December 2023 was marked by a flurry of events and updates that captivated the game’s global community. From the much-anticipated ARAM Clash and the immersive Winterblessed Event to the strategic shifts in gameplay and champion selections, the month was rich with developments that resonated across the esports scene.
These events not only enhanced the gaming experience but also sparked discussions on future strategies and the evolving meta of League of Legends. With the season nearing its end, December 2023 proved to be a fitting wrap up from the seasonal hustle and bustle.
But what were the key highlights, and how have they influenced League of Legends? Let’s find out.
Events & Updates: A New Kind of Clash
The ARAM Clash, a favorite among players for its lively and competitive gameplay, occurred on December 9th and 10th. Parallelly, the Winterblessed Event, running from December 6th to January 8th, 2024, brought festive-themed missions and rewards, enriching the game experience.
Additionally, the return of the Arena mode and the Soul Fighter Event added further depth, offering players new challenges and ways to engage with the game. It provided players with a variety of missions and rewards, including event XP and reputation.
Unfortunate news for those looking to hold onto that prestige; Arena was not permanent, so better enjoy it while it lasts! This period also saw mixed reactions to the return of the Arena mode, reflecting the dual preferences within the League of Legends community.
Esports & Gaming: Indecisiveness or Ingenuity?
The esports scene was particularly stirred by T1 Keria’s public apology for a last-minute change in his World skin, further fueling the anticipation of the new T1 skin line.
Adding to the competitive fervor, the discovery of a zero cooldown build for Master Yi by players has terrorized the summoner’s rift. Luckily, Riot Games was quick to take notice of it, but the move in general showcases the impossible nature of managing a game as complex as League of Legends.
Furthermore, the conclusion of Riot’s partnership with Prime Gaming marked a significant shift in the game’s promotional scene, impacting how players access certain in-game content. While it’s not the best news for Prime users, Riot will eventually cover the void left by Prime rewards. For all we know, they could potentially partner up with Apple in their quest to be gaming-centric.
Hwei or No Way?
A notable design controversy also emerged with the introduction of the Winterblessed Hwei skin, sparking discussions about visibility and design among players.
On the game development front, Riot Games announced plans for more frequent champion reworks and visual gameplay updates in 2024, signaling a renewed commitment to enhancing the gaming experience in response to community feedback.
Rekkles With Our Hearts
The banger “Rekkles With My Heart” is on play once again as the news of Rekkles joining T1’s Academy team for the 2024 season hits the shore. This move has been a significant transition for Rekkles, who has been the center of attention (for better or for worse) in the European scene.
His decision to shift from the bot laner to a support role within T1 Academy, as officially confirmed by T1, is a bold and ambitious step in his illustrious career. Known for his achievements as a Worlds finalist and multiple accolades in the LEC, Rekkles’ move to the Korean powerhouse team represents a new chapter in his journey, offering him a platform to enhance his skills in a new environment and role.
Rekkles’ transition to T1 Academy is more than just a team change; it’s a strategic shift in his professional trajectory, reflecting his willingness to adapt and grow in the competitive world of League of Legends.
This decision, while surprising to many, aligns with his expressed desire to explore the support role, a move that he had contemplated as early as 2014. His determination to avoid “what ifs” in his career and to challenge himself in new ways has brought him this far, and for all we know, it could also raise him to the throne of a World champion!
In-Game Developments: Round-ups Across the Board!
The introduction of Patch 13.24, the final patch for the 2023 season, likely aimed to fine-tune the game for a balanced and engaging end-of-season experience. By introducing changes and adjustments in this patch, Riot Games could have been focusing on enhancing gameplay dynamics and champion balance, ensuring a competitive and fair environment for the season’s conclusion on January 9th, 2024.
Regarding the enhancements to the Arena mode, the discussion around expanding it and adding new augments and maps is surely a spicy one. These enhancements could be seen as a response to player feedback and a move to keep the game fresh and engaging. The decision to plan for new content, despite the challenges posed by code limitations, indicates a commitment to innovation.
Additionally, the season rewards, including the Victorious Tryndamere skin and the Three Honors Akshan skin, were likely designed to acknowledge and reward player commitment and skill.
