How to Get Key Fragments in League of Legends – A Complete Guide
Image Credit: Riot Games, League of Legends
In League of Legends key fragments are an important part of the Hextech crafting system, allowing players to unlock Hextech chests and get some [free] loot like skins, emotes, and champion shards, but getting key fragments isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. For players who want to get as much loot as possible (who doesn’t want more skins?), knowing how key fragments drop and what impacts their availability is pretty important. Below we’ve made a guide to getting key fragments, along with tips to make the most of each fragment:
1. Winning Games and Receiving Honors
Probably the primary ways to earn key fragments in League of Legends is by winning games while receiving Honor from your teammates. The Honor system rewards players who show good sportsmanship and teamwork (which makes sense since key fragments are part of the Hextech system designed to reward positive behavior).
How It Works: After a match, teammates can honor each other for being helpful, showing leadership, or staying cool under pressure. When you receive Honor after a game you’ve won there’s a chance you’ll be rewarded with key fragments.
Why It Matters: Receiving Honor not only brings key fragments but also progresses your Honor level, which can increase the number of fragments you receive over time. Consistently positive behavior makes it more likely you’ll receive key fragments regularly.
Tip: Focus on playing as a team player—whether that’s calling out enemy positions, offering help to your teammates, or simply staying positive during challenging games (which is one of the best things you can do in ranked matches). Positive behavior will often result in more honors, which in turn means more chances at key fragments.
2. Leveling Up Your Honor Rank for Better Fragment Rewards
As you receive Honor from your teammates you will also make progress toward higher Honor levels. Starting at Honor Level 2 you’ll unlock additional rewards including increased key fragment drop rates and special Honor capsules containing fragments.
Honor Levels: There are several Honor levels, starting at Level 2 and progressing to higher tiers. As you move up in levels, you’ll receive Honor Orbs and capsules with more fragments.
Leveling Tips: Play consistently and avoid penalties, as negative behavior like leaving games or receiving reports can drop your Honor level. Higher Honor levels reward you with Honor Capsules, which can contain multiple key fragments at once.
Rising through the Honor levels gives you access to more fragments and makes you eligible for exclusive rewards and skins later in the season.
3. Participating in Events for Bonus Key Fragments
On occasion League of Legends hosts events that provide extra key fragments as part of the rewards. These events might include missions that, when completed, reward you with fragments, chests, or even whole keys at a time.
Types of Events: Examples include annual events like Lunar Revel, Spirit Blossom, and World Championships. These events generally feature missions and challenges where key fragments are part of the rewards.
Event Missions: Keep an eye on your missions tab during these events, as completing the right missions can give you additional fragments without impacting your monthly cap.
Participating in events is a great way to boost your key fragment collection. Make it a habit to check the in-game event announcements so you don’t miss out on easy rewards (something I have unfortunately done myself in the past).
4. Avoiding Penalties That Block Fragment Drops
Key fragments are tied closely to the Honor system, so if you receive penalties for negative behavior you’ll lose access to Honor rewards until you restore your standing. These penalties include things like being reported for negative behavior or receiving bans or chat restrictions (so be careful; the automated report system these days can pick up on things very quickly).
Impact of Penalties: If you receive a penalty you’ll lose access to key fragments as well as Honor level rewards. This can significantly slow down your ability to earn fragments, so maintaining a clean record is key.
Getting Back on Track: If you’re penalized, work on rebuilding your Honor level by playing games and showing positive behavior (or honestly just turning off the chat completely). Over time you’ll regain access to fragments as your Honor level improves.
Tip: Stay focused on good sportsmanship even during frustrating games. Losing access to fragments can feel like a setback, especially when you’re working toward unlocking loot, so keep your Honor level as high as you can.
5. Opening Honor Capsules for Bonus Fragments
Once you reach Honor Level 3 and beyond you’ll begin receiving Honor Capsules as rewards throughout the season. These capsules are special loot items that contain multiple key fragments along with other rewards.
What’s Inside: Honor Capsules often contain two to three key fragments, along with champion shards and sometimes exclusive skins. These capsules are a great way to boost your fragment count, and they come as a reward for consistently high Honor levels.
How to Earn Capsules: Continue receiving Honor and avoid penalties to reach Honor Levels 3 and above. The higher your level, the more likely you are to earn Honor Capsules as part of the seasonal rewards.
Honor Capsules can pretty significantly add to your fragment count, especially if you’re dedicated to keeping your Honor level high throughout the entire season.
6. Understanding the Monthly Fragment Cap
With all of that said, Riot Games has unfortunately placed a monthly cap on the number of key fragments you can earn, meaning there’s a limit to how many fragments you can gather in a given month. The cap usually allows for up to 12 fragments per month, which reset at the start of each new calendar month.
Why the Cap Exists: The limit is there to balance the game’s loot system, encouraging consistent play without giving too many rewards too quickly (aka they want you to spend real money, if we are being honest here).
Timing Your Drops: Because of this cap it’s wise to keep track of how many fragments you’re getting. If you notice a decrease in fragment drops it’s likely you’ve hit your cap for the month.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Key Fragments in League of Legends
Focusing on teamwork, building up your Honor level, and staying alert to events and missions will help you earn fragments at a steady pace. Just remember to keep track of your monthly cap, avoid penalties, and take advantage of special events for extra rewards. With our tips you’ll be unlocking chests and reaping the benefits of Hextech crafting in no time.
P.S. Support players are the most noble and honorable of all players. Be sure to show them some extra respect! #supportlife
Read More
