Raising League of Legends age rating: what parents of kids 4–7 should know
League of Legends age rating: the ESRB rates it T (Teen, 13 and up) for blood, fantasy violence, mild suggestive themes, and use of alcohol and tobacco. PEGI raised it to 16 in Europe and the UK after its June 2026 rule change, because the game sells loot boxes or other paid random items. Riot says most of its games have text and voice chat that "can often be harshly negative," and minors need a parent's consent for an account. Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit, lists it for 14 and up.
League of Legends at a glance
- ✓Official rating above age 7
ESRB: T; PEGI 16 - ✓Contact with other players or strangers
Riot: most games have text and voice chat - ✓Purchases with real money
In-game purchases (PEGI) - ✓Paid random items
PEGI: Paid random items - ✓Violence or scary content in rating descriptors
ESRB: Blood, Fantasy Violence - –Government lawsuits, fines, or safety warnings
None found
Each flag is a yes-or-no fact from the sources on this page. The number is a count of flags, not a safety score. How we count.
| Type | Free online multiplayer strategy game for PC and Mac by Riot Games (2009) |
|---|---|
| US & Canada (ESRB) | T (Teen, 13 and up) — Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco; Online Interactions Not Rated source |
| Europe & UK (PEGI) | 16 (not suitable under 16) — paid random items (since June 2026), moderate violence, sexual innuendo, bad language source |
| Chat | Riot: most of its games have text and voice chat, which "can often be harshly negative" source |
| Accounts | Minors need parent or guardian consent; parents approve through Riot's Parent Portal source |
| Common Sense Media | 14+ (independent nonprofit) |
Checked October 2026. Ratings and settings change; check the official source before you decide. What do these ratings mean?
Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.
What is League of Legends?
Short answer: A free online multiplayer battle game from Riot Games.
The ESRB describes a multiplayer strategy game in which players control animal- and human-like warriors who use swords, arrows, guns, and magic to fight opponents' minions in melee-style combat. Riot released it in 2009; the ESRB lists PC and Mac. Riot says creating an account and playing is free.
League of Legends age rating: what's in it
Short answer: It's rated for teens in the US and 16 and up in Europe.
- US & Canada (ESRB): T. The ESRB describes red blood splashes in battles, female characters in form-fitting outfits, suggestive jokes, a character who drinks from a cask, and characters smoking. Online interactions aren't rated.
- Europe & UK (PEGI): 16. PEGI says it updated the rating after its June 2026 criteria change because the game includes paid random items. It also lists moderate violence, sexual innuendo, and words like "pissed" and "goddamn."
- Common Sense Media: 14+.
Chat and accounts
Short answer: Riot says most of its games have text and voice chat, and kids need a parent's consent to have an account.
Riot's parent FAQ says most of its games have text and voice chat, and that it can't always control what's said, which "can often be harshly negative." It shows how to mute and block players. Riot's terms say a minor needs a parent or guardian's consent, and the parent is responsible for purchases on the account. Riot says kids must meet the minimum age for their region, and parents give approval through the Parent Portal.
The habit kids may copy: blaming the team
Riot itself warns that chat in team games can be harshly negative. When a team loses, the habit kids may copy is blaming a teammate.
Try tonight: the good-game rule
Play any short board game. Win or lose, everyone says one nice thing about another player's move. Practice the words: "Good game. I liked when you..." In our program, this is the lesson "Fair Play": a game is fun only when it's fun for everyone.
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FAQ
What age is League of Legends for?
The ESRB rates it T (Teen, 13 and up), and PEGI rates it 16. Common Sense Media lists it for 14 and up.
Is League of Legends OK for kids?
It's rated T in the US and 16 in Europe, with fantasy violence, blood, suggestive jokes, text and voice chat, and paid random items. Minors need a parent's consent for an account.
Why is League of Legends rated PEGI 16?
PEGI says it updated the rating after its June 2026 criteria change because the game includes loot boxes or other paid random items.
Does League of Legends have parental controls?
Riot's parent FAQ shows how to mute and block players, and parents give approval for a child's account through Riot's Parent Portal.
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