If you want to look good in League of Legends, you'll need skins. Getting them without spending real money is possible, and the game offers several methods for free-to-play players to build their collection.
Use Hextech Crafting to Unlock Skins
The Hextech chest system was updated in early 2025 and partially restored after fan feedback. You can earn up to 10 chests and keys per Act: eight through the free Battle Pass and two through Honor rewards. Champion Mastery no longer grants chests.
Each chest has a 50% chance to contain a Skin Shard, a temporary fragment of an unowned skin. From there, you have three options: upgrade it with Orange Essence, reroll three shards into one random permanent skin, or disenchant it to collect Orange Essence toward your next unlock.
Complete the Free Battle Pass Track
The free track of League of Legends' Battle Pass rewards consistent play with skin shards, Essence, and occasional event-exclusive skin shards. Activate the current season pass, complete in-game missions, and rank up to collect them. Aim for Hextech chest reward milestones along the way.
Claim Daily and Login Rewards
Logging in each day generates a steady stream of skin shards, Essence, icons, and more. Rewards are added automatically, so there's nothing extra to do beyond playing. Progress is slow, but every shard adds up if you're collecting consistently.
Reach Honor Level 5 for Exclusive Skins
Hitting Honor Level 5 in a season earns you an exclusive Honor skin for that Act, plus two Hextech chests. Complete your Honor missions and keep good in-game conduct to reach it before the season ends.
Watch Riot's Channels for Free Skin Giveaways
Riot occasionally runs skin giveaways through codes, events, and promotional campaigns. Follow their X, Instagram, and Reddit accounts so you don't miss one when it drops.
