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League of Legends Dev Update: Shyvana Rework, ARAM Mayhem, and Ranked Adjustments
Riot Games recently released a comprehensive Dev Update addressing the state of League of Legends in Season 1, bringing exciting news for players. The update covered a variety of topics, including reflections on the season's gameplay changes, adjustments to the Ranked ladder, and the highly anticipated update for Shyvana.
The development team expressed satisfaction with the reception of Season 1's gameplay changes, following a few necessary adjustments. They are actively monitoring the performance of Faelights and keeping a close eye on the power levels within specific roles, notably ADCs and top laners.
Furthermore, following the successful reintroduction of classic items like Hextech Gunblade and Stormrazor, Riot is encouraging players to share feedback on other legacy items they would like to see return to the shop in the future.
The Half-Dragon Emerges Reforged: Shyvana Update
The centerpiece of the update is undoubtedly the long-awaited rework of Shyvana, the Half-Dragon, scheduled to go live in Patch 26.6. This sweeping update is a direct response to overwhelming player feedback gathered through community polls regarding the modernization of older champions.
The rework encompasses a comprehensive overhaul of her in-game abilities, playstyle, artwork, in-game model, and lore within Runeterra. Riot worked closely with dedicated Shyvana mains to ensure that the core aspects they loved about her design and character were preserved while addressing areas requiring improvement.
Shyvana remains a fearsome warrior, serving uneasily in Jarvan IV's royal guard while struggling for acceptance in Demacia. Her updated abilities emphasize her dual nature, offering advantages when she embraces her draconic form.
Updated Abilities:
- Passive - Scalemail: Takedowns on enemy champions, large minions, and large monsters grant Shyvana Scalemail stacks, enhancing her defenses.
- Q - Emberstrike: Shyvana’s next attack strikes the target and the surrounding area. This ability can be recast. In Dragon Form, it gains an additional recast, dealing massive damage to a single target.
- W - Inferno Aegis: Shyvana gains a shield and movement speed. After a short delay, the area around her detonates. In Dragon Form, the explosion heals her if it hits an enemy champion or monster.
- E - Molten Burst: Shyvana launches a fireball that explodes and slows upon striking a large target. In Dragon Form, the fireball passes through and explodes on large enemies, leaving a trail of fire.
- R - Dragon’s Descent: Shyvana transforms into a Dragon and leaps forward, inflicting fear upon enemies in her path. In Dragon Form, she increases in size, and her basic abilities become empowered.
All of Shyvana's existing skins will be available following the update, and players can look forward to an exclusive "Leg Day Bundle" available for a limited time.
Streamlined Lobbies and Ranked Ladder Adjustments
One of the most notable improvements this season has been the significant reduction in wait times. The time it takes for players to transition from the lobby into a game has decreased by an average of 30%, while lobby dodges have plummeted from 19% to a mere 4%.
Addressing concerns regarding matchmaking, the team has implemented adjustments to MMR distribution, targeting both the bottom and top ends of the Ranked ladder. Recognizing that Iron should primarily serve as an introductory space for new players, changes were made to help veteran players transition out of Iron and into Bronze.
Similarly, the skill disparity within the Diamond tier was addressed. The skill gap between Diamond IV and Diamond I was found to be comparable to the difference between Bronze IV and high Silver. To rectify this, the higher end of Diamond has been merged into Master. This widening of the Master MMR range also means that the LP requirements for reaching apex tiers will be higher. Riot is also exploring further potential adjustments for the future, such as introducing additional divisions or tiers at the extreme ends of the Ranked spectrum.
ARAM Mayhem Extended and Future Champion Tease
The Dev Update also touched upon the overwhelming success of ARAM: Mayhem. In response to highly positive player feedback, Riot plans to continue supporting the mode with new content and balance updates. Furthermore, the run of ARAM: Mayhem has been officially extended, with no planned end date at this time.
Concluding the update, the team showcased various community creations and engaged in a Q&A session. While confirming that no new champions will be released during Season 1, they did tease that a new champion is slated for Season 2, with a thematic connection spanning both seasons.
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Featured image credit: Riot Games
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