With the introduction of patch 14.24, Riot Games launched Sanctum, a gacha-based loot system in League of legends. This new system is designed to distribute Exalted Skins and Mythic Variants, offering highly exclusive cosmetics through a randomized process. However, the implementation has sparked discussions about monetization, fairness, and accessibility. Let’s dive into the mechanics of Sanctum, how it works, and whether it truly benefits the players.
What is Sanctum in League of Legends?
Sanctum is a gacha-based loot system found in the League of Legends client under the Loot tab. It serves as the exclusive way to obtain Exalted Skins and Mythic Variants, replacing previous event-based acquisition methods. Players can spend Ancient Sparks, a unique currency, to pull for rewards in rotating banners.
Unlike traditional in-game purchases, Sanctum operates with a luck-based system, meaning players aren’t guaranteed the rewards they desire unless they reach pity thresholds (which we’ll cover later). This system mirrors mechanics seen in mobile gacha games, making it a significant shift from Riot’s previous monetization strategies.
Ancient Sparks: The Core Currency of Sanctum
Ancient Sparks are the currency required to participate in the Sanctum gacha pulls. Here’s how they work:
- Each Ancient Spark costs 400 RP (~$3.00 per pull).
- Ancient Sparks do not expire, meaning players can save them for future skins.
- Players can purchase up to 250 Sparks per day, which amounts to 100,000 RP (~$750).
- Unlike traditional RP purchases, Ancient Sparks can only be used for Sanctum pulls.
This limited-use currency is intended to encourage repeated purchases, as it locks high-value cosmetics behind randomized rewards rather than direct transactions.
How Prizes Are Distributed in Sanctum
Sanctum follows a tiered loot system, dividing prizes into S-Tier, A-Tier, and B-Tier categories:
- S-Tier (0.5% drop rate) – Exalted Skins or Mythic Variants (the rarest and most desirable items).
- A-Tier (10% total drop rate) – Legendary and Epic Skins, exclusive chromas, and profile banners.
- B-Tier (89.5% total drop rate) – Mythic Essence, profile icons, and emotes.
Because the vast majority of rewards fall into the B-Tier category, players are far more likely to receive minor cosmetic items or Mythic Essence rather than the skins they actually want.
Pool Types & Pity System
Sanctum has two separate loot pools, each functioning independently:
- Exalted Skins Pool
- Guarantees a skin every 80 pulls (32,000 RP / ~$250).
- Includes highly exclusive, luxury-tier cosmetics.
- Mythic Variant Pool
- Guarantees a skin every 40 pulls (16,000 RP / ~$125).
- Features alternate versions of existing Legendary skins with new VFX, SFX, and animations.
What is “Pity” in Sanctum?
Pity is a mechanic that guarantees an S-Tier reward if a player reaches a certain number of pulls without obtaining one. This means that while drops are random, Riot ensures that no player will go infinitely unlucky. However, because Exalted and Mythic Variant banners are separate, progress on one banner does not carry over to the other.
Additionally, A-Tier rewards have bad-luck protection, ensuring that players receive one every 10 pulls (4,000 RP / ~$30).
Exalted Skins: Ultra-Premium Cosmetics
Exalted Skins are Riot’s answer to “luxury-tier” cosmetics, meant to push the boundaries of in-game design. These skins include:
- Multiple transformation forms (akin to Ultimate skins).
- Exclusive visual and sound effects tailored to the champion’s fantasy.
- Limited availability, meaning they cannot be obtained via crafting or rerolls.
Notable Exalted Skins:
| Skin Name | Champion | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Arcane Fractured Jinx | Jinx | Dec 11, 2024 |
| Radiant Serpent Sett | Sett | Jan 9, 2025 |
Each Exalted Skin comes with additional items, such as:
- Exclusive Icons
- Unique Emotes
- Custom Profile Borders
These skins are time-limited, meaning that if you miss them, they may not return.
Mythic Variants: Alternate Versions of Legendary Skins
Mythic Variants are essentially remixed versions of existing Legendary skins, featuring:
- New animations, voice lines, and special effects.
- Custom splash art, icons, and borders.
- Limited-time exclusivity (only available in the Sanctum).
Notable Mythic Variant Skins:
| Skin Name | Champion | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum Galaxy Slayer Zed | Zed | Feb 20, 2025 |
These skins, while not as extravagant as Exalted Skins, are still premium-tier cosmetics that cost at least 16,000 RP (~$125) to guarantee.
Is the Sanctum System Fair?
Pros:
✅ Guaranteed pity system ensures that no one is infinitely unlucky.
✅ Highly detailed skins with unique designs and effects.
✅ Non-expiring currency (Ancient Sparks) allows players to save over time.
Cons:
❌ Exalted and Mythic banners are separate, forcing players to choose.
❌ No way to acquire these skins outside of the Sanctum.
❌ Expensive – up to $250 per Exalted Skin.
❌ Riot has removed previous free skin methods like Hextech Chests.*
Sanctum represents a significant shift in Riot’s monetization, moving League of Legends further into gacha territory. While some players enjoy the thrill of randomized pulls, many feel that the system prioritizes monetization over accessibility.
*Riot Addresses Hextech Chests
Final Thoughts: Is Sanctum Worth It?
Whether Sanctum is worth engaging with depends on your spending habits. If you are a dedicated collector willing to spend hundreds of dollars, Sanctum offers some of the highest-quality skins ever designed for League. However, if you are a casual player hoping to get these skins through gameplay, the system offers little to no alternative means of earning them.
With Riot now fully embracing gacha mechanics, the future of League of Legends cosmetics may continue to move toward higher-priced, exclusive content locked behind randomized systems. Whether this benefits the game long-term remains to be seen.
For more updates on League of Legends skins, updates, and monetization changes, stay tuned to LoLNOW.gg—your go-to source for everything League.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanctum in League of Legends
What is the Sanctum in League of Legends?
Sanctum is a gacha-based loot system introduced in Patch 14.24, allowing players to acquire Exalted Skins and Mythic Variants using Ancient Sparks.
How do I get Ancient Sparks?
Ancient Sparks can be purchased for 400 RP each and do not expire. Players can buy up to 250 Sparks per day (100,000 RP).
What are Exalted Skins in League of Legends?
Exalted Skins are ultra-premium cosmetics with multiple transformation forms, unique VFX, and exclusive sound effects. They are only available through the Sanctum.
What are Mythic Variants?
Mythic Variants are alternative versions of existing Legendary skins with updated animations, sound effects, and splash art. They can only be obtained through the Sanctum.
How does the pity system work in Sanctum?
Exalted Skins are guaranteed every 80 pulls (32,000 RP), while Mythic Variants are guaranteed every 40 pulls (16,000 RP).
Can I use RP directly to buy Exalted or Mythic Variant Skins?
No, these skins can only be acquired through the Sanctum by spending Ancient Sparks on gacha-style pulls.
Are Sanctum skins permanent?
No, Exalted Skins and Mythic Variants are only available for a limited time through their respective banners.
Is the Sanctum system fair?
The system guarantees rewards through pity mechanics, but it is expensive and relies on luck, making it controversial among players.
Can I earn Ancient Sparks through gameplay?
No, Ancient Sparks can only be obtained by purchasing them with RP.
Are Exalted Skins and Mythic Variants worth the price?
It depends on the player. These skins offer exclusive designs and high-quality animations, but they are among the most expensive cosmetics in League of Legends.
