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League Of Legends Progression System Nerfed 2025 | LoLNOW

League of Legends Progression unlock new champion
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Riot Games is facing significant community backlash over recent changes to the League of Legends progression and level-up system. With the release of the new Noxus Battle Pass, players have reported that unlocking new champions for free has become significantly harder, particularly for new players. These changes have sparked widespread discussion, frustration, and criticism on forums and social media, including the official subreddit.

What Has Changed?

Several key features of the progression system that players relied on for champion unlocks and rewards have been removed or altered. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Removal of Level-Up Capsules

  • Previously, players received Champion Shards after leveling up, which could be converted into Blue Essence or used to unlock champions at a discount.
  • Now, after reaching level 30, players receive nothing from leveling up aside from borders every 25 levels.

2. Hextech Chest Rewards Are Gone

  • Players no longer earn Hextech Chests for achieving Mastery milestones. Instead, completing these milestones only provides Battle Pass XP, which doesn’t directly contribute to champion unlocks.

3. First Win of the Day Reward Changes

  • The First Win of the Day bonus previously gave 50 Blue Essence and XP, making it a small but consistent source of progression. This has been replaced with Battle Pass XP, which is less immediately rewarding.

4. Battle Pass Rewards Are Underwhelming

  • The new Noxus Battle Pass, spanning about 8 weeks, provides just three Champion Capsules and a total of 4,750 Blue Essence.
  • Comparatively, past battle passes like the Arcane Pass offered more flexibility and value, including customizable unlock rewards.

5. Repeatable Blue Essence Rewards Are Insufficient

  • After completing the Battle Pass (50 levels), players can earn 50 Blue Essence for every five repeatable levels. This makes grinding for new champions incredibly tedious and inefficient.

The Math Behind the Grind

According to player estimates, under the new system, it will take approximately 882 hours of gameplay to unlock a single champion for free after completing the Battle Pass. Considering that League of Legends currently has 170 champions, and new ones are added each season, this grind is untenable for new players.

Riot representatives have stated that most champions now cost around 3,000 Blue Essence, lower than the traditional 6,300 Blue Essence price tag. However, with the removal of old progression systems, even this average pricing doesn’t balance out the increased difficulty of earning Blue Essence.

For a new player, it would take an estimated 6 years to unlock every champion under the current system, assuming they play consistently. This doesn’t account for the release of additional champions during that time.

Community Reactions and Riot’s Response

Player Sentiment

The changes have been poorly received by the community, with numerous posts on Reddit and social media highlighting the negative impact on new players and those who don’t already have a full champion roster. Many players argue that these changes create a significant barrier for new players, particularly those drawn in by external media like the hit Netflix series Arcane.

Riot’s Initial Defense

Riot’s developer “Barack Robama” responded to the criticism, claiming that the changes were intended to benefit casual players who don’t grind the game regularly. He stated that, with reduced champion costs, players could unlock around 30 champions per year. However, this response was heavily downvoted, with players pointing out the math still doesn’t add up given the total number of champions.

A Second Response from Riot

Riot Medler followed up, acknowledging that unlocking new champions was not supposed to become harder and that the team is investigating whether something in the system is not functioning as intended. While this response provided some hope, it did little to quell the frustrations of players who feel the changes are a step backward.

The Bigger Issue: Accessibility for New Players

With 170 champions and more being added every season, the progression system is becoming a daunting barrier for newcomers. For players returning to League after watching Arcane, the slow rate of champion unlocks is likely to feel demotivating. This is particularly concerning as Riot continues to position League of Legends as a game for everyone, including casual audiences.

Some players have suggested that Riot consider making all champions free, as seen in games like Marvel Rivals, which offers a more accessible experience. Given the monetization opportunities Riot already has through skins, events, and battle passes, many argue that champion unlocks shouldn’t feel this restrictive in 2025.

Alternatives for Unlocking Champions

While Riot investigates the backlash, here are some ways players can still gain access to champions more efficiently:

1. PC Game Pass

Linking a League of Legends account to the PC Game Pass grants players access to all champions for free as long as they maintain their subscription. This is an excellent option for new players who want to experience the full roster without the grind.

2. Skipping the Grind

Content creators and streamers often receive free access to champions and skins from Riot as part of their promotional efforts. While this isn’t a viable option for most players, it highlights the disparity between casual players and the benefits given to influencers.

Conclusion: Riot Needs to Reevaluate

The removal of key progression features like level-up capsules, Hextech Chests, and First Win of the Day rewards has significantly hindered the experience for new and returning players. While Riot claims these changes were made to benefit casual players, the math and player feedback suggest otherwise. The reliance on the Battle Pass system for progression feels more limiting than empowering, and the rewards offered in the new Noxus Battle Pass pale in comparison to previous passes.

For a game with such a large roster and deep strategic appeal, Riot needs to address these issues to ensure League of Legends remains accessible to all players. Whether through restoring old systems, offering better Battle Pass rewards, or making champions free altogether, change is necessary to keep the game welcoming and enjoyable.

What do you think about the changes to the leveling and progression system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on social media. Leave a like if you agree, and let’s hope Riot listens to its community soon.

For the latest League of Legends news, check LoLNOW.gg!

Frequently Asked Questions about Riot’s New Progression System

Why did Riot remove level-up capsules?

Riot removed level-up capsules as part of their recent progression system overhaul. Instead of receiving Champion Shards or Blue Essence upon leveling up, players now only receive borders every 25 levels.

How long does it take to unlock a champion for free now?

Under the new system, it is estimated to take approximately 882 hours of gameplay to unlock a single champion for free after completing the Battle Pass.

Why are players upset with the changes to progression?

Players are frustrated because the removal of rewards like level-up capsules, Hextech Chests, and First Win of the Day rewards makes unlocking champions slower and more difficult, particularly for new players.

What does the new Battle Pass offer for champion progression?

The Noxus Battle Pass offers three Champion Capsules and a total of 4,750 Blue Essence over its 8-week duration. Once completed, repeatable levels provide only 50 Blue Essence every five levels.

Can I unlock all champions faster with the PC Game Pass?

Yes, linking your League of Legends account to the PC Game Pass grants access to all champions for free while your subscription is active.

Will Riot make changes to this new progression system?

Riot has acknowledged the backlash and stated that champion unlocks were not meant to become harder. They are investigating whether the system is functioning as intended, but no concrete changes have been announced yet.

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