How To Unlock Every Champion in Swarm

Swarm, the newest PvE game mode from Riot Games for League of Legends, is approaching its live server debut with exciting fast-paced action and a fresh spin on familiar champions. If you’re wondering how to unlock all Swarm characters, this detailed guide breaks down the current methods based on the Public Beta Environment (PBE). Keep in mind that the final version might include slight changes.

Starting Champions

At the start of your Swarm journey, you’ll have access to two champions right away. These characters are ideal for learning the core mechanics and pacing of the mode. Among them is the ever-popular Jinx, giving players a strong foundation as they face waves of enemies.

How to Unlock Jinx

Jinx is immediately unlocked when you enter Swarm. There’s no need to complete any quests or side missions. She’s ready from the beginning, giving players a fun, high-damage option to start the game.

How to Unlock Seraphine

Seraphine is also one of the starting champions. Her supportive mage playstyle makes her a great pick for co-op or utility-focused runs. While Jinx may outshine her in solo play, Seraphine provides great value in team settings.

Map Related Unlocks

Swarm features four main maps, each ending in a boss battle. Beating a map unlocks the next, and also adds a new champion to your available roster. Your first map is the Warehouse District, featuring a boss fight against Rek’Sai at the 15-minute mark. Complete the map to move forward and gain new characters.

How to Unlock Briar

To unlock Briar, defeat the final boss of the second map called Outskirts. Interestingly, Briar is also the boss herself. Defeating her completes the map and rewards you with her as a playable champion.

How to Unlock Yasuo

Unlock Yasuo by progressing to the Subterranean Lab and defeating its boss, Bel’Veth. This map introduces narrow corridors and tough enemies. Overcoming Bel’Veth gives you access to Yasuo and moves you one step closer to completing the storyline.

The next map is The Beachhead, which unlocks after you complete Subterranean Lab. The final boss here is Aatrox, and defeating him unlocks Matchmaking Island. This island is your entry point to Hard Mode, where the final champions can be unlocked.

Shop and In-Game Quests

Beyond main progression, players can complete various in-game quests and shop-based challenges that unlock additional characters earlier than expected. These are not always visible from the start, so experimenting during matches is key.

How to Unlock Leona

Leona is unlocked by upgrading the Searing Shortbow to level 2. You’ll often find this upgrade during runs on the second or third map. Prioritize collecting every Searing Shortbow and enhancing it to meet the requirement.

How to Unlock Illaoi

To unlock Illaoi, you need to level up the Radiant Field to level 4. This can be done over multiple sessions by focusing on Radiant Field upgrades, helping you secure her as a playable champion.

Hard Mode

After finishing all four maps and unlocking Matchmaking Island, Hard Mode becomes available. Here, you’ll face tougher enemies and new objectives. Only in this mode can you unlock the last three champions.

How to Unlock Aurora

Aurora is unlocked by defeating 25 mini-bosses while playing in Hard Mode. These bosses appear frequently enough that you can meet the requirement within a few solid runs.

How to Unlock Riven

To get Riven, defeat Rek’Sai once again—this time in Hard Mode on the Warehouse District map. It’s a tougher fight than before, so bring your best builds and strategies.

How to Unlock Xayah

Unlock Battle Bat Xayah by completing 20 Bel’Veth missions or trials. These are Hard Mode-specific objectives and may take time and careful execution. Completing them will add Xayah to your list of available characters.

Final Thoughts on Unlocking Every Swarm Character

Mastering how to unlock all Swarm characters takes patience and strategy, especially as difficulty increases with each map and new challenge. From early access to Jinx and Seraphine to completing intense Hard Mode objectives for champions like Aurora and Xayah, Swarm rewards those who explore every corner of the mode. If you’re aiming for full character access, focus on completing missions, upgrading gear, and taking on harder challenges with confidence.