In a statement last year, Riot Games‘ League of Legends Game Director, Andrei van Roon, hinted that “2025 will change League forever.” This bold declaration has sparked widespread speculation and discussion among the League of Legends community about what these changes might entail. With recent clarifications and additional insights, we have a better understanding of the direction Riot may be taking the game. Here’s a deep dive into what these changes could mean for one of the world’s most popular esports titles.
Read more about the latest update to the game here.
The Vision Behind the Change
Riot’s statement emphasized several core principles: “Fun over Fair,” “Change over Inertia,” and “Journey over Destination.” These ideas suggest a shift in how the game is developed and experienced. The “Fun over Fair” principle, for example, raised concerns about balance, particularly in ranked modes. However, Riot has clarified that while fairness remains critical for competitive modes, other game modes like ARAM or the new Arena mode might prioritize fun, even at the cost of strict balance.
Riot’s approach is rooted in the idea that gaming should be an enjoyable experience above all. This means that while competitive integrity will be maintained in ranked play, there may be more flexibility in casual modes, allowing for overpowered champions or wild gameplay changes that might not be “fair” but are undeniably fun.
Speculation on What 2025 Will Bring
The most intriguing part of Riot’s statement is the claim that “2025 will change League forever.” This has led to rampant speculation about what exactly this could mean for the future of the game. Here are some of the most popular theories:
- League of Legends 2.0: One of the most discussed possibilities is a major overhaul of the game, akin to what we’ve seen with Counter-Strike 2 or Overwatch 2. This could involve a new engine, improved graphics, and modernized gameplay mechanics. Such an update might also integrate technology from Wild Rift, Riot’s mobile version of League, bringing features like 3D champion models and a more streamlined client experience.
- Visual and Technical Overhaul: Another theory is that Riot might finally move away from supporting older, less powerful PCs (often referred to as “potato PCs”). By upgrading the game’s graphics and engine, Riot could modernize League of Legends, making it more appealing to new players while giving the game a much-needed facelift.
- Enhanced Client and Features: Riot could introduce a completely new client, addressing long-standing community complaints about the current one. This might include better performance, more features, and a more intuitive user interface, all aimed at improving the overall player experience.
- Major Gameplay Reworks: Riot has a history of reworking champions and game systems, and 2025 could see this taken to the next level. Whether it’s a complete rework of the jungle, updates to older champions like Ryze, or even the introduction of entirely new gameplay systems, significant changes could be on the horizon.
Community Reactions and Expectations
The League of Legends community has been buzzing with ideas and expectations for these upcoming changes. Some fans are hopeful for a new client, while others joke about the possibility of “Yumi 2” or a $1,200 skin. More serious suggestions include dropping support for outdated systems, which would allow the game to evolve technically and visually.
Many players are drawing parallels to other major game updates, such as Fortnite’s chapter changes or the complete overhaul seen in games like Counter-Strike 2. However, given Riot’s history of taking several years to update specific champions, there is skepticism about how quickly these changes could be implemented on a larger scale.
What Would You Like to See in 2025?
As Riot continues to develop and refine its plans for League of Legends, the community remains eager to see how these changes will shape the future of the game. Will it be a complete overhaul, or will we see incremental improvements that collectively transform the game? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: 2025 is set to be a landmark year for League of Legends.
