Riot Games offers some of the most popular competitive titles in the world, including League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics. While these games are free to play, they feature a robust marketplace for cosmetic items like character skins, weapon wraps, and battle passes. To purchase these items, players must use virtual currencies known as Riot Points (RP) or Valorant Points (VP). Understanding how these prices are structured and how to compare values across different regions and payment methods is essential for any player looking to maximize their budget.
Understanding Riot Games Virtual Currencies
Before comparing prices, it is important to distinguish between the different types of currency used within the Riot ecosystem. While some currencies are shared, others are specific to certain titles.
Riot Points (RP)
Riot Points are the primary premium currency for League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics on PC. RP is used to unlock champions, purchase skins, and acquire hextech crafting materials. The price of RP has traditionally been the benchmark for Riot’s monetization strategy.
Valorant Points (VP)
Valorant Points are exclusive to the tactical shooter Valorant. These are used to buy weapon skins from the rotating store, unlock agents, and purchase the premium track of the Battlepass. While the underlying technology is similar to RP, the pricing tiers for VP often differ slightly to match the specific economy of Valorant.
Legends of Runeterra Coins
In the card game Legends of Runeterra, the premium currency is simply called Coins. These are used for card skins, boards, and wildcards. Because the gameplay loop differs from a MOBA or FPS, the bundle sizes for Coins are often unique to this title.
Factors That Influence Currency Pricing
The cost of virtual currency is not uniform across the globe. Several factors influence how much you pay when you click the “Purchase” button in the game client.
Regional Economic Adjustments
Riot Games adjusts the price of RP and VP based on the local economy and purchasing power of different regions. For example, the cost of 1,000 VP in North America may differ significantly from the cost in Brazil or Turkey when converted to a single base currency. These adjustments are made to ensure that players worldwide can afford cosmetic items, though they can lead to discrepancies in value.
Currency Exchange Rates
Fluctuations in global currency markets can impact how much virtual currency costs over time. Riot periodically updates their store prices to reflect significant changes in the value of the US Dollar, Euro, or British Pound. If a local currency devalues against the dollar, players in that region may see a price increase for their next RP or VP purchase.
Local Taxes and Regulations
Value-added tax (VAT) or sales tax is often included in the displayed price or added at checkout depending on your country’s laws. Some regions require digital goods to be taxed at higher rates, which can make the same amount of currency more expensive in one country than in a neighboring one.
How to Compare Currency Bundles
When you enter the in-game store, you are presented with several purchase options. Comparing these bundles is the best way to ensure you are getting the best price per unit of currency.
- The Base Rate: Look at the smallest bundle available. This gives you the baseline cost per point.
- Bonus Points: Larger bundles almost always include “bonus” points. Calculate the total points divided by the price to see the true cost per point.
- The “Middle” Tier Trap: Sometimes the mid-range bundle offers significantly less value than the largest bundle. Always do the math on the cost-per-point before committing.
- Round-Up Costs: If a skin costs 1,350 RP, but bundles are sold in 1,000 and 500 increments, you are forced to buy more than you need. Compare the total cost of the “leftover” points when deciding which bundle to buy.
Comparing Skin Tiers and Costs
Once you have your currency, the next step is comparing the value of the skins themselves. Riot Games uses a tiered pricing system based on the complexity and features of the cosmetic item.
League of Legends Skin Tiers
In League of Legends, skins are generally categorized into the following price points:
- Standard/Epic (1350 RP): These are the most common and include new models and visual effects.
- Legendary (1820 RP): These include entirely new animations and voice lines for the character.
- Ultimate (3250 RP): These are the most expensive and often evolve or change forms during the game.
Valorant Skin Tiers
Valorant uses a different naming convention but follows a similar logic for weapon skins:
- Select Edition: The basic tier, often just a color swap or simple texture.
- Premium Edition: Usually features custom animations, reload sounds, and finishers.
- Exclusive/Ultra Edition: These are the highest-priced skins with complex transformations and unique interactive elements.
Safe Ways to Purchase Riot Currency
To avoid losing money or compromising your account, always use official or highly reputable methods to acquire RP and VP. Comparing prices should never involve using unauthorized third-party sellers.
In-Game Client
The safest and most direct way to buy currency is through the game client itself. This ensures that the points are credited instantly to your account and that your payment information is handled through Riot’s secure processors.
Physical and Digital Gift Cards
Major retailers sell physical and digital Riot Games gift cards. These are excellent for budgeting because they prevent overspending. Occasionally, retailers may offer discounts on these cards (e.g., a $50 card for $45), which is one of the only legitimate ways to get a “discount” on RP or VP.
Official Third-Party Platforms
Some regions allow purchases through official partners like Amazon or local mobile payment providers. Always verify that the partner is officially recognized by Riot Games before entering your credentials.
Tips for Saving Money on In-Game Purchases
If you want to get the most out of your money, patience is often your best tool. There are several recurring events that offer better value than standard store prices.
The Night Market and Your Shop
Valorant features the “Night Market” and League of Legends features “Your Shop.” These are personalized storefronts that offer deep discounts (often 20% to 70% off) on a selection of skins. If you are eyeing a specific skin, it is often worth waiting to see if it appears in one of these discounted slots.
Event Passes
Event passes usually cost around 1650 RP or 1000 VP. If you play frequently, these passes provide the best value in the game. They offer a combination of skins, currency, and exclusive loot that would cost significantly more if purchased individually.
Bundle Discounts
When new skin lines are released, Riot often sells them in a bundle. These bundles typically include a “free” item, such as a buddy, player card, or a discounted melee skin. If you intend to buy multiple items from a set, the bundle is always the cheaper route.
Conclusion
Comparing prices for Riot Games currency requires a look at regional differences, bundle efficiencies, and seasonal sales. By calculating the cost-per-point and waiting for personalized discounts like the Night Market, you can enjoy the aesthetic side of these games without overspending. Always prioritize account security by using official payment channels. For more guides on navigating digital marketplaces and managing online subscriptions, feel free to explore our other helpful articles.