Let's face it, playing League of Legends with fresh skins just feels right.

And, sure, while the League store offers a wide array of skins for purchase with Riot Points (RP), the experienced League player knows there are a few ways to boost their collection without opening their wallet and shelling out cash.

In fact, getting free skins in League of Legends is very achievable if you know where to look, so, let’s walk through the 10 methods to get more free skins in LoL.

1. Hextech Crafting

The foundation of acquiring free skins in League is the Hextech Crafting system. Think of it as Riot Games' built-in loot system. By playing well (earning S-, S, or S+ grades on champions you own) or having a premade teammate earn one, you can receive Hextech Chests.

Combine these chests with Hextech Keys, earned randomly by winning games and maintaining a good Honor level, and you unlock loot. This loot often includes skin shards, which are fragments of a champion skin. With this skin shard, you’ll have three options on how you can use it:

Upgrade: Use Orange Essence (obtained mainly by disenchanting other skin shards) to turn the shard into a permanent skin for that champion. This is the most direct way to get a specific skin for free if you find the shard.
Reroll: Feeling lucky? Combine three skin shards of any type to reroll them into a random, unowned permanent skin. Of course, it's a gamble, but it guarantees a skin you don't already have, and potentially an even higher-value one!
Disenchant: If you don't like the skin shard or need Orange Essence for a shard you want, you can break it down into this handy crafting currency.

Obtaining free skins through the Hextech Crafting system requires consistent play and a little bit of luck, but it is the most reliable ongoing method for LoL players seeking free skins.

2. Honor Rewards

Being a good teammate pays dividends beyond just winning games. The Honor system rewards positive play and sportsmanship.

As you progress through Honor levels (up to level 5), you'll receive Honor Orbs and Honor Capsules at various checkpoints, and these containers often hold key fragments, Blue Essence, and sometimes, champion shards.

More importantly for the fans of free skins, reaching higher Honor levels, particularly Honor Level 5, allows players to unlock better rewards, including a potential random skin. Honor Level 5 also grants access to special rewards at the end of the season, too.

In the past, this has included unique Honor-themed skins, such as the Three Honors Malzahar, and tokens redeemable for specific chromas or previously released Honor skins. To sum things up, playing honorably is a long-term investment that can yield some pretty exclusive cosmetic rewards, including a potential free skin.

3. Climb the Ranks to Earn the Victorious Skin

Here’s one for the competitive players. Each League of Legends season culminates in exclusive rewards for players who perform well in ranked games. The crown jewel of these rewards is the Victorious skin. To obtain this free skin, players need to reach at least Gold rank in one of the ranked queues (Solo/Duo or Flex) and maintain a minimum Honor level (usually Honor Level 2 or higher). In fact, these skins are so sought after that many players even buy League of Legends boosting from us to get them!

Riot Games reveals the champion receiving the Victorious skin towards the end of the season. The skin is sought after, as it's a badge of honor for many players, signaling their achievement on the ranked ladder during that specific League of Legends season. So, if you want a truly rare skin for free, start climbing!

4. Free Event Loots and Missions

League of Legends frequently hosts in-game events, often tied to new skin lines, lore developments, or seasonal celebrations. While these events typically feature a paid Event Pass with premium rewards, a free track is almost always available to all players. By completing those event-specific missions (like playing games, getting kills/assists, or winning matches), you earn event tokens or progress along the free reward track.

This free track often includes Hextech Chests, Keys, Blue Essence, Icons, Emotes, and sometimes even Orbs specific to the event, which have a higher chance of containing skin shards. To make things easier, keep an eye on the client for active events, as participating in the events is a great way to snag extra loot and potentially unlock skins without spending RP.

5. Prime Gaming Loot for Amazon Prime Members

If you're already an Amazon Prime subscriber, you have access to Prime Gaming. While not currently live, Riot Games regularly partners with Prime Gaming to offer free monthly loot capsules for League of Legends players. Linking your Riot account to your Amazon Prime account allows you to claim these capsules.

While the contents vary, they typically include RP (a small amount, but it adds up!), a permanent skin you don't own (often an older, cheaper skin, but still free!), champion shards, and other goodies. Linking your account is a fantastic perk that directly gives you free LoL content, often including a guaranteed skin unlock.

6. Watch and Win Esports Drops

Are you a fan of professional League of Legends matches? Watching official LoL Esports matches through the official site can sometimes net you free loot, including items that can lead to skins. By linking your Riot account to the official LoL Esports viewing platform and watching live games or VODs during specific windows, you could become eligible for random "Drops." These Drops often contain exclusive emotes, icons, or capsules that may hold Hextech components, such as skin shards or even full skins, although this is less common. Tune into major events like the LEC, LCS, LCK, LPL, MSI, or Worlds for the best chance to receive drops and potentially get a free skin.

7. Leveling Up, Mastery, and Milestones

As you play League of Legends and level up your account, you'll hit different milestones that grant rewards. While the system has changed over the years, leveling up still provides Champion Capsules. These primarily contain Blue Essence and Champion Shards, which help unlock new champions. However, certain milestone levels (like every 10 levels or 25 levels) can grant Glorious Champion Capsules, which might contain better loot, potentially increasing your chances. While not a direct path to skins anymore like it once was, the resources gained help fuel the Hextech Crafting engine, mentioned at the start.

8. Follow the Creators for Riot Partner Giveaways

Many popular League of Legends streamers and content creators are part of the official Riot Partner Program. As part of this partnership, Riot often provides them with codes for skins (especially new releases) or chromas to give away to their communities. Following your favorite creators on platforms like Twitch or YouTube and participating in their giveaways can be a lucky way to grab a new skin shortly after its release. To boost your chances, keep an eye on their social media channels and live streams for these opportunities.

9. Special Promotions and Anniversaries

Riot Games occasionally celebrates major milestones, anniversaries (like League's 10th anniversary), or launches new games within their universe with special promotions. These events sometimes include missions or direct grants that provide players with free skins, icons, or other cosmetic items. These are often less predictable but can be generous when they do happen. To boost your chances, keep up to date with the official League of Legends news channels and social media to catch the limited-time offers when they first launch.

10. Old Social Media Promotions (A Retired Path)

Long-time League players might remember methods like following Riot on Twitter for the Dreadknight Garen skin or liking League on Facebook for the Riot Girl Tristana skin. Unfortunately, these particular social media promotions were discontinued years ago. While they represented an early and easy way to obtain a free skin, sadly, these methods are no longer active or available. Anyhow, it’s worth mentioning them for historical context!

Closing Out

Building an impressive collection of skins in League of Legends doesn't have to drain your RP balance. By using the Hextech Crafting system, maintaining good Honor, excelling in ranked play, participating in events, and taking advantage of promotions like Prime Gaming and Esports Drops, you have plenty of ways to get free skins. Sure, it takes time and a bit of consistent play, but the feeling of unlocking that rare skin for your favorite champion without spending a dime is honestly a reward in itself. Now, which free LoL skin are you aiming for first? Let us know in the comments.