Season 1 Reveal, Gameplay Preview & Ranked Resets | Dev Update - League of Legends

Summary

In the final Dev Update of 2024, Riot Games reveals exciting changes coming to *League of Legends* in 2025. The update highlights Viktor’s visual and gameplay overhaul to match his transformation in *Arcane*, along with the introduction of thematic Seasons that immerse players in different regions, starting with Noxus. Key gameplay updates include Feats of Strength, Nexus turret respawns, and a new jungle monster, Atakhan. The reward system is being simplified with a revamped Battle Pass, and there are adjustments to ranked resets and new gameplay modes like Swiftplay. Overall, the changes promise a more immersive and strategic experience for players.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Viktor's Visual and Gameplay Update**: Viktor is getting a visual update to align with his portrayal in *Arcane*, including changes to his backstory and ultimate ability, which now grows stronger with each kill.
• 😀 **Arcane Spoilers**: The update includes spoilers for *Arcane*, including changes to Viktor's gameplay and skins, with a price increase for Prototype Viktor from 520 RP to 750 RP after the update.
• 😀 **Introduction of Thematic Seasons**: Starting in 2025, *League of Legends* will feature seasonal content focusing on specific regions of Runeterra, with each season having its own theme and overarching narrative.
• 😀 **Season One Focus: Noxus**: The first season will dive into Noxus, with new gameplay elements like Noxian-themed boot upgrades, Feats of Strength objectives, and Nexus turret respawning.
• 😀 **Feats of Strength Mechanic**: Teams can earn Noxian-themed boots by completing early-game objectives like First Blood and First Tower, promoting early game success without unbalancing the game.
• 😀 **Atakhan, Bringer of Ruin**: A new epic jungle monster that spawns at 20 minutes, influenced by player actions. Atakhan has two forms—Ruinous and Voracious—each offering different challenges and rewards.
• 😀 **Ranked System Reset Change**: *League* is moving to a single **annual ranked reset** at the start of each year, with no mid-year resets. Players can earn Victorious skins by winning 15 ranked games each season.
• 😀 **Swiftplay Mode**: A new low-stakes mode, Swiftplay, will replace Quickplay in select regions. It focuses on strategic elements with less punishment for being behind, making it ideal for casual play with friends.
• 😀 **Multiplayer Practice Tool**: The Practice Tool is getting a multiplayer update to allow 1v1 duels and team drills with friends. This experimental feature will be available on the PBE soon.
• 😀 **Battle Pass System Overhaul**: The Battle Pass will replace the Event Pass system. It will feature both free and paid tracks, offering rewards based on seasonal themes and simplifying the loot and crafting system.
• 😀 **Simplified Reward System**: The update consolidates scattered reward systems into the Battle Pass, making it easier to track progress. The system will include rewards like skins, honor, and champion mastery all in one place.

Q & A

What updates are being made to Viktor in 2025?

Viktor is receiving visual, audio, and backstory updates to reflect his evolution in the Arcane series. His ultimate will now grow in power with each kill, mirroring the growing storm effect seen in the show. Prototype Viktor's skin price will also increase from 520 RP to 750 RP.

How will the new seasonal structure in League of Legends work?

In 2025, League will feature three thematic Seasons, each lasting about 8 patches. These Seasons will have their own themes, and an overarching narrative will connect them. The content in each Season, including champions, skins, and gameplay updates, will be tied to the Season's theme.

What is the theme for Season 1 in 2025?

Season 1 of 2025 will be focused on **Noxus**, a powerful and militaristic region in Runeterra known for its strength, domination, and cloak-and-dagger magic.

What is the new 'Feats of Strength' mechanic?

The Feats of Strength mechanic rewards teams for achieving certain early-game objectives, like first blood or first tower. If your team completes two of the three Feats, your tier 2 boots will upgrade, and you will unlock powerful Noxian-themed boots.

How will Nexus turrets work in the 2025 update?

Nexus turrets will now respawn after a set time once destroyed, allowing teams a chance to mount a comeback if they've lost their turrets late in the game.

Can you explain the changes to the jungle with the addition of Atakhan?

Atakhan is a new epic jungle monster that spawns at 20 minutes, depending on which side of the map has seen the most action. Defeating Atakhan grants Bloody Petals that provide team-wide buffs. Atakhan has two forms: Ruinous, which offers powerful rewards for close-up combat, and Voracious, which gives a rebirth buff when defeated.

How will the reward system be changing in 2025?

The reward system will be simplified with a focus on the Battle Pass. Each Season will have a free and paid track, with rewards consolidated in one place. Players will earn up to 12 skins per year, and there will be fewer random rewards. Honor and Champion Mastery will also feed into the pass.

What is Swiftplay, and how does it differ from other modes?

Swiftplay is a new lower-stakes mode replacing Quickplay. It maintains core elements of Summoner’s Rift but with more competitive and strategic elements. It features ramping gold and XP, making it easier for teams behind to catch up, and is ideal for casual play with friends without risking LP.

What changes are being made to the Practice Tool in 2025?

The Practice Tool is being updated to allow multiplayer features. This will enable players to practice with friends or teammates in one-on-one duels or full teamfights. This is an experimental feature currently on PBE, with the aim of a full rollout in January 2025.

How will patch names change in 2025?

Patch names will now reflect the season and year, rather than using the traditional numbering system. For example, instead of Patch 15.1, it will be named Patch 25.S1.1, with the 'S' standing for the current Season.