In League of Legends, "banners" refer to various cosmetic elements that personalize your player profile and loading screen. While some older profile banners were once tied to specific purchases, today, you can acquire different types of banners and profile customizations primarily through gameplay, events, and certain ultimate skin acquisitions.
Historical Context: Old Profile Banners
Historically, your summoner profile in League of Legends featured a banner. Every player initially used a default profile banner. A notable way to unlock new, distinct banners for this old profile was by purchasing ultimate skins. These premium skins not only offered unique in-game models and effects but also provided exclusive profile banners.
Current Ways to Obtain Banners and Profile Customizations
While the specific "profile banners" from the old system have evolved, modern League of Legends offers several ways to customize your profile and loading screen with similar visual elements:
1. Ranked Borders (Loading Screen & Profile Banners)
The most common and prominent "banner" in League of Legends is the Ranked Border. This border appears around your summoner icon on the loading screen before a game and on your profile to signify your highest rank achieved in the previous ranked season.
- How to Get:
- Participate in ranked queues (Solo/Duo, Flex).
- Reach a specific rank tier (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, Challenger) by the end of a ranked season.
- The border awarded will correspond to the highest tier you achieved.
2. Ultimate Skin Unlocks
As mentioned historically, purchasing ultimate skins can still unlock unique visual elements that function as banners or special profile backgrounds associated with that specific skin. These are often tied to the skin's thematics and provide a premium customization option.
- How to Get:
- Purchase an ultimate tier skin from the in-game store (e.g., Elementalist Lux, DJ Sona, Gun Goddess Miss Fortune).
- The specific banner or profile element is automatically unlocked upon acquisition of the skin.
3. Event Passes and Bundles
Riot Games frequently releases event passes throughout the year, offering a wealth of cosmetic rewards, including unique profile backgrounds, borders, and sometimes specific banner-like elements. These are often themed around the event's lore or new skin lines.
- How to Get:
- Purchase an event pass with Riot Points (RP).
- Complete missions and earn event tokens.
- Redeem tokens for various rewards, which may include profile backgrounds, loading screen borders, or special summoner icon frames that act as banners.
- Some event-themed bundles in the store may also include exclusive profile customizations.
4. Clash Banners
Clash is a team-based tournament mode in League of Legends where players compete for bragging rights and rewards. Performing well in Clash can earn your team a distinctive banner that is displayed on your team's profile and in-game during matches.
- How to Get:
- Participate in Clash tournaments with a team.
- Win matches in your bracket to progress and earn higher tier Clash banners.
- The quality and appearance of the banner improve with your team's performance.
5. Other Sources
- Esports Events: Occasionally, during major esports events like the World Championship or MSI, special watch rewards or in-game drops might include unique profile banners or backgrounds.
- Legacy Content/Promotions: Very rarely, older promotional content or specific in-game challenges might have rewarded unique profile customizers that are no longer available.
Here's a quick overview of how to obtain different banner types:
| Banner Type | Description | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Ranked Borders | Frames around your summoner icon, displaying your rank. | Achieve a specific rank tier by the end of a ranked season. |
| Ultimate Skin Banners | Exclusive profile backgrounds/elements tied to ultimate skins. | Purchase ultimate tier skins from the in-game store. |
| Event Profile Customizations | Themed backgrounds, borders, or frames from events. | Buy event passes, complete missions, and redeem tokens; purchase event bundles. |
| Clash Banners | Team-specific banners displayed in Clash matches and on profiles. | Participate and perform well in Clash tournaments. |
By engaging with these various aspects of League of Legends, from competitive play to events and premium skin purchases, you can personalize your in-game presence with a diverse collection of banners and profile customizations.
