The game takes place on Runeterra, a planet shaped by the remnants of an ancient conflict between cosmic forces. Originally, players were cast as "Summoners" commanding champions on the Fields of Justice, but in 2014 the lore was rebooted, removing summoners entirely and establishing Runeterra as a standalone world. The setting spans diverse regions, from the technologically advanced city of Piltover to the oppressed underground of Zaun, and encompasses genres ranging from Lovecraftian horror to traditional sword and sorcery. While the game itself has no linear campaign, its expanding universe of champions, factions, and conflicts forms the foundation for spin-off media including the animated series Arcane, comics, and narrative-driven spin-off games.