TL;DR
- Riot removed region selection, making global accounts mandatory for client access
- Unique global usernames required while preserving in-game handles separately
- Single account now works across LoL and Legends of Runeterra with regional tags
- Cross-region friend invites enabled but gameplay remains region-locked
- Account transfers cost 2,600 RP ($20) and don’t affect Legends of Runeterra

League of Legends players have noticed a significant interface change recently—the disappearance of the region selection option from the client interface.
This modification represents a deliberate strategic shift by Riot Games toward implementing unified global accounts. These new Riot accounts will serve as universal access points for League of Legends and all forthcoming Riot titles, including their announced tactical shooter and fighting game projects currently in development.
This transition marks a fundamental restructuring of how players interact with Riot’s gaming ecosystem, moving away from region-specific accounts toward a more integrated approach.
Over recent months, Riot has progressively encouraged the migration to these new account structures. The registration process demands selection of a distinctive global username that maintains availability across all server regions worldwide. Importantly, this alteration preserves players’ existing in-game summoner names and champion mastery progress completely intact.
Previously optional migration prompts have now become compulsory requirements. Players who neglect completing this essential account upgrade will encounter complete client access denial. Those requiring detailed setup instructions can access the official migration guide through Riot’s designated portal and follow the comprehensive step-by-step process outlined there.
Pro Tip: Choose your global username carefully—it becomes your permanent identifier across all Riot games and cannot be changed frequently without additional costs or restrictions.
While regional server architectures differ between League of Legends and Legends of Runeterra, the new account system enables seamless cross-title functionality using a single credential set.
Traditional League accounts maintain their specific regional affiliations. Players wishing to utilize identical accounts across different geographic regions must undergo the formal transfer procedure, which carries a 2,600 RP cost equivalent to approximately $20 USD. Crucially, these regional modifications exclusively affect League of Legends profiles without impacting Legends of Runeterra account configurations.
Common Mistake: Many players incorrectly assume regional transfers apply universally across all Riot games, but Legends of Runeterra maintains separate regional handling entirely.
A significant enhancement accompanying this global account implementation enables friend invitation exchanges between players located in different geographic regions. For instance, North American players can now send connection requests to individuals using Turkish server accounts directly.
Accounts from alternative regions display distinctive tags adjacent to summoner names, clearly indicating their geographic origins. The system permits cross-regional messaging and social interactions, though actual gameplay collaboration between different regional servers remains technically restricted.
This represents Riot’s phased approach to global connectivity—establishing social infrastructure first while maintaining competitive integrity through regional server separation for matchmaking purposes.
Setup Timeline: Allocate 10-15 minutes for complete account migration, including username selection and verification steps. Immediate client access restoration occurs following successful completion.
Username Strategy: Select a memorable global name distinct from your in-game handle. Consider name availability across all regions—what’s available in North America might be taken in Europe.
Troubleshooting: If encountering access issues post-migration, clear client cache and restart before contacting support. Many common problems resolve through simple cache clearance procedures.
For comprehensive gaming strategy beyond account setup, explore our Complete Guide to master fundamental mechanics across different game genres and platforms.
Action Checklist
- Verify current region and summoner name details before migration
- Select unique global username checking availability across major regions
- Complete mandatory migration steps through official Riot portal
- Test cross-region friend invites by adding players from different geographic locations
- Familiarize with new interface and regional tagging system
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Riot Games removes region select, transitions to global accounts Understanding Riot's global account transition: mandatory requirements, cross-game benefits, and practical setup guidance
