How to emote in lol
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Last updated: April 4, 2026
Key Facts
- There are 4 default emote slots, expandable to 8 with mastery emotes.
- Emotes can be triggered by holding 'Alt' and pressing a number key (1-4).
- The emote wheel can be accessed by holding 'Ctrl' and right-clicking.
- Emotes are cosmetic and do not affect gameplay mechanics.
- Players can purchase or earn new emotes through the in-game store and events.
What are Emotes in League of Legends?
Emotes are a cosmetic feature in League of Legends that allows players to express themselves visually and audibly during matches. They range from champion-specific animations and voice lines to universal icons and sound effects. Emotes add a layer of personality and social interaction to the game, enabling players to celebrate successes, taunt opponents, or communicate non-verbally with their team.
How to Use Emotes
There are two primary methods for using emotes in League of Legends:
1. Using the Emote Hotkeys:
By default, League of Legends assigns four emote slots to your keyboard. You can trigger an emote by holding down the Alt key and pressing the corresponding number key for the emote you wish to use. The default assignments are:
- Alt + 1: First emote slot
- Alt + 2: Second emote slot
- Alt + 3: Third emote slot
- Alt + 4: Fourth emote slot
These hotkeys provide quick and easy access to your most frequently used emotes, allowing for rapid deployment during the heat of battle or moments of triumph.
2. Using the Emote Wheel:
For a more visual selection, you can utilize the emote wheel. To access the emote wheel, hold down the Ctrl key and then right-click and hold on your screen. A radial menu will appear, displaying your equipped emotes. You can then drag your mouse cursor to the desired emote and release the right-click to activate it. This method is particularly useful when you want to choose from a wider selection of emotes or when you're unsure of the exact hotkey assignment.
Customizing Your Emotes
Players can customize which emotes appear in their four default slots. This is done through the Collection tab in the League of Legends client.
- Navigate to the Collection tab.
- Select Emotes from the left-hand menu.
- Here, you will see your available emotes. You can drag and drop emotes into the four designated slots to assign them to your Alt + 1 through Alt + 4 hotkeys.
Beyond the initial four slots, players can unlock additional emote slots through various means, such as achieving specific champion mastery levels or participating in events. These additional slots can often be accessed via the emote wheel, providing an even greater range of expression.
Types of Emotes
League of Legends offers a diverse array of emotes:
- Champion Emotes: These are unique to each champion, often featuring their signature voice lines, animations, and personality quirks. They are a great way to deepen your connection with your favorite champions.
- Mastery Emotes: Earned by achieving high champion mastery levels (typically level 5 and above), these emotes visually represent your dedication and skill with a particular champion. They often feature the champion's mastery badge.
- Event Emotes: Special emotes are often released during in-game events, allowing players to commemorate specific happenings or celebrate event themes.
- Purchasable Emotes: A wide variety of emotes can be purchased directly from the in-game store using Riot Points (RP) or Blue Essence (BE) for some select emotes. These can range from humorous animations to celebratory gestures.
- Ward Emotes: While less common, some emotes can be linked to ward skins, offering unique visual effects when a ward is placed.
The Purpose of Emotes
While emotes are purely cosmetic and do not provide any gameplay advantage, they serve several important functions:
- Communication: Emotes can be used to communicate intentions, acknowledge good plays, or express frustration (though excessive use can be considered toxic).
- Team Spirit: Celebrating a successful play with your team using emotes can boost morale and foster a sense of camaraderie.
- Personalization: Emotes allow players to express their individual style and personality within the game.
- Taunting/Banter: Some players use emotes to playfully taunt opponents after a successful outplay, adding to the competitive banter. However, it's important to use these responsibly to avoid excessive toxicity.
Understanding how to effectively and appropriately use emotes can enhance your overall League of Legends experience by adding a rich layer of social interaction to the strategic gameplay.
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