Time passes, a mod becomes a game, then the game becomes a genre, and eventually, after 10 whole years, we reach the current state of League of Legends. It’s far from perfect, but it still hits as hard as the day you grabbed that mouse and explored the rift for the very first time.
So, with the seasons coming and going, there’s only one question on everyone’s mind: When will the next LoL season be released? Will we be seeing a brand new way to play the game, or will Riot be implementing some profound QoL changes? Let’s explore everything below!
LoL S14 Preseason Release Date
The release date for Preseason 14 has been set to November 20, 2023, on PBE, while the actual season will begin on January 9, 2024, in the form of patch 14.1.
With the changes to how the ranked season inherently functions, here are the release dates of the official splits:
| Split | Start Date |
| 1 | January 9 |
| 2 | May |
| 3 | September |
What to Expect in the Preseason?
Let’s start by dissecting what Riot Games has confirmed in their dev blog. You can take a look at it below:
1. Bye Mythic Items!
With them running for over two grudging seasons, it was clear that Mythic Items wasn’t something LoL players were particularly fond of. The feeling of not being able to build what I want while getting confined to a small set of items has always bothered me, and I wasn’t alone.
So, there are no longer any mythic items, which can open avenues for players to concoct whacky builds and dominate the rift, expressing themselves, not a carousel of redundant items.
2. Better Bots!
We can all agree that LoL Bots was a feature that was kind of left in the dust for a long time. They are great for beginners but don’t offer much as soon as you’re past those early few levels.
Starting this season, Bot AI will see significant advancements in terms of its difficulty, making it a helpful tool for learning, especially for low-elo players.
There’s a whole lot more to share as we count the days for an exciting season start. So, keep your eyes peeled for that full reveal in the coming months!
Preseason Leaks
Aside from the changes already discussed, there have been some unconfirmed leaks as well, promising everything from a brand-new ranked experience to new maps.
Let’s dive into them below:
Adjustments to Terrain and Map
- A rebuilt map is on the horizon, along with significant changes to both objectives and the map itself.
- Potential reworks or replacements for Elemental Drakes.
- Changes could include moving drakes to the top side of the map, offering more rotations, or introducing minor adjustments similar to the alcoves.
- Plants, a feature since season 7, might get a complete overhaul or removal.
Changes to Ranked Splits
- The new season will introduce three completely separate ranked splits instead of the usual two.
- Players can earn three skins by playing enough ranked games.
- These changes are experimental and may lead to diverse player feedback.
Issues with Snowballing
- There’s a recognition of excessive gold in the game, leading to snowballing.
- Potential adjustments to the value of tower plates and stats on Drake.
- A reduction in snowballing can make the game less frustrating as mistakes become less punishing.
Adjustments to Bounties
- Bounties may be adjusted to balance the reward and punishment dynamics in the game.
Improvements for ADCs (Marksmen)
- Crit items for ADCs are being looked at for potential buffs.
- Riot acknowledges the differences in the ADC role between professional play and solo queue and aims to make ADCs feel more impactful individually.
Changes to the Jungle Role
- Riot acknowledges the overpowering nature of the jungle role.
- The aim is to reduce the power of the jungle but in ways that don’t make it less fun.
- A jungle rework is expected, addressing issues like spam ganking and rewarding good pathing.
- The goal is to ensure the jungle role remains skillful, rewarding, and not overly dominant.
Rework for the Champion K’sante
- K’sante is set to receive changes after the world championship.
- The objective is to make him more accessible for the average player while reducing his overpowered nature in professional play.
Conclusion
In essence, as League of Legends gears up for its S14 Preseason, players can expect a slew of changes aimed at reinvigorating the game. Unofficial leaks hint at even more extensive modifications, including adjustments to the map, ranked play, and specific champion roles. With the season’s official start on January 9, 2024, the LoL community eagerly awaits a refreshed and balanced gaming landscape.
