Finally, the time has come! Riot has introduced the new League of Legends arena game mode for the Summer Event 2023. What's special about the LoL Arena Mode? There will be a ranking list! So, say goodbye to the beach, lake, and family vacation because only the best will succeed in the LoL Arena mode!
How long has it been since we've gotten a new mode in League of Legends...? I can't even remember the last time we had one and now it's finally here! If you want to know what this new 2v2v2v2 mode is all about, then strap in because we're going to go over one of the key factors that will make you want to come back every single day: the ranked mode.
In contrast to modes like Ultra Rapid Fire, the Arena mode comes with a completely new map layout, new mechanics, and most importantly, the Augments! If you've played TFT before, they should be familiar to you. So, let's get started and learn all about the new League of Legends Arena mode!
Curious about Arena? Check out our interview with Art Lead Ben Skutt:
LoL Arena-Mode: The Game Principle
First things first. Just like reading the instructions for board games, it's important to understand the basic principles of an online game before trying your hand at it. The Arena mode was inspired by the TFT Double-Up mode, as stated by Riot developers, and that becomes immediately apparent!
You compete as a team of two against three other teams and select your champions at the beginning of the game. The Arena mode operates in a Blind Pick format, meaning you don't see which champions your opponents choose. This also means that a champion can appear multiple times in a match, but both players on your team cannot play the same champion.
- Get the K/DA Logitech High Performance gaming mouse for your Arena matches
Similar to Teamfight Tactics, you have to complete multiple rounds in the Arena. Each round consists of a purchasing phase and a combat phase. During the purchasing phase, you can either choose an augment or buy new items. After that, it's time for the duel. Each round is played in a 2v2 format against a different team.
If you win a round, your team retains its health from before the matchup. However, if you lose, your health will decrease. Once your health reaches zero, you're eliminated. Nothing new for seasoned TFT players, eh?
But don't worry: After being eliminated, you don't have to wait for the game to end. Right after your elimination, you can immediately join the queue again!
LoL Arena Mode: Can I Play With Friends?
Yes, you can play together with a duo partner of your choice. Playing with a buddy takes the Arena mode to a whole new level. You can communicate and coordinate much better than when matched with a random player.
It would be especially cool if there were custom matches in the Arena mode. Gathering eight people to determine the best Arena duo within your circle of friends would be amazing. However, this option is not available at the moment, but may come into the game in case of a return of the Arena mode.
Rioters have explained though that if the mode is to be brought back, custom games are one of the priorities of making it a long-lasting and fun experience.
LoL Arena Ranked-Mode: Which Ranks Exist?
Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty: The Arena mode, available during the Summer Event, has a ranking system. The intention of the developers is to create motivation for players to keep engaging with the mode. In many event modes, player numbers plummet after the initial curiosity surrounding the mode is satisfied.
These are the ranks that exist in the ranked mode:
- Wood (0 - 1399 RP)
- Bronze (1400 - 2599 RP)
- Silver (2600 - 3199 RP)
- Gold (3200 - 3799 RP)
- Gladiator (3800+ RP)
As you can see, it's a slightly different system compared to Summoner's Rift. One of the funniest aspects is certainly the decision to introduce a "Wood" rank... finally a true home for those who find even Iron IV too high. Perhaps after Emerald, this is the next new rank that will be introduced to the regular Ranked mode? Only time will tell.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of Arena ranks, here's a dedicated article on the topic: LoL Arena Ranks: The Ranking Tiers Explained
- Get a new Logitech mechanical gaming keyboard ahead of the release of Arena!
Are There Runes And Summoner Spells In The LoL Arena Mode?
As you can imagine, a lot of development work went into this mode. Some insights from the developers have led to significant changes compared to the normal 5v5 on Summoner's Rift. In the new LoL Arena mode, there are no runes. Some were completely useless, while others were incredibly strong, which is why they won't play a role in this mode.
The same goes for summoner spells, although they don't completely disappear from the game. "Flash" still remains in your arsenal, but all other spells are excluded. Instead, there is a new Arena-specific summoner spell called "Flee."
Will The LoL Arena Mode Be Permanent?
This is something a lot of League of Legends fans were wondering about. Summoner's Rift and the Howling Abyss are nice and all, but where is the change of pace? Twisted Treeline or Dominion were two game modes that were very fun, but many newer LoL fans don't even remember these modes.
Therefore, many people wonder: Is the LoL Arena mode a permanent mode? The answer: Not initially. However, it could have a future. It all depends on player numbers and player feedback. If the mode maintains a loyal player base throughout the event period and the feedback is positive or optimistic, it could make a comeback.
The developers themselves assure that in such a case, they will continue working on the Arena mode to implement potential new features and address any existing issues as quickly as possible. So, it all sounds pretty good, right? There's nothing more to say, have fun in the brand-new Arena mode of League of Legends!