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League of Legends Battle Pass Overhaul

league of legends battle pass
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Riot Games has announced a major overhaul to League of Legends’ battle pass and free reward systems, sparking intense discussions among players. The changes aim to streamline the progression system, make rewards consistent throughout the year, and offer guaranteed prestige skins for pass purchasers. However, these updates have also introduced significant concerns, especially for free-to-play players. Let’s dive into the details, controversies, and what this means for the game.

Key Changes to the Battle Pass System

Riot’s new battle pass system will replace the traditional event token shop and other reward systems with a unified, year-long progression track. Here are the highlights:

  • Consistent Battle Pass Availability: The new system ensures a battle pass is always active, with no downtime between events.
  • Unified Progression System: Progress from honor, mastery, and gameplay will contribute to the battle pass levels.
  • Guaranteed Prestige Skins: Players who purchase the pass will automatically receive the associated prestige skin upon completion.
  • Removal of Event Tokens and Token Shop: The token shop is being removed, meaning players won’t have the option to choose rewards like orbs, Mythic Essence, or chromas.
  • Limited Mythic Essence: Mythic Essence will now only be available through the new Ancient Sparks system, which has low drop rates.
  • Extended Pass Duration: Battle passes will now last across four patches, approximately double the current duration.

Free-to-Play Players: Fewer Rewards, More Restrictions

The revamp introduces several changes that directly impact free-to-play players:

  • Fewer Skin Shards and Chests: Free-to-play players will have reduced opportunities to earn skin shards or legendary skins through gameplay.
  • No More Mastery or Weekly S Chests: Mastery chests will no longer be available, and Riot has not announced a return of the weekly S-grade chests.
  • No Rerolling System for Free Players: While skin shards will remain in inventories, acquiring new ones without spending money will become almost impossible.

The Ancient Sparks System

A key addition to the battle pass is the Ancient Sparks system, a form of lootbox mechanic where players can gamble for Mythic Essence. Here are the details:

  • Players receive three Ancient Sparks per battle pass.
  • Mythic Essence drop rates are extremely low:
    • 50% chance to earn five Mythic Essence.
    • 10% chance to earn 10 Mythic Essence.
    • Less than 2% chance to earn higher amounts.
  • Mythic Essence will no longer be a guaranteed reward for completing passes, making the system feel like a significant downgrade.

Pros and Cons of the New System

Pros:

  1. Year-Long Progression: Always having an active battle pass eliminates event downtimes.
  2. Guaranteed Prestige Skins: No more grinding or choosing between rewards—you get the prestige skin automatically.
  3. Simplified System: Streamlined design makes the progression system easier to understand.
  4. Improved XP System: Daily and weekly missions will provide consistent opportunities for progression.
  5. Better for Casual Players: Daily missions make it easier for players with limited time to keep up.

Cons:

  1. Reduced Free Rewards: No more tokens, chromas, or consistent skin shard opportunities for free-to-play players.
  2. Mythic Essence Nerf: Mythic Essence availability is now tied to low-probability loot drops, limiting its accessibility.
  3. Longer Grind: Extended pass durations require players to play more games to reach completion.
  4. Forced Rewards: Players must take the prestige skin, even if they don’t play the associated champion.
  5. Elimination of Choice: Removal of the token shop means players lose the ability to choose rewards that matter to them.
  6. Less Valuable Pass: Unlike systems like Fortnite’s, which refund in-game currency, the new pass provides no RP back.

Community Reactions and Censorship Concerns

The League of Legends community has voiced significant backlash over these changes, with many posts on Reddit and other forums criticizing the system as a “nerf” to free-to-play players. Some notable points of contention include:

  • Posts highlighting reduced free rewards and the removal of chests were reportedly removed from the main subreddit.
  • Players feel the new system prioritizes monetization at the expense of player choice and engagement.
  • Discussions around the low value of the new Mythic Essence system have further fueled discontent.

What’s Next for League of Legends Players?

The changes to the battle pass system are set to roll out in 2024. While Riot has emphasized the benefits for casual players, the removal of options and reduced free rewards have left many dedicated fans feeling alienated. As players wait for more details, the future of the revamped system hinges on Riot’s willingness to adapt to community feedback.

There will be some changes as we’ve been told by Riot to the battle pass. Keep an eye our on our website, LoLNOW.gg, we’ll keep you updated!

Frequently Asked Questions about the New League of Legends Battle Pass

When does the new battle pass system start?

The new battle pass system will be introduced in 2024, with more details expected closer to launch.

Will free-to-play players still get rewards?

Yes, but rewards will be significantly reduced compared to the current system. Free players will no longer earn tokens, and opportunities for skin shards and chests will be limited.

What is the Ancient Sparks system?

Ancient Sparks are a new lootbox mechanic introduced in the battle pass. They offer a chance to earn Mythic Essence, though drop rates are low.

Can I still reroll skin shards as a free-to-play player?

No. While existing skin shards will remain in your inventory, acquiring new ones through free-to-play methods will no longer be possible.

Will Mastery chests still be available?

No, Riot has announced that Mastery chests will be removed under the new system.

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