Matchmaking, Seasons in 2025 & More | Dev Update - League of Legends

Summary

In the latest Dev Update, Riot Games discusses various topics including the future of game modes Arena and Swarm, with Arena returning next year and Swarm's potential future. Matchmaking improvements are highlighted, with a focus on autofill balance and testing of TrueSkill2. Teemo receives an art and audio update, with select skins' prices increasing. Worlds 2025 details are revealed, including the return of Pick'Ems and a new Global Power Rankings feature. League Player Days celebrates the community with themed days and special skins, with proceeds supporting the Social Impact Fund. Lastly, Season 2025 is teased with three thematic seasons, each featuring a new champion and gameplay updates.

Takeaways

• 📅 **Dev Update Date**: The update is from September 10th, covering topics up to that date.
• 🎮 **Modes Update**: Arena will not be made permanent but will return in the first half of next year with improvements. Swarm is also not permanent and its future is under consideration.
• 🔄 **Ultimate Spellbook**: It's coming back as the next rotating game mode, already on PBE and launching in the next patch.
• 🆕 **ARAM Update**: ARAM will receive some attention before the end of the year, though specifics are not detailed yet.
• 🎲 **Matchmaking Improvements**: Negative LP states have been resolved, and autofill balance has improved significantly.
• 👾 **Teemo Update**: Teemo is getting an art and audio update in patch 14.20, with no gameplay changes. Certain skins will increase in cost due to quality improvements.
• 🎶 **Worlds 2025**: The tournament starts on September 25th in Berlin, with various stages in different cities, and new features like Global Power Rankings.
• 🎉 **League Player Days**: A celebration of players' journeys, with themed days, missions for in-game content, and special skins.
• 💰 **Social Impact Fund**: Proceeds from the purchase of certain skins during Player Days will go to the Riot Games Social Impact Fund, with a 3x match from Riot.
• 🌟 **Season 2025**: League Seasons will have three distinct thematic seasons each with a new champion and gameplay updates, aiming to enhance the end-game experience.

Q & A

What is the current status of Arena as a game mode?

Arena will not be made permanent. Although it was popular, there was a significant drop-off in engagement after two months. It is planned to return in the first half of the next year with quality of life improvements and new augments.

What was the initial intention for Swarm as a game mode?

Swarm was never intended to be a permanent game mode. Despite surpassing Star Guardian and Odyssey in player engagement, there is no current decision on its return.

What is the next Rotating Game Mode after Swarm?

The next Rotating Game Mode is Ultimate Spellbook, which is already on PBE and will be released in the next patch.

What is being planned for ARAM by the end of the year?

While ARAM hasn't received much focus this year, the Modes team is cooking up something fresh for it by the end of the year.

What matchmaking issues have been addressed this year?

The issue of accounts entering negative LP states has been resolved, and significant improvements have been made to autofill balance, reducing games with a discrepancy of 2 or more autofill players to less than 0.1%.

What is the plan for improving matchmaking further?

The team will work on situations where one team has an autofilled player and the other doesn’t, especially in high MMR where the impact is greater. They are also evaluating the TrueSkill2 system for better new account placement and smurf detection.

What is included in Teemo’s art and audio update?

The update in patch 14.20 includes updated visuals, audio, animations, and splash art for Teemo. The cost of his Happy Elf, Recon, and Badger skins will increase to 750 RP due to the increased quality.

How can players get Teemo’s updated skins at a cheaper price before the update goes live?

Players can purchase Teemo’s Happy Elf, Recon, and Badger skins for 520 RP until the update goes live.

When and where is Worlds 2025 taking place?

Worlds 2025 starts on September 25 with Play-Ins in Berlin, followed by Quarterfinals and Semifinals in Paris, and the Finals in London.

What new features are being introduced for Worlds 2025?

Worlds 2025 brings back Pick’Ems and introduces 'Global Power Rankings' to help fans get up to speed on teams and regions.

What is the significance of League Player Days?

League Player Days is a celebration of players' journeys over the last 15 years, with themed days focusing on creativity, music, and esports, featuring stories, missions, and special skins.

How will League Seasons evolve in 2025?

In 2025, League Seasons will have three distinct thematic seasons, each with its own narrative, progression, and content updates, including a new champion and gameplay updates.