exclusive to a particular role or champion. For example, a champion that deals repeated attacks may benefit from a Precision keystone, while a champion that relies on spells might prefer Sorcery. The best option still depends on the champion, matchup, team composition, and current game balance.

Rune pages are editable configurations, not one-time choices. You can save multiple pages for different champions or situations and select the one you need in champion select. The client’s exact layout can change over time, but the key action is to open the rune-page editing controls before the match starts.

Steps to change runes in champion select

Start a game mode that allows you to choose runes and enter champion select.
Select your champion if the mode asks you to do so first. You can usually configure runes before or after locking in, as long as champion select is still active.
Open the rune page or rune setup panel. If a saved page is already selected, open its edit control rather than assuming its current choices will update automatically.
Choose a primary path. Select its keystone and the required smaller runes from the available rows.
Choose a secondary path, then select the permitted smaller runes from that path. The client limits which rows can be combined, so follow the selections it enables.
Choose the stat shards shown below the paths. These are separate from the main rune choices and can affect stats such as offense, defense, or flexibility.
Confirm or save the page if the client presents a save action, and check that the intended page is selected before champion select ends.

Some modes have mode-specific rules or use a simplified selection process. If you do not see the usual rune page editor, check the controls shown for that mode rather than assuming the client is broken.

Changing a saved rune page outside a match

You can also prepare pages from the game client outside champion select. Open the collection area and look for the runes section, then select a page to edit or create a new one. Save the changes and give pages clear names, such as a champion name plus a brief purpose. This makes it easier to tell a standard setup from a situational one when champion select is moving quickly.

Having several pages can be convenient, but you do not need a separate page for every champion. A small set of flexible pages may be enough if you are comfortable making adjustments in champion select. Conversely, named pages can reduce mistakes if you switch often between champions with very different needs.

Choosing runes that fit your champion

Start with the champion’s usual game plan rather than choosing runes solely because a particular option is popular. Consider what the champion needs to do during lane, how they deal damage or protect allies, and whether the opposing lineup changes the value of defensive choices. A rune that improves a champion’s preferred pattern may be more useful than one that looks strong in isolation.

Keystone: This is the central choice in the primary path. Compare its trigger and effect with how the champion typically trades, fights, or uses abilities.
Smaller runes: Choose options that support the same plan, such as sustained fighting, burst, mobility, durability, or utility.
Secondary path: Use it to add a useful complement or cover a weakness. Its choices are limited by the page rules shown in the client.
Stat shards: Treat them as part of the setup, not an afterthought. Check that their stat types make sense for the champion and matchup.

For a concrete example, a champion built around repeated basic attacks might consider a Precision setup, while a burst-focused spell user might look at options in Domination or Sorcery. These are starting points, not universal prescriptions: patches can change rune values, and champion builds vary with role and opponent.

Common problems and mistakes

The most common mistake is leaving an old page selected after editing a different one. Before the timer ends, verify the selected page and review the keystone and shards. A page name alone is not proof that its contents match the current plan.

Another frequent issue is assuming that runes can be changed during the match. They cannot be freely edited after the game begins. If champion select has ended, you will generally need to finish the match before adjusting the setup for another game. Runes are also distinct from summoner spells, abilities, and item choices; changing one does not automatically update the others.

If the editor will not open, check whether champion select is still active and whether the mode has a special setup.
If a choice appears unavailable, review the path and row restrictions shown in the rune interface.
If saved edits do not appear, reopen the page and confirm that the edits were saved and that the correct page is selected.
If you are unsure which setup is current, use the client’s available rune information and consider how recent the advice you are following is.

Rune recommendations can become outdated after balance updates. Treat guides as references, not as proof that a page is best for every game. The client’s available options and current patch context matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change runes after the game starts?
No. Your rune setup is locked once the match begins, so make and verify changes during champion select.

Can I change runes after locking in my champion?
Usually, yes, if champion select is still open and the mode permits rune editing. Make sure the page is saved and selected before the timer expires.

Where do I edit rune pages outside a match?
Open the collection area in the client and find the runes section. From there, choose a page to edit or create another page, then save it.

Why can’t I select a particular rune?
Rune choices are limited by the page’s path and row rules. Check that you have selected a valid primary and secondary path and that the option is available in the current mode.

Do rune pages change my champion permanently?
No. A rune page is a pre-game setup applied for a match. It does not permanently alter the champion, and you can choose another setup in a later game.

Are recommended runes always the best choice?
No. Recommendations are useful starting points, but the right choices can vary by patch, role, matchup, and play style. Check that a recommendation fits the game you are entering.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.