October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Record League of Legends Matches When Replays Aren’t Available

Riot Highlights can save clips from an available replay. For future League of Legends games, configure OBS before playing; expired replays cannot be recreated as video with these methods.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If the match is still in your League of Legends Match History, try downloading and watching its replay in the client; you can record selected moments as Riot Highlights. If the replay has expired after a patch update, the available guidance does not provide a way to recreate that match as video. To save games you play from now on, set up a gameplay recorder such as OBS before starting.

First, check whether the match still has a replay

Riot says replays can be downloaded from the end-of-game screen or Match History. Look for the match in the client and try its replay option promptly. A replay is not a permanent video archive: Riot Support explains that “Replays last for the length of a patch cycle, meaning they’ll expire once you patch up.” Riot’s Replays FAQ & Pro-Tips

A replay file lets you watch the match in the League client; it is distinct from a rendered video file. If the replay is no longer available, the sources here do not document a way to recover footage of that past match. Recording software must be running to capture gameplay, so it can help preserve future games, not reconstruct a match that has already disappeared.

Record a clip from an available replay with Riot Highlights

If the replay opens, use the in-client recording control while watching: start recording before the moment you want, then stop when you have captured it. Riot calls these saved clips Highlights. They are saved as WEBM video files; Riot gives the Windows-style location as C:UsersDocumentsLeagueofLegendsHighlights. The guidance describes selected clips, not an automatic full-match video archive. Riot’s Replays FAQ & Pro-Tips

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
  • 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
  • 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
  • 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
  • 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
  • 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.

After recording, check the Highlights folder for the WEBM file. The stated path is for Windows and should not be assumed to apply to macOS.

Set up OBS to capture matches you play in the future

OBS captures the client and active game as they appear on screen; it is separate from Riot’s replay system. In its League-specific guide, OBS recommends using one source for the lobby and another for gameplay, then switching scenes automatically or manually. Its instructions are written for Windows process names and apply to OBS version 31.1 or later; the guide is dated July 15, 2025. OBS League of Legends setup guide

Rank #2
Sale
Elgato 4K S Capture Card for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
  • 4K60 Capture: Record in cinematic quality with crisp detail and vivid colors
  • HFR Support: Play and capture in 1440p120 or 1080p240
  • HDR10 Support: Capture brilliant HDR content with tone mapping on Windows
  • Cross-Platform Compatible: Works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and more
  • Analog Audio In: Capture in-game chat or commentary with 3.5mm input
  1. Create a lobby scene. Add a Window Capture source for the League client process, LeagueClientUx.exe.
  2. Create a gameplay scene. Add a Game Capture source for League of Legends.exe, the active game process.
  3. Choose how to switch scenes. OBS recommends automatic scene switching; you can also switch manually or use hotkeys.
  4. Make a short test recording. Check that the lobby and active match both appear in the recording before relying on the setup for a full game.

The process names in OBS’s guide are Windows-specific. The primary guidance cited here does not establish a complete current macOS capture workflow, so these exact steps should not be treated as cross-platform instructions.

Choose the workflow based on when you need the footage

Situation What to use What you save Coverage and setup
The match is still available in Match History Download and watch the replay in the League client A Riot replay file In-client playback; availability ends when the client patches.
You want a moment from an available replay Riot Highlights while watching the replay A selected clip in WEBM format Start and stop recording around the moment; this is not a promised full-match archive.
You want to save a match you have not played yet OBS configured for the lobby and active game A live capture video Requires configuring capture sources and scene switching before play.
The replay is no longer available No documented recovery workflow in the cited guidance No footage can be recreated through these methods Configure live capture for future matches instead.

Why logs will not recover gameplay footage

Riot’s troubleshooting page describes match and network logs as diagnostic files for investigating technical issues. It does not describe them as video recordings or a way to replay a match. Riot’s logs troubleshooting article

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Capture Card 4K HDMI Video Streaming to USB 3.0 1080P 60FPS Capture Device
  • High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
  • Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
  • Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
  • Low-Latency Performance for Smooth Streaming: This capture card for streaming minimizes delay between gameplay and broadcast, so you get reliable, low-latency capture that works well for competitive gaming, live broadcasts, and podcast sessions. Suitable for those building their channel with high-quality, engaging content
  • Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Advanced option: Riot’s local Replay API

Riot’s Developer Portal documents a local Replay API with controls for playback state, camera and render properties, sequences, and recording. The API is disabled by default; the documentation describes enabling it in game.cfg. This route is intended for developers or advanced capture workflows. For ordinary clip capture, use Riot Highlights; for recording future live matches, follow OBS’s setup guide. Riot Developer Portal: Replay API

Rank #4
acer USB 3.0 HDMI Capture Card, 4K HDMI Loop-Out, 1080P 60Hz for Streaming
  • 【4K Clarity, 1080P Performance】Enjoy stunning clarity with our USB 3.0 Video Capture Card—featuring 4K input and smooth 1080P@60Hz output. Featuring YUY2 technology, it delivers richer colors than MJPEG for lifelike live streaming and recording. Plus, it delivers high-quality video with minimal latency, making it perfect for gamers and content creators.
  • 【Mic-in for Easy Commentary】Plug in a headset or mic directly to stream/record voice easily—no extra adapters. Great for real-time gaming commentary, online classes, or vlog dubbing. Paired with its low-latency tech, it keeps voice synced perfectly with video, eliminating post-editing hassle from mismatched audio-visuals. Fits most 3.5mm devices—ideal for gamers, teachers, creators.
  • 【Plug and Play, no Extra-Drivers】No extra drivers or external power—just plug in and start capturing instantly. Small and lightweight, it fits easily in your bag for outdoor live streams, on-the-go recordings, or emergencies. Ideal for game capture, video conferences, and online teaching, it saves hassle while delivering smooth results.
  • 【Wide Compatibility: Apps & Devices】No extra adapters—works flawlessly with your go-to platforms and gear. It pairs with streaming/recording apps like Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, OBS, XSplit, and VLC, plus devices including Switch/Switch2, PS5/PS4, Xbox, DSLR cameras, PC, macOS, and Android. Whether gaming, streaming, or hosting video calls, it keeps HD quality intact, eliminating "compatibility headaches".
  • 【Worry-Free After-Sales Support】We are committed to delivering exceptional quality products that combine sophisticated design with affordable pricing, offering you the best solutions for seamlessly connecting your work and life. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned user, feel free to reach out anytime with any questions—your satisfaction is our top priority.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.