Riot Games is changing LoL Seasons, with a new way to weave League of Legends’ rich lore deeper into the game. Each year will be a self-contained, themed chapter in the League narrative, divided into three seasons. For the first time, every aspect of the game will contribute to a larger story, from champion releases and skins to game modes and in-game events. The result is a more immersive, cohesive experience that brings League to new heights.
This storytelling framework lets us grow the world of Runeterra in ways that feel more intimate and personal to players. We want to blend the art of storytelling with game design to create a theme that weaves throughout the year. If you’re a lorehound, you’ll find more ways to connect with the world of Runeterra than ever before.
What Makes Season 2025 Different?
Season 2025 is the first full implementation of this new seasonal structure. Story in 2025 explores a conflict born from the great changes sweeping Runeterra’s political and magical arenas. Unlike previous years, when lore was often secondary to gameplay, this Season is designed with storytelling woven into the game’s systems and rewards.
Thematic Highlights
- Champion Releases: This year’s new champions are an integral part of the story. The conflict and the factions vying for power inspired the in-game visuals like map, skins and events. You can expect champions to represent the various sides of the conflict, from factions to ideologies.
- Skins and Aesthetics: Seasonal skins will show champions in roles that make sense for the story. They’ll be warriors, diplomats, rebels, and more as the narrative demands. These skins live in the story’s tone and spirit, reflecting the high stakes of the conflict.
- Events and Game Modes: Events will drop you into key moments in the story. Special game modes might recreate crucial battles or secret missions where you and your allies can tip the balance of the war.
- Client Integration: The Activity Center will be a central hub for storytelling this year. You will be able to find their updated lore, and rewards that tie into the story. The goal is to create an experience that feels alive and dynamic.
Breaking Tradition for Immersion
Noxian Summoner’s Rift for 2025
Instead of separating lore into cinematics, short stories, and champion bios like Riot Games did in the past, thsi time they are weaving it into the game this year. Events will feel more grounded in the world of Runeterra, with a focus on stunning visuals, new gameplay mechanics, and meaningful rewards that let you impact the war.
For example, a magical uprising could be sweeping across Ionia during one chapter. Skins, events, and gameplay would all reflect the consequences of this chaos. You might see thematic map changes or temporary game mechanics that capture the feel of a region in the midst of a crisis.
A Shift in Runes and Gameplay Dynamics
The Domination rune changes, most notably the removal of Zombie Ward and Ghost Poro, have sparked a heated debate in the League of Legends community. The changes are intended to create more diverse vision strategies and disrupt the current meta, but many players feel split on the issue. The new runes could lead to more interesting vision compositions, but the loss of Zombie Ward utility has support players feeling lost and the removal of Ghost Poro is seen as a blow to counterplay against Umbral Glaive.
The Emergence of Feats of Strength and New Objectives
Grisly Mementos, which grants stacking Ability Haste for champion takedowns, has ARAM players excited. Its standard bonus is a nice touch, but its secondary bonus of Ultimate Ability Haste in non-standards is concerning and could get out of control if there is no cap to the stacks. On Summoner’s Rift, the item’s effects are more subtle, but could still impact team composition and strategy. Aggressive champions and picks that scale with multiple takedowns throughout the game are getting a boost, as Grisly Mementos rewards teams that snowball early and then scale into late game with enhanced ability power and armor.
Feats of Strength is a more drastic change, as it removes gold from the early game and replaces it with a chance at upgraded boots. Riot’s goal is to reduce snowballing by removing gold from the early game, but many are concerned the change will have the opposite effect. While the gold is delayed, the benefits of upgraded boots could lead to even more snowballing over the long haul.
This is another area where top lane and scaling champions are concerned. The pressure to snowball is already high, and the lack of gold in the early game could make it even more aggressive. Many feel this is a blow to passive marksmen and other late-game champions, who are already struggling to stay relevant.
Teleportation Reimagined: A Double-Edged Sword
The teleport changes are meant to encourage cross-map plays instead of simply roaming from lane to lane. Allowing players to target wards and minions while teleporting is a nice quality of life change, but the increased channel time is a double-edged sword. The hope is that this will give players more time to set up elaborate plays, but it could also give opponents ample time to prepare and counter.
At the high level, this change could enable new macro strategies, but many lower-elo players are concerned about the added complexity in chaotic situations where every moment counts.
The Controversial Introduction of Tier 3 Boots
Tier 3 Boots are perhaps the most divisive change on the list. The idea of power progression boots that offer shields, scaling stats, or other unique effects is an interesting one, but the timing is suspect. Linking the boot to the Feats of Strength system, which rewards first blood and first turret, is problematic because it could amplify early game snowballing.
Many supports and scaling champions are already struggling to stay relevant, and the loss of early game gold could be a double-edged sword. The removal of gold rewards for first blood and first turret means that snowballing teams will not receive the immediate gold boost they typically get, but they will also have the opportunity to scale into late game more quickly.
Community Sentiment: A Blend of Enthusiasm and Trepidation
The League of Legends community is divided on Riot’s ambitious changes. Some are excited about the potential for more engaging games, while others are concerned about the complexity and balance implications of the new systems. Many pro players and fans are worried that the snowball mechanics will amplify over time, overshadowing the strategic depth of the game.
The general consensus is right on the money: Riot needs to be careful and balance these changes correctly. As one player noted, “If these systems are heavily snowballing, we’re looking at a year of patches to fix it.”
Looking Forward
The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most unique and ambitious in League of Legends history, but it’s not without risk. Many of the changes are intended to promote more engaging games, but they could have the opposite effect if not balanced correctly. With teleportation tweaks, new runes, and enhanced boots, there’s never been a more exciting time to play League of Legends, but the road ahead is fraught with peril.
Whether the changes will benefit or break the League experience is unclear. One thing is certain: the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most impactful years in League of Legends history. As the community prepares for the changes ahead, the risk of snowballing has never been higher. Players will need to adapt to the new systems quickly or risk getting left in the dust.
Keep an eye on how it will affect the League of Legends ranked system.