Lastly, the server issues experienced on December 26th might have been unexpected technical challenges, a common occurrence in online gaming platforms.
The Meta: Stale, and Unfair
In the top lane, champions like Ornn stood out due to their ability to impact the game with utility and durability. Ornn’s unique item upgrading capability added strategic value in team compositions. The jungle meta was dominated by champions like Nocturne, favored for his ability to engage from long distances and snowball leads into significant advantages, making him a potent choice for players looking to influence the game’s outcome decisively.
The mid lane saw the rise of champions like Swain, whose blend of area-of-effect damage, crowd control, and sustain made him a formidable contender. His prowess in team fights, once gaining an advantage, showcased his high win rate and effectiveness in the current meta. In the bot lane, Vayne emerged as a strong pick due to her exceptional single-target damage and kiting capabilities, offering adaptability in various game situations.
The current meta also highlighted champions like Gwen, Hecarim, and Seraphine in the S tier, suggesting a preference for champions with significant damage potential, utility, and mobility, essential for high-level play. Safe to assume this kind of gameplay has limited the champion choices for many, making the need for the new season even more apparent.
Season 14: New Items Bringing New Levels of Spice
The season of the void, with so many new changes, the item system is also experiencing a partial overhaul. The following items will be hitting the rift soon, and only time will tell if the changes they bring are good or bad:
- Caster’s Companion: A high-AP item with unique passives ‘Load’ and ‘Fire’ for enhancing magic damage. It’s built from Lost Chapter, Hextech Alternator, and additional gold.
- Cryptbloom: Offers magic penetration and a unique passive that creates a healing nova upon getting a takedown. It’s a combination of Blighting Jewel, Fiendish Codex, and extra gold.
- Stormsurge: This item, designed for burst patterns, provides magic penetration, movement speed, and a unique passive ‘Stormraider’ that triggers lightning damage.
- Malignance: Focused on enhancing Ultimate abilities, it burns the ground beneath damaged enemies, reducing their Magic Resistance. It’s built from Lost Chapter, Fiendish Codex, and additional gold.
- Haunting Guise: Returns as an item that increases damage in prolonged combats. It consists of an Amplifying Tome, Ruby Crystal, and extra gold.
- Voltaic Cyclosword: A unique item that empowers auto-attacks and slows enemies. It’s built from The Brutalizer, Kircheis Shard, and additional gold.
- Profane Hydra: Focused on dealing increased damage to low-health enemies. It’s crafted from Tiamat, The Brutalizer, and extra gold.
- Hubris: A stacking AD item, granting a statue upon killing an enemy champion.
- Opportunity: Provides bonus lethality and movement speed, ideal for assassins.
- Sundered Sky: Empowers basic attacks and heals based on missing health, crafted from Tunneler and Caulfield’s Warhammer.
- Nitro Hexaegis: Offers ultimate ability haste and bonus stats after using an ultimate.
- Trailblazer: Enhances movement speed and provides a trail that boosts allies’ speed.
FAQs
1. What Champion Did Keria Pick for Worlds 2023?
Keria selected Renata as his champion for Worlds 2023.
2. Did Anyone Else Change Their Champions for Worlds 2023?
Yes, Faker switched his champion to Orianna for Worlds 2023.
3. Will Rekkles Play With Faker?
No, Rekkles will not be playing with Faker as he has joined T1’s Academy team and will be participating in a different capacity.
4. Why is Patch 13.24 so Boring?
Patch 13.24 is considered uneventful because it’s a transitional period preparing for the new season. The developers likely avoided making drastic changes to maintain stability in the meta, as significant shifts are expected with the upcoming season.
5. What is Season 14?
Season 14, dubbed the “Season of the Void,” introduces void-themed changes and new items to the game. This season is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to League of Legends, with a focus on new strategies and gameplay experiences centered around the void theme.
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to the rollercoaster that was 2023, we brace ourselves for the thrills of Season 14. With a promised void-themed makeover, new spicy items on the menu, and the esports scene buzzing with exciting changes (Rekkles in support, anyone?).
So, summoners, sharpen your skills, update your strategies, and get ready to dive into the void. The next chapter of League of Legends promises to be unpredictable. Game on!
