New LoL Arena doubles number of players, adds new map, powerful items, game-changing consumables
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The third version of LoL Arena returns in May 2024 together with LoL patch 14.9, and will be made available for the entire Split 2 — the longest that it will go live thus far.
LoL Arena is not a permanent mode inLeague of Legendsand Riot Games is still exploring how to make that happen.
What can players expect from LoL Arena 3.0?
Eduardo “Riot Cadmus” Cortejoso, Product Lead for Modes, posted an update on the Riot Games dev blog giving an overview of feedback they’ve gathered from players, their international thought processes, and changes that go live in the next update.
Summary of LoL Arena 2024 changes in LoL patch 14.9
LoL Arena feedback that Riot Games gathered and are working on from previous rounds
Ideally, LoL Arena in its healthiest state should contain these three pillars, shared Riot Cadmus:
Combining player feedback, internal assessments, and the fact that LoL Arena is going live for much longer than before, the Modes dev team hopes to “measure Arena’s staying power this time around.”
LoL Arena 2024 increases number of teams from four to eight: 2v2v2v2v2v2v2v2v2v2v2v2v2v2
The number of players are now doubled. By expanding the roster of teams and players, the devs are aiming to create a wider pool of team compositions and strategies.
This means each match will hopefully feel more unique and exciting, with surprising tactics and scenarios emerging all the time.
With greater variety, individual games should feel less repetitive. Players will encounter new challenges and have to adapt on the fly, keeping things fresh and engaging.
In addition, there are improved user experience in the tab scoreboard, which now prioritizes intel on your opponent, showcasing their recent picks, strategies, and even past matches. To scout other teams, players can click their icon in the health panel on the right.
New item tier called Prismatic items
Prismatic items won’t be available in the shop, rather, they’ll be offered to you during a specific round, similar to augments.
This means you (and your opponents) won’t be able to craft the same build every match. After all, LoL Arena is all about adapting to what’s presented, not following a set recipe for success.
“These are build-defining items that should allow you to achieve build fantasies that you normally wouldn’t be able to,” wrote Riot Cadmus. “Wanna run full armor, tank Master Yi? How about on-hit Bard? The possibilities are endless, and we’re excited to see what builds you can cook with Prismatics giving you the foundation to do so.”
So how exactly can you access Prismatic items? Through Anvils.
Anvils, a new shopping experience in LoL Arena 2024
Anvils are purchasable consumables that when used, will offer three random options within a specific category, similar to how augments are presented.
Want a different selection? You can re-roll, but remember – re-rolls are shared with your augment choices, so pick wisely.
There are three key types of Anvils:
Legendary Anvils let you craft powerful items for less, but require planning ahead. Need something right now? Buying the complete item is the fastest option.
Stat Anvils, on the other hand, offer permanent stat boosts for leftover cash. Going for a crucial Ability Power spike? Consider a Stat Anvil alongside juices to maximize your damage output.
New LoL Arena 2024 dubbed “Koi Pond”
This map offers a unique challenge. Some areas might be temporarily inaccessible — which is where the special “Bloom Bridge” comes in. It opens periodically, allowing for risky dashes across the map.
There are also portals and Blast Cones for movement, but aggressive plays can leave you exposed if your team isn’t ready to back you up.
Ranked and matchmaking updates
Before the Summoner’s Rift ranked season resets in LoL patch 14.10, Riot is testing the waters with a special two-week “preseason” for Arena.
The fullLoL Arena post can be found on Riot’s game dev blog here.
