League of Legends is one of the most successful games out there, and boasts an enormous player base. However, with how complex the game is, and how many champions and mechanics there are to learn, the game is notoriously difficult for new players to get into.
Fortunately for those still finding their feet on the rift or for players wondering if they should hit that install button, there are a number of changes and improvements to be found throughout the 2023 season. From a less intimidating jungle to suggestions for runes and more, there is no better time to get into League of Legends. Here's why.
5 New Communication Tools
Communication in League of Legends has historically trended down two inadequate paths when not using voice chat with friends. First is the use of in-game chat, which often poses more problems than it solves with unfortunate levels of toxicity. For those sensible enough to avoid text chat, the use and creative combination of insufficient pings has had to suffice for years.
However, with the addition of two new and updated ping wheels, stress-free communication has never been easier. This is a fantastic change for those who so far have been apprehensive about getting into the game due to an understandable fear of the chat. Now players can engage in effective communication without ever having to experience one of League's few flaws.
4 Automatic Rune Pages
The creation of specialized rune pages for particular champions in specific matchups is a complicated business in League of Legends. With five available rune trees, each featuring at least three keystone runes and nine or more lesser runes, it is easy to see why so many players get overwhelmed.
Fortunately for players old and new, Riot has introduced a feature that presents players with a selection of rune pages based on the most up-to-date data for a selected champion. Even for those with the required knowledge to craft their own rune pages, this update will still come in handy and replace those last-second scrambles. Players also have the option for summoner spells to be recommended and inserted into their loadout. Everything on given pages can be tweaked to preference, which is a lot easier to do than starting a page from scratch.
3 Ability Level-Up Suggestions
In League of Legends, each champion has three basic abilities which can be leveled up every time a new champion level is hit. With so much to learn, especially when first getting into the game, it can often be hard to know the optimal order for leveling up just one champion's abilities, never mind for the entire roster. With the changes that arrived in the 2023 preseason, this is no longer a problem.
Now, based on data collected from the best players of a certain champion, the ability that is recommended to level up next is highlighted. Although ability scaling can be highly situational or dependent on personal preference, this quality of life improvement is not only great for newer players but also seasoned veterans who are picking up new champions or relaxing in ARAM. What's more, with the ability to simply ignore the recommendations, there are no downsides to this change. Players are still free to level their champions however they choose, but the recommendations are great for those still learning.
2 Jungle Companions
The jungle has always been seen as a daunting prospect for new players. With monsters who fight back and mechanics not needed elsewhere on the rift, it is easy to understand why. Over the years, Riot has tried their best to make the jungle role more accessible, either by simplifying monsters or by giving popular and easy champions the ability to work in the jungle. These changes, however, pale in comparison to the updates rolled out in anticipation of the 2023 season.
Chief among these changes is the addition of jungle companions, which follow junglers around and help them clear camps. Throughout the course of the game, these pets evolve, granting more benefits to the player. With three different companions available for players to choose from at the start of the game, there is also a difference in benefits gained. These helpful pets are also tied to some smite changes which simplify the whole process, with optimal play allowing for smites to be used to last hit once more.
1 Jungle Pathing Suggestions & Leash Indicators
Often, it is not how to fight the jungle monsters that new players struggle with, but rather the question of which camp they should be clearing at a given time. Along with other improvements to the accessibility of the jungle, players will now be shown a suggested path they can take for their first clear. These paths will be unique to the specific champion being played and dependent on the meta. While this feature will go mostly unused at higher levels of play where creative pathing is required, this small addition is perfect for those taking their first cautious steps into the jungle.
Additionally, the maximum range at which monsters can be leashed to is now shown, making it easier for junglers to know exactly how far they can take their PvE experience. The patience mechanics of monsters have also been tweaked, making it more forgiving for players who accidentally leash too far.
League of Legends is available for Mac and PC.