The best solo League of Legends lore games are Ruined King: A League of Legends Story for a full narrative RPG and Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story for a shorter, emotional adventure. Both are single-player, story-driven titles that expand the universe beyond the main MOBA, and they are the only two lore-focused games that are fully playable alone.
What Makes a “Lore Game” Different
Most League of Legends games are competitive multiplayer, where story takes a backseat to matches. Lore games, by contrast, are built around the world of Runeterra—its regions, champions, and conflicts. Riot Forge, a publishing label, released several single-player titles between 2021 and 2023, each focusing on a specific champion or region. These games are canon to the League universe, meaning the events and character interactions are considered part of the official lore. For a solo player who wants to explore Runeterra without fighting other people, these are the only options that deliver a complete narrative experience.
Ruined King: The Best Overall Choice
Ruined King is a turn-based RPG set in Bilgewater and the Shadow Isles. You control a party of six champions: Miss Fortune, Illaoi, Braum, Yasuo, Ahri, and Pyke. The story follows their quest to stop Viego, the Ruined King, whose magic is corrupting the seas. The game is fully single-player, with no multiplayer component. Its combat system is unique—you can switch between a lane-based setup and a faster “hazard” system that rewards risk. The game takes about 25–35 hours to finish, making it the most substantial lore game. It also connects directly to the in-game event “The Ruination” (2021), but it tells a more coherent version of that story than the MOBA’s limited-time mode did.
Song of Nunu: A Short, Heartfelt Adventure
Song of Nunu is an action-adventure game starring Nunu and Willump, the boy and his yeti companion. It is set in the frozen Freljord and follows their journey to find Nunu’s mother, with a focus on music and puzzle-solving. The game is much shorter—around 8–10 hours—and emphasizes story and atmosphere over combat. It is a good choice for players who want a lighter, more emotional experience. The game also features voice acting and a soundtrack that uses the in-universe language of the Freljord. While it does not have the depth of Ruined King, it is a well-crafted, self-contained story.
Other Solo Lore Games and Their Status
- Hextech Mayhem – A rhythm runner starring Ziggs and Heimerdinger. It is single-player but very short (about 3–4 hours). It has no deep story, more of a comedic romp.
- CONV/RGENCE – A platformer starring Ekko, set in Zaun. It focuses on time-travel mechanics and has a decent story, but it received mixed reviews for its controls and pacing.
- Mageseeker – An action RPG starring Sylas, set in Demacia. It is single-player and has a solid story about rebellion, but it is more combat-focused than lore-heavy.
If you want the richest lore experience, Ruined King and Song of Nunu are the safest bets. The others are more niche and may not satisfy a player looking primarily for story.
How to Choose Based on Your Preferences
Consider what you value most in a game:
- Story depth: Ruined King has the most complex plot and character development.
- Emotional impact: Song of Nunu is more touching and personal.
- Gameplay style: Ruined King is turn-based; Song of Nunu is action-adventure with puzzles.
- Time commitment: Song of Nunu is a weekend game; Ruined King is a full week or more.
- Region interest: Bilgewater/Shadow Isles vs. Freljord—pick the region you find more intriguing.
If you are new to League lore, Ruined King is a better introduction because it features well-known champions and ties into the wider story of the Ruination. If you prefer a more intimate tale, Nunu’s game is more accessible.
Common Misconception: Are These Games Canon?
Yes, the Riot Forge games are considered canon to the League of Legends universe, but with a caveat. They are official stories that fill in gaps, but some events are told from a specific viewpoint. For example, Ruined King shows the characters’ perspectives during the Ruination, but the in-game event in League of Legends (the visual novel) has a different ending. Riot has said that the games are canon, but the MOBA’s event is not the definitive version. So, if you want the “true” story, the lore games are actually more reliable than the in-game event. This is a common point of confusion among players.
Cost and Where to Play
Ruined King and Song of Nunu are available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. Prices vary by platform and sales, but they are typically in the $30–$40 range at launch, and often go on sale. Both games are also available on Xbox Game Pass for PC and console, which is a cost-effective way to play them if you already subscribe. There are no microtransactions or DLC that affect the story—what you buy is the full game. You do not need to own League of Legends or have any account to play them; they are standalone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play League of Legends to understand the lore games?
No. Each game is designed to be accessible to newcomers. They introduce the characters and regions from scratch. You might miss some references to the wider universe, but the main story is self-contained. That said, if you already know the champions, you will appreciate the deeper connections.
Which lore game has the best combat?
Ruined King has the most strategic and unique combat system. It is turn-based but with a lane mechanic that adds tactical depth. Song of Nunu has simpler combat, more focused on platforming and puzzle-solving. If you want deep battles, choose Ruined King.
Are there any multiplayer modes in these games?
No. All Riot Forge games are strictly single-player. There is no co-op or online play. This is a deliberate choice to focus on narrative. If you want to play with friends, you would need to stick to the main League of Legends game.
Can I play these on mobile?
No. None of the lore games are available on iOS or Android. They are only on PC and consoles. Riot has not announced any mobile ports.
Which game is better for a player who wants a quick experience?
Song of Nunu is the shortest, at around 8–10 hours. Hextech Mayhem is even shorter, but it lacks a substantial story. If you want a quick but meaningful story, go with Nunu.
Will there be more solo lore games in the future?
Riot Forge was announced as a multi-game label, but as of 2025, no new titles have been announced. The label may have been paused or discontinued, but Riot has not officially confirmed. The existing games remain available, and they are still worth playing.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.
More cards in this drawer
- Best CS 1.6 Server Hosting: Options and How to Choose
- Best Secure Web Browsers for Privacy in 2026
- Nothing Phone 1: Specs, Updates and Buying Advice
- To-Do Lists for Mac: Apps, Features, and How to Choose
- Best Privacy Web Browsers: Which One Should You Use?
- Best Palworld Server Hosting: Top Picks and Trade-Offs