Switching Regions in League of Legends

League of Legends features dedicated servers across the globe, allowing players to connect with local communities for optimal ping and matchmaking. However, circumstances like relocation, playing with international friends, or accessing region-specific content often require switching servers. Riot Games provides official methods to achieve this, balancing convenience with safeguards against abuse.

Why Players Want to Change Servers

Server selection impacts latency, queue times, and cultural experiences in LoL. North America offers high-population queues but higher ping for Europeans, while Asia servers like Korea host elite competition. Key reasons include:

• Lower latency after moving countries.
• Joining friends on foreign servers.
• Participating in region-locked events or tournaments.
• Testing different meta styles and player behaviors.

Understanding these motivations helps decide between permanent transfers or temporary solutions.

Official Account Transfer Process

The primary way to move an existing account is through Riot’s in-client transfer system, which preserves progress, skins, and ranks. This costs 2600 Riot Points (RP), approximately $20 USD, varying by region and payment method.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Account must be level 30 or higher in some cases, though recent updates allow earlier transfers.
• No active transfers in the past 90 days.
• Target region must support transfers from your current one.

Step-by-Step Transfer Instructions

1. Purchase RP: Launch the LoL client, navigate to the Store tab, and buy at least 2600 RP via credit card, PayPal, or other options.
2. Access Account Tab: In the Store, click the ‘Account’ icon in the upper-right corner to view available destination regions.
3. Select Destination: Choose from eligible servers like NA, EUW, KR, or OCE. Confirm eligibility and review warnings.
4. Complete Purchase: Pay the 2600 RP fee. The transfer processes instantly or within minutes, logging you out briefly.
5. Download Regional Client: Install the client for the new region if prompted, then log in.

Note: Transfers are irreversible and non-refundable. Post-transfer, your friends list, honor, and some region-specific items may reset partially.

What You Lose and Retain During Transfer

Most core progress carries over, making this ideal for invested players.

Creating a New Account for Free Region Switch

For those unwilling to pay or wanting to experiment, starting fresh is free but resets everything.

Steps to Set Up a New Regional Account

1. Visit Riot Website: Go to the official signup page; it auto-detects region but allows manual selection.
2. Create Account: Use a new email and select desired server (e.g., JP, BR).
3. Download Client: Get the region-specific launcher from Riot’s site.
5. Log in and play from level 1.

This method suits casual trials but lacks transfer benefits.

Using VPNs: Risks and Realities

Some suggest VPNs to spoof location for new accounts, connecting to a server in the target country. While technically possible, Riot detects and penalizes VPN use:

• Potential permanent bans for evasion.
• High ping from VPN overhead.
• Against terms of service.

Official transfers remain the safest path.

Available Regions and Their Characteristics

Riot operates 13+ servers worldwide. Here’s a comparison:

Choose based on proximity and community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change regions for free?

No, official transfers cost 2600 RP. New accounts are free but reset progress.

How long is the transfer cooldown?

90 days before another transfer.

Does rank transfer fully?

Yes, but LP may adjust slightly between regions.

What if my region isn’t listed?

Contact Riot Support via their portal for eligibility checks.

Can I play on multiple regions simultaneously?

No, one Riot account per region primarily, though linked accounts allow access.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encounter errors? Try these:

• RP Not Deducted: Restart client and check balance.
• Ineligible Region: Verify residency via support ticket.
• Download Fails: Use official regional links.
• High Ping Post-Transfer: Use wired connection or closest server.

Strategic Tips for Region Hoppers

Plan ahead: Save RP, inform friends of your ID change, and time transfers during off-seasons to avoid queue disruptions. For pros, consider dual accounts for practice.

Server changes enhance LoL’s global appeal, fostering cross-cultural rivalries. By following these steps, you’ll navigate Riot’s system efficiently.