Over a decade and a half since its debut, the League of Legends roster has expanded into a vast and diverse cast of over 160 Champions. While the game is renowned for its epic battles and tragic backstories, sometimes players just want to imagine kicking back with a champion who wouldn't immediately ruin the mood with existential dread or homicidal tendencies. From whimsical tricksters to steadfast protectors, here are the champions you'd actually want to share a drink, an adventure, or just a quiet moment with in 2026.
10. Veigar: The Theatrical 'Evil'
Veigar loudly proclaims himself the embodiment of evil, but a more accurate description would be 'melodramatic theater kid.' He adores the aesthetic of villainy—the dark capes, the grandiose pronouncements—yet his actions often accidentally tilt toward the heroic. Hanging out with Veigar would be less about participating and more about spectating. You could grab some popcorn and watch him monologue to the heavens, attempt to summon a slightly ominous cloud, or dramatically fail to corrupt a small garden. His antics, fueled by a tragic past he wears on his sleeve, would be hilarious in small, curated doses. Just be prepared for the constant declarations about the futility of hope and the power of darkness... delivered by a three-foot-tall Yordle.
9. Vi: The Coolest Brawler in Piltover
In the wake of Arcane's global phenomenon, Vi has solidified her status as the epitome of rugged cool. While her sister Jinx might be a bit too unpredictable (and explosive) for casual company, and figures like Jayce or Viktor are buried in their work, Vi represents reliable, no-nonsense energy. She's the friend who would teach you how to throw a proper punch, drag you to the best undercity food stalls, and have your back in a scuffle without a second thought. The only caveat? Given her ongoing struggles with Piltover's politics and her fractured family, you might need to catch her on a good day. If you do, you might even get to meet the sharp-shooting Caitlyn, making for a formidable and fun trio.
8. Gragas: The Life of the Party (A Very Specific Party)
Gragas offers a very straightforward, no-subtlety kind of fun. His interests are a holy trinity: drinking, fighting, and celebrating, frequently as a combined activity. If your idea of a perfect night involves raucous taverns, arm-wrestling contests, and barrels of questionable brew, then Gragas is your ideal companion. He brings the party wherever he goes. However, his versatility ends there. 😅 If you're looking for a quiet board game night, a philosophical discussion, or literally anything that doesn't involve his barrel, you'll be sorely disappointed. His lore may be sparse, but his commitment to revelry is unmatched.
7. Lulu: A Journey into the Whimsical
Thanks to her deep connection with the Fae realm and her constant companion Pix, Lulu operates on a logic and wavelength all her own. A standard Yordle is already a bundle of chaotic energy; add fairies to the mix, and you have a recipe for delightful, confusing adventures. A day with Lulu might involve:
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Having your tea turned into glittering bubbles.
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Witnessing her 'help' a street vendor by transforming his cabbages into singing frogs.
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Taking a 'shortcut' through a forest that somehow involves walking upside-down on a rainbow.
It won't be a normal hangout, but it will be unforgettable, colorful, and filled with a sense of childlike wonder—just be wary of unexpectedly becoming a mushroom.
6. Zoe: The Mischievous Cosmic Entity
Zoe's in-game presence can be infuriating, but as a hangout buddy, she offers unparalleled potential for spectacle. As the Aspect of Twilight, she is one of the most powerful beings in Runeterra, treating reality as her personal playground. Hanging out with Zoe means signing up for cosmic-level pranks and shenanigans. Imagine teleporting to the top of Mount Targon for a picnic, borrowing the sun for a quick selfie (and annoying a certain celestial dragon in the process), or rewriting a boring afternoon into a candy-filled dreamscape. So long as you're not the target of her mischief, you'll have a front-row seat to the most entertaining show in the universe. Just don't expect deep, linear conversations.
5. Sona: The Melody of Peace
For a serene and beautiful experience, Sona is the perfect choice. While Seraphine might be the pop star, Sona is the virtuoso—a master musician whose etwahl can heal souls and convey emotions words cannot. A hangout with her would be a calm, artistic retreat. You could enjoy a private concert in Demacia's quieter gardens, though you'd need to stay alert for any mageseeker patrols. The primary 'challenge' is communication, as Sona is mute. Yet, this could become the highlight. Without spoken words, you'd learn to communicate through music, gesture, and expression, creating a uniquely profound and peaceful connection. It's a hangout that nourishes the spirit.
4. Braum: The Heart of the Freljord
Is there a friendlier face in all of Runeterra? Braum's mustache alone radiates warmth and welcome. He is the definitive good guy: a protector of the weak, a performer of heroic feats, and an all-around stellar companion. Hanging out with Braum guarantees several things:
| Activity | Braum's Contribution |
|---|---|
| Safety | You will be the safest person alive, shielded by indestructible ice magic and sheer will. |
| Company | You'll meet his adorable Poros, the fluffy mascots of Runeterra. |
| Morale | Your heart will be warmed by his endless positivity and iconic smile. |
He's the friend who would help you build a shelter, share his last loaf of bread, and tell inspiring stories by the fire. Pure, unadulterated wholesome fun.
3. Neeko: The Curious Chameleon
Neeko, the last of the Oovi-Kat, approaches the world with wide-eyed wonder and an insatiable curiosity. Her stated life goals are profoundly simple and relatable: "Make friends, eat cheese bread, be happy!" 🧀🍞 A day with Neeko would be a joyful exploration. She'd want to try every food, play every game, and meet every person (possibly while shapeshifted into them, leading to wonderfully awkward situations). Her ability to absorb the memories and emotions of those she mimics adds a layer of surreal empathy to the experience. You wouldn't just be hanging out; you'd be guiding a wonderfully strange and enthusiastic new friend through the simple wonders of life.
2. Ekko: The Boy Who Shattered Time
From the streets of Zaun, Ekko is a genius inventor burdened by revolution but fueled by a brilliant, creative mind. The hardened leader from Arcane still has that core of a kid who loves to tinker and dream. Hanging out with Ekko means access to the coolest garage in Runeterra. You could:
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Help him solder a new component onto his Z-Drive.
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Beta-test a prototype hoverboard through the neon-lit canyons of Zaun (safety not guaranteed, but time-rewind functions are!).
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Simply brainstorm wild ideas for gadgets that defy Piltover's physics.
It's a hands-on, adrenaline-filled hangout with one of the smartest minds alive. The bonus? Any mistake is just a 'learning experience' he can literally rewind.
1. Graves & Twisted Fate: The Ultimate Package Deal
The top spot goes to Bilgewater's most infamous pair because you get a two-for-one deal of chaotic charisma. Graves, the gruff bruiser with a heart (somewhat) of gold, and Twisted Fate, the slick card-sharp with a plan for everything, are a symbiotic unit of trouble and adventure. Joining them means stepping into a life of heists, narrow escapes, smoky card games, and tavern brawls. It won't be safe, legal, or calm, but it will be the most thrilling ride of your life. The only risk is feeling like a third wheel to their legendary, argument-filled partnership. But in the swirling chaos of Bilgewater, there's always enough action for a trio to get into—and hopefully out of—together.