Riot Games has once again found itself in the center of community backlash with the recent changes to League of legends’ loot system. As per the latest Skins 101 article, Riot aimed to simplify cosmetics acquisition, but instead, many players are left more confused and frustrated than ever. From the removal of Hextech Chests to the expansion of gacha mechanics, the new loot system raises concerns over monetization, accessibility, and fairness.
credit: Riot Games
Riot’s Attempt at Loot Transparency Falls Short
According to Riot’s article, Skins 101 was intended as a refresher on how players can obtain skins. However, it quickly became evident that this “refresher” leaves out critical information, particularly regarding the disappearance of Hextech Chests, which were previously a reliable source of free cosmetics. Many players suspect Riot is phasing them out entirely in favor of the new loot systems, but the lack of clear communication has only fueled speculation.
Moreover, Riot’s attempt to categorize skins and their acquisition methods has only highlighted how convoluted the system has become. The article details the various types of skins, including:
- Epic, Legendary, and Ultimate Skins (purchased with RP)
- Mythic and Prestige Skins (available through events, the Mythic Shop, or Battle Passes)
- Exalted and Mythic Variant Skins (exclusive to the Sanctum gacha system)
- Limited Event Skins (obtainable during specific promotions, such as Arcane)
While Riot claims this is an effort to streamline cosmetics, the reality is that skins are now gated behind multiple different systems, each with unique currencies and Progression mechanics.
The Glorious Gacha Machine: Riot’s Expansion of Monetization
One of the biggest points of contention is the introduction of the Sanctum, Riot’s new loot-based system that operates like a full-fledged gacha machine.
Here’s how it works:
- Players use Ancient Sparks to pull from two different loot banners: the Exalted Banner for Exalted Skins and the Mythic Banner for Mythic Variants.
- Each banner has a separate “pity system,” meaning that pulling from one banner does not carry over progress to the other.
- Players must grind or spend large amounts of RP to guarantee obtaining the top-tier skins.
This system mirrors mechanics seen in games like Genshin Impact, but unlike traditional gacha titles, League of Legends doesn’t provide consistent free pulls through gameplay. Instead, progression is locked behind real-money transactions.
A Broken System? The Problems With Riot’s Approach
The League community has widely criticized this change for several reasons:
- The Lack of Shared Pity Across Banners
- In most gacha games, unsuccessful pulls contribute to an eventual guaranteed rare item. In League’s system, switching banners resets progress, making it significantly harder to obtain desired skins.
- Increased Barrier to Free Cosmetics
- With the removal of Hextech Chests, free skin acquisition has been reduced significantly.
- The new Battle Pass system only guarantees one free skin per event, while previously, multiple skins were obtainable through Hextech crafting.
- A Complicated Web of Monetization
- Riot has introduced too many different currencies (RP, Mythic Essence, Ancient Sparks, Orange Essence), making it deliberately difficult for players to track their spending.
- Unclear Rotation of Exalted Skins
- Riot has yet to confirm whether Exalted Skins will rotate in and out of availability or if they will become permanently unavailable after their banner expires.
- If skins disappear permanently, this creates artificial scarcity, pushing players to spend more before items are gone.
New Mythic Variant Skins: The $125 Gacha Prize
Alongside the Sanctum update, Riot introduced Quantum Galaxy Slayer Zed, a Mythic Variant of Galaxy Slayer Zed. Despite its visual appeal, the price tag is staggering—players must spend upwards of $125 to guarantee obtaining it.
This raises concerns about the future of Mythic Variants and whether Riot intends to regularly introduce skins that cost over $100 through randomized pulls.
The Masked Justice skin line was also unveiled, featuring futuristic Power Ranger-Inspired designs. While these skins are more affordable at standard RP pricing, their release alongside another gacha-exclusive skin further highlights Riot’s growing reliance on loot-based monetization.
Where Does This Leave League’s Monetization Model?
Riot’s new loot system is a clear departure from the old Hextech crafting model, pushing battle passes and gacha mechanics as the primary methods of obtaining skins. While this approach might drive revenue, it leaves long-time players disillusioned, especially those who remember when skins were primarily unlocked through straightforward purchases or earned through grinding.
With no sign of Riot reverting these changes, the future of League’s monetization seems to be heading deeper into gacha territory. Unless the community pushes back strongly enough, we may see even more aggressive monetization tactics in the coming months.
For more updates on League of Legends news, drama, and monetization changes, stay tuned to LoLNOW.gg—your go-to source for everything League.
Frequently Asked Questions about Riot’s Loot System Changes
Are Hextech Chests removed?
Riot has not confirmed their removal, but they were absent in the latest ‘Skins 101’ update, suggesting they may be gone.
How does the Sanctum system work?
Players use Ancient Sparks to pull from two banners—Exalted for Exalted Skins and Mythic for Mythic Variants. Each has its own pity system.
What’s the difference between Mythic Variant and Exalted Skins?
Mythic Variants are cheaper and require fewer pulls, while Exalted Skins need more pulls and are harder to obtain.
Will Exalted Skins return?
Riot hasn’t confirmed if Exalted Skins will rotate back or be permanently unavailable after their banner expires.
How much does a Mythic Variant Skin cost?
It costs around $125 to guarantee a Mythic Variant Skin through the Sanctum system.
Why are players upset with Riot’s loot system?
The system is complicated, relies on gacha mechanics, and offers fewer free skins after the removal of Hextech Chests.
What new skins were revealed?
The Masked Justice skin line and Quantum Galaxy Slayer Zed, which is locked behind the Sanctum gacha system.
Will Riot change its monetization?
No plans have been announced. Riot seems to be pushing deeper into gacha-based monetization.
