Introduction
League of Legends, the behemoth of the MOBA genre, continues its reign with the arrival of a brand-new season. Each season brings a fresh start, a shakeup of the meta, and a chance for players to climb the ranks once more. However, Season fourteen promises something more radical: a complete reimagining of the item system and significant alterations to the very landscape of Summoner’s Rift. This alone is enough to send ripples of excitement and trepidation through the community. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the key changes, the approximate release timing, and proven strategies for achieving victory in League of Legends season fourteen, allowing you to jump ahead of the curve and dominate the competition.
Arrival Timing and the Preparation Phase
The exact date of Season fourteen’s launch is always a hotly anticipated piece of information. While the official release date should always be sought from Riot Games announcements, historically a new season tends to launch a couple of weeks after the end of the prior one, typically around the start of the year. It’s crucial to keep an eye on official channels for the definitive start.
Before the season officially kicks off, players experience what’s known as the preparation phase. This is a period dedicated to testing, experimentation, and fine-tuning. Riot uses the preparation phase to roll out major updates and gather feedback from players, allowing them to make any necessary adjustments before the season’s ranked ladder goes live. Players should treat the pre-season as a playground. Try out new builds, experiment with different champions, and get a feel for the changes to the map and item system. This period allows for mistakes without serious ranked ramifications. Learning and adapting during this time can provide a significant edge when the competitive season officially begins.
Summoner’s Rift Evolved: Map Transformations and Objective Shifts
Summoner’s Rift, the iconic battleground of League of Legends, has undergone a substantial transformation. These changes aren’t merely cosmetic; they significantly impact gameplay and strategy.
A key element is the altered terrain. Expect adjusted wall placements, the addition of new brush locations, and modifications to the river pathways. These changes impact ganking routes, vision control, and overall map flow. Understanding the new terrain is crucial for both junglers and laners. Junglers need to adapt their ganking paths and be aware of new ambush points. Laners need to adjust their positioning and warding strategies to account for the changes.
Beyond the geography, the very objectives within the game have also evolved. The introduction of Void Grubs presents a new early-game objective, offering different rewards than the rift herald. The iconic Baron Nashor is also taking on different forms, changing the dynamics around securing this important objective. Changes to the drakes will continue to be pivotal to team composition and map control. Each dragon offers unique buffs, and the Soul that a team claims after slaying four dragons can significantly alter the course of a game.
These objective shifts demand a reassessment of strategic priorities. Teams must carefully weigh the risks and rewards of pursuing different objectives and adjust their rotations accordingly. Early game skirmishes for Void Grubs might dictate priority for the rest of the game.
Changes to the jungle, including camp adjustments, will also force players to rethink their strategies. Efficiency in clearing camps and securing objectives is paramount, and adapting to these changes is key to success as a jungler.
The Great Item Revolution: Goodbye Mythics, Hello Freedom
Perhaps the most significant change in Season fourteen is the removal of Mythic items. This single decision has massive ramifications for itemization. Mythic items, introduced in a prior season, dictated build paths and often restricted player choice. Their removal aims to empower players with greater freedom and flexibility in their item builds.
A flood of new items have been introduced, alongside tweaks to established favorites. These new items offer diverse stats, passives, and active effects, catering to different playstyles and champion archetypes. Mages will see an array of new items boosting their ability power, mana regeneration, and unique passive effects. Fighters will get access to items that enhance their damage output, sustain, and engage potential. Tanks will find new tools to bolster their defenses, crowd control, and utility. Support items are also revamped, emphasizing warding, healing, and protection of their allies.
Several existing items have been reworked, receiving stat adjustments, passive modifications, or even entirely new effects. Careful study of patch notes is crucial to stay on top of the changes. Some items have also been removed altogether, so it’s worth double checking what you used to rely on is still there.
The impact on different roles will be profound. The removal of Mythics allows for hyper-specialization. No longer forced to choose a Mythic that offers a general set of stats, players can tailor their item builds to specific matchups and team compositions. This increased flexibility rewards players who understand the nuances of itemization and can adapt their builds on the fly.
Champions Evolve: Balance Adjustments and Emerging Powerhouses
Champions, the heart and soul of League of Legends, are also subject to constant change. Season fourteen brings a wave of champion reworks, buffs, and nerfs, shaping the champion landscape and influencing pick rates.
Some champions receive comprehensive reworks, updating their visuals, abilities, and overall gameplay. These reworks aim to modernize outdated champions and make them more viable in the current meta.
Beyond full reworks, individual champions receive targeted buffs and nerfs. Buffs increase a champion’s power by improving their stats, ability scaling, or overall effectiveness. Nerfs, conversely, reduce a champion’s power to bring them in line with the rest of the roster. Riot Games uses these changes to address imbalances and ensure a diverse and competitive champion pool.
The changes will inevitably lead to the rise of new champion picks. Some champions will benefit greatly from the item changes or balance adjustments, catapulting them into the spotlight. Identifying these emerging powerhouses and mastering them can provide a significant advantage in the new season.
The Pursuit of Rank: A Fresh Ladder and Competitive Shifts
For many players, the ranked ladder is the ultimate test of skill. Season fourteen brings a fresh ranked reset, giving everyone a clean slate to climb and prove their mettle.
The ranked system undergoes adjustments each season. These adjustments can affect LP gains and losses, promotion series requirements, and the distribution of players across different tiers. These changes aim to improve the overall ranked experience and ensure a fair and competitive environment.
While this guide focuses on the individual player experience, it’s important to briefly mention changes in the professional League of Legends scene. Format changes, team roster shuffles, and shifts in regional dominance all contribute to the evolving competitive landscape. Keeping abreast of these changes can provide valuable insights into the meta and inform your own gameplay.
Conquering Season Fourteen: Strategies for Victory
Navigating the changes of Season fourteen requires a proactive approach. Here are some strategies to help you conquer the season and achieve your ranked goals:
The meta, the ever-shifting landscape of champion picks and strategies, will evolve rapidly in the early weeks of the season. Stay ahead of the curve by watching professional games, reading articles, and experimenting with different builds and champions.
Mastering the new item system is paramount. Study the new items, understand their stats and effects, and learn how to incorporate them into effective builds for different champion classes. Take note of changes to gold income, making sure you’re making the most of your time spent farming.
Map awareness and objective control are more important than ever. Pay attention to the new map layout, track enemy movements, and prioritize securing key objectives like Void Grubs and Baron Nashor. Effective team communication is essential. Coordinate rotations, share information, and work together to secure objectives and win team fights. Good communication can turn the tide of battle and lead to victory.
Looking Ahead: The Evolving Season
Season fourteen is a journey, not a destination. Expect further updates and patches throughout the season, as Riot Games continues to refine the game and address any imbalances. Stay informed about these changes by reading patch notes and following official announcements.
Seasonal events and new game modes will also add variety and excitement to the game. Keep an eye out for these events and participate in them to earn exclusive rewards. The season will likely evolve over time, with new strategies and champion picks emerging as players discover hidden synergies and exploits. Adapt to these changes and continue to experiment to stay ahead of the competition.
Conclusion: Embrace the Change, Dominate the Rift
League of Legends season fourteen marks a significant departure from previous seasons, with a revamped item system, altered map layout, and a host of champion changes. It’s a season ripe with opportunity for those willing to learn and adapt. Embrace the changes, experiment with new strategies, and stay informed about the evolving meta. With dedication and a strategic approach, you can climb the ranks, achieve your ranked goals, and experience the thrill of victory on the Summoner’s Rift. Remember, the only constant in League of Legends is change, and those who embrace it will be best positioned to dominate season fourteen.
