Every year, the Summoner’s Rift undergoes transformations that leave players both excited and anxious. Season 13 of League of Legends is no exception.
With the introduction of new items, client changes, and champion tweaks, the game feels fresh yet familiar. But what exactly has changed?
TL;DR:
- Introduction of the chest availability icon.
- Pick order switch and champion switch updates.
- Rune suggestions and importing feature.
- Massive item changes, especially for tanks and mages.
- Client updates for a smoother gaming experience.
Client Changes: A Much-Needed Facelift
Riot Games hinted at a client overhaul, and while they might have been slow to deliver, Season 13 brings some seriously useful features.
Chest Availability Icons
Gone are the days of playing ARAM and realizing your champion doesn’t have a chest available. Riot Games introduced the chest availability icon, a feature that should’ve been there from the start. This icon appears next to every champion’s name on the picking screen, and for ARAM enthusiasts, there’s an additional icon at the top of the picking screen. Hover over it, and champions ready for a chest glow. A lifesaver for those without a photographic memory.
Pick Order Switch
Ever felt the urge to visit the bathroom during champion selection? The pick-order switch is your savior. This feature, exclusive to Summoner’s Rift, lets players request a lane switch, leaving the decision to teammates.
New Champion Switch
Champion switching isn’t new, but it’s been refined. Now, hovering over a teammate’s champion reveals the switching logo. Press it, and your teammate receives a champion switching request. But remember, both players must own the champions they’re switching.
Rune Suggestions & Importing: A Lazy Player’s Dream
Forget third-party rune-importing software. Riot Games introduced rune suggestions. In the champion select screen, the client displays a rune suggestions button, offering three rune choices with descriptions. And the best part? Spell importing comes with each rune. Websites like op.gg? They’re just for player stats now.
Season 13 Item Changes: A Game Changer
A new season isn’t complete without item changes. Season 13 introduces items that redefine gameplay.
Tank Items
Tanks are the big winners this season. Items like Heartsteel and Jak’Sho, The Protean are game-changers. With unique passive effects and mythic properties, tanks have become a formidable force on the battlefield.
Fighter Items
Fighters haven’t been left behind. The reintroduction of Spear of Shojin with its unique passive effects ensures fighters remain relevant in battles.
Mage Items
Mages, with champions like Ryze and Fizz, are a force to reckon with. Their power this season is undeniable, making every match an intense battle of wits and strategy.
Item Changes:
- Rod of Ages: Gains bonus stats over time and enhances the Eternity passive upon reaching maximum stacks.
- Catalyst of Aeons: Provides mana restoration and healing based on damage taken and mana spent.
Jungle Items & Changes:
- Introduction of jungle pets to replace traditional Smite Jungle Items.
- Three pet options: Scorchclaw Pup, Gustwalker Hatchling, and Mosstomper Seedling, each with unique passive effects.
- Smite Rework: New smite items available for purchase, evolving smite abilities based on stacks.
- Chemtech Drake Returns: A high-risk, high-reward dragon with unique effects for the team that claims it.
- Jungle Camps: Adjustments to jungle camps, including changes to Scuttle Crab and Krugs.
Season 13 Ranked Changes:
- New Ranked system introducing “split points.”
- Promotion Series Overhaul: Changes to the requirements for rank progression.
- Ranked Reward System: Adjustments to how players earn the Victorious skin and other rewards.
ARAM Clash:
Introduction of the ARAM Clash tournament, a variation of the standard Clash but in the ARAM format.
Season 13 Map & Mini-Map Changes:
- Summoner’s Rift: Changes to the map, especially in the jungles, due to the Chemtech drake.
- Howling Abyss: Introduction of base portals, a new bush, and collapsing towers.
- Mini-Map Changes: Jungle pathing recommendations and other quality-of-life features.
Season 13 Comms Changes:
- New Ping Wheels: Expanded ping options for better communication.
- Ward Locator & Timer: Enhanced ward-pinging system with rewards.
- Jungle Objectives Planning: Voting system for taking or giving up jungle objectives.
FAQs
Q: What’s the significance of the chest availability icon? A: It helps players know which champions have a chest available, especially useful for ARAM players.
Q: How does the pick order switch work? A: Players can request a lane switch during champion selection, but the final decision rests with their teammates.
Q: Are there any new mage items this season? A: While the focus has been on refining existing items, mages remain a dominant class in Season 13.
Q: How have tank items changed this season? A: Tanks have received powerful items like Heartsteel and Jak’Sho, The Protean, making them a formidable class this season.
Q: Are rune suggestions customizable? A: Yes, while the game provides suggestions, players can customize runes as per their strategy.
Q: What are the major changes to the jungle in Season 13? A: Season 13 introduced pets for junglers, replacing traditional Smite Jungle Items. The smite spell has also been reworked, and the Chemtech Drake has returned with significant changes.
Q: How does the new jungle pet system work? A: Players choose between three egg pets at the start of the game. These pets evolve by collecting treats from killing jungle camps, champions, or over time, offering various buffs and abilities.
Q: What’s the purpose of the new Jungle pathing recommendation feature? A: It aids junglers, especially newcomers, by suggesting optimal jungle routes based on their chosen champion, enhancing their gameplay experience.
Q: How have the ARAM map and gameplay been updated in Season 13? A: The Howling Abyss map in ARAM now features base portals, a new bush in the middle, and collapsing towers. Additionally, the ARAM Clash tournament has been introduced.
Q: What changes have been made to the Ranked system in Season 13? A: Season 13 introduces a new Ranked system where players earn “split points” for each game they play. The promotion series has been overhauled, and the reward system has been revamped to be more inclusive of all ranks.
Conclusion
League of Legends’ Season 13 showcases Riot Games’ dedication to evolving the game, offering players a renewed experience on the Summoner’s Rift. This season introduces a myriad of updates, from innovative jungle mechanics to revamped items, ensuring both veterans and newcomers find fresh strategies to employ. The alterations in gameplay elements, such as the jungle pet system and the ARAM map changes, reflect the game’s dynamic nature and its adaptability to player feedback. Moreover, the modifications to the Ranked system emphasize a more inclusive and rewarding approach for players of all skill levels.
As players dive into this new season, they are bound to discover a landscape rich with opportunities, challenges, and thrilling battles. Season 13 reaffirms League of Legends’ position as a premier eSports title, promising countless hours of strategic gameplay and exhilarating matches.
You could check out next: S14 Preseason
Sources:
- Riot Games Official Patch Notes
- Leaguepedia
- Summoner’s Rift Community Forums
