A New Dawn for League of Legends
Riot Games announces a thrilling start to the 2024 season for League of Legends and LoL Esports. This season marks a new era of gaming and competitive play, loaded with updates, content, and celebrations.
Season 2024: Setting the Stage
Andrei van Roon, Head of League Studio, highlights the season’s significance, especially with League’s 15th birthday in October. The season start is more than just a kickoff; it’s a glimpse into a year filled with groundbreaking content and updates.
Arcane Season 2 and In-Game Synergy
Arcane Season 2 debuts globally in November, bringing with it in-game updates like Arcane-inspired gameplay, a revamped champion, and new skins. Fans can catch a sneak peek on YouTube.
Champion Updates and New Arrivals
- Visual Gameplay Updates: Skarner’s VGU is set for the first half of 2024, followed by updates to an Arcane feature champion and Shyvana.
- New Champion: Smolder, the Fiery Fledgling, hits PBE on January 9, paving the way for a Vastayan mid-range mage.
The Origin of Smolder, the Imperial Dragon
After Noxian beastmasters’ ventures into the fallen kingdom of Camavor, they stumbled upon an imperial dragon hatchling. Named Smolder by a young boy who found him ashore, this hatchling boasts a backstory of loss, adventure, and reunion with his fiery lineage.
Smolder’s Story: A Tale of Fire and Growth
Smolder’s journey begins with a catastrophic fire he accidentally set, leading to a dramatic reunion with his mother. Under her guidance, Smolder is mastering the powers befitting an heir to the Camavoran imperial dragons, showcasing his capability to ignite and control fire.
Unleashing the Dragon: Smolder’s Abilities
- Passive – Dragon Practice: Smolder gains stacks by hitting champions with abilities or killing enemies, enhancing his basic abilities’ damage.
- Q – Super Scorcher Breath: A powerful flame attack that evolves with stacks, leading to area damage, explosions, and health-based true damage.
- W – Achooo!: A sneeze attack that damages and slows enemies, with extra explosions on champion hits.
- E – Flap, Flap, Flap: Smolder takes to the skies, gaining speed and targeting the weakest enemy.
- R – MMOOOMMMM!: A devastating attack from Smolder’s mother, dealing damage and slowing enemies, with a healing bonus for Smolder.
Riot Games’ latest addition to the “League of Legends” champion roster, Smolder the Fiery Fledgling, brings a unique blend of lore, fiery gameplay, and dynamic abilities to the battlefield. Players can look forward to experimenting with this new, versatile champion and mastering his fiery arsenal in Patch 14.3.
Skins Galore in 2024
- New Skins: Rammus and Olaf are in line for 2024 skins.
- Prestige Skins: Look out for Rakan, Ezreal, Kindred, Evelynn, and Kayle.
- Art and Sustainability Updates: Lee Sin in May and a later update for Teemo.
- Upcoming Events: Lunar Revel with Heavenscale and Porcelain skins, plus more from Faerie Court, PROJECT, and Blood Moon.
System Overhauls for a Better Experience
Riot Games focuses on enhancing the Ranked system, tweaking the Champion Mastery system, and introducing Vanguard against bots and cheaters. Expect a fairer, more balanced gameplay environment.
Modes Making a Comeback
- Arena: Returns with more teams, UI improvements, and fresh content.
- URF and One-For-All: Ready for action during Lunar Revel.
- A New Mode: A laid-back, friend-centric gaming experience launching later in the year.
Elevating LoL Esports in 2024
Major changes are coming to MSI and Worlds, including additional slots and a direct Worlds entry for the MSI winner. MSI 2024 will be in Chengdu, China, while Worlds spans Berlin, Paris, and London.
Honoring Legends in Esports
The introduction of the LoL Esports Hall of Legends commemorates those who’ve made significant impacts in the game and community, with inductees selected by an esteemed panel.
Riot Games’ roadmap for 2024 sets the stage for an unforgettable year in “League of Legends” and esports. With a mix of nostalgia and innovation, players and fans alike have much to anticipate in this landmark season.
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Platforms: Microsoft Windows
