Riot Games’ popular MOBA game League of Legends is bringing its long-awaited new season to players as of 9 January 2025. With this major update full of new content, updated game mechanics and surprise themes, the gameplay experience seems to be almost rewritten. Now let’s take a look at what awaits us together.
Noxus Themed Map
The first of the most striking changes is a brand new identity for Summoner’s Vale. The bleak and harsh world of Noxus will dominate the visual design. From the tower’s architecture to the minions’ armour, every detail is designed to reflect the Noxus universe. In this new season, the map as well as the in-game shops will be inspired by Noxus. Riot Games aims to integrate other regions in the League of Legends universe into the game in a similar way in the coming seasons.
Atakhan: A New Threat in Summoner’s Valley
Atakhan, the new jungle monster added to the game, is a candidate to deeply affect team fights. Until the 14th minute, whichever lane has more points and damage, Atakhan heads there and appears on the map at the 20th minute. There are two different versions of this monster:
- Atakhan the Destroyer: He appears in more active, high-scoring matches. When slain, it will give the team a special advantage called Bloody Leaves and additional experience.
- Exploitative Atakhan: Appearing in calmer matches, this version offers a single-use respawn opportunity to the slaughtering team. This allows for a quick return to the game with no cooldown.
Feats of Power: New Mechanic to Change the Dynamics of the Game
In the new season, we encounter a system called ‘Shows of Power’ where strategic moves will be rewarded. This system rewards achievements such as first blood, first tower, and capturing the first three large forest creatures (epic beasts). When the same team achieves at least two of these achievements, they will automatically receive a boot buff. Offering different bonuses for each boot type, these power-ups can bring a whole new dimension to the game’s tempo and tactics.
Different Strategies with New Runes
Riot Games aims to add depth to the game with four different runes in the new season.
- Axiom Master: Designed for those who want to put pressure on their opponent with their ultimate. It strengthens the damage, shield, and healing of the ultimate, while reducing the cooldown when you score or assist.
- Deep Totem: The durability and active duration of the totems you throw increases. It will be especially useful for support and jungle players.
- Sixth Sense: Gives the ability to mark the location of the opponent’s totems. As the level increases, it also offers the chance to temporarily destroy the totems.
- Bitter Memory: Provides additional Vitality Speed when you defeat enemy champions, which can stack and increase. On the ARAM map, the ultimate works as a cooldown-related advantage.
Rebirth of the Centre Towers
For some time in Summoner’s Rift, only inhibitors have been respawning after a certain amount of time. Starting from the new season, the two centre towers in front of the Nexus will also regenerate after a while. This will increase the chances of disadvantaged teams to hold on to the game and provide more defence options against backdoor raids.
Continuous Rewards with Event Pass
The Battle Pass system, which has become popular in many games, will also be activated for League of Legends. Renewed every 8 weeks, this event ticket comes with two different options, paid and free. To unlock new costumes, symbols and in-game units, simply complete the missions offered by these tickets.
Teleportation Balance Update
The teleport spell, often used to apply pressure in the early game, is also changing. In the new system, teleporting is slightly slower and all players will be able to visually recognise when you reach your target. In addition, the ability to kill targeted minions while taking no damage while teleporting will diversify the tactical scenarios in the game.
Expanded Training Mode
Training Mode, where you can practise alone, now becomes a space you can experience with your friends. You can develop special playstyles by customising cooldowns to your liking, or have fun tactical battles in a short amount of time with unlimited gold.
The new season of League of Legends is upon us with sweeping changes and innovations that will completely change the meta balance of the game. Starting on 9 January 2025, this adventure seems to offer a very dynamic environment for both experienced players and newcomers to the game. With team strategy, map tracking and correct rune preferences, let’s see who will be the winner of this new era.
