What New League of Legends Arena Mode Changes Mean for Gamers

League of Legends is arguably the most famous eSports, with millions of fans and year-round competitions. Every year, gamers compete for various prizes and bragging rights. Tournaments exist throughout North America, Asia, Europe and South America. Punters can also bet on eSports on their favorite sportsbooks. League of Legends Arena Mode was launched in 2023 and has had two remarkable runs since then. Riot Games announced that Arena Mode will return for its third run in May, and gamers can expect some changes. Here’s a look at the two big changes and what they mean for gamers and punters:

An expanded team is perhaps the most significant change games can expect when Arena Mode returns in May. The famous multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game initially had four teams of two players. However, this will be replaced by eight teams of two players. This means fresh teams, more competition, and new champions. Gamers will also be excited to face more opponents and diverse strategies. One criticism that eSports fans have raised is having to watch the same opponents over and over. Doubling the number of teams will address this problem.

Riot Games promised not to extend the games to make sure they’re still relatively quicker than the standard LoL matches. Fans and gamers can also expect tweaks to gold rewards, health and health loss. Increasing the number of teams will also cause some changes in online betting. Betting sites will be able to provide more options for outright winners and futures, as well as in-game props. New favorites and pairs of champions will also be created. However, bettors can still expect the same maps and markets, such as first blood and number of kills.

League of Legends Arena Mode will offer prismatic items, which are touted to be the most powerful in-game features. The prismatic items will impact how games can acquire items for their builds. Instead of buying specific items for a build, gamers will be able to purchase an anvil featuring three random item choices. The game will also feature a stat anvil, so gamers can get three stat boosts instead of build items. One great thing about anvils is that they’ll be cheaper than the items on offer, allowing players to build stronger teams more affordably.

This randomness allows savvy players to adapt on the fly and build stronger teams early in the game. Anvils will also offer more variety in the game. According to the product lead for modes in LoL, Eduardo Cortejoso, the new prismatic items will tackle the concerns voiced around the game getting “too stale or repetitive.” With new items, it doesn’t matter if the teams are similar in their approach and strategies. They’ll likely build different items, which augments each contest. Ultimately, the players who adapt fast and best will come out ahead of those who rely solely on distinct strategies.

Expanding the contest format to eight teams instead of four and adding anvils with prismatic items will change various aspects of League of Legends. More teams mean more competitiveness and fresh pairs in the game. Previously successful teams of four will also have to split to create pairs, which can impact the dynamics of their strengths. Fans of eSports and other forms of sports betting love competition. Increasing the number of contestants is one way to guarantee such an outcome. LoL tournaments involving Arena Mode will feature more competitors and likely yield new champions each time.

For fans of online games, the changes will result in a more exciting experience and a level of mystery. The prismatic items will allow players to build unique teams and adapt as they play. LoL will no longer be stale and predictable like the previous modes. This new version is scheduled for May 1 launch and will feature the anticipated 14.9 patch. The mode will also run throughout Split 2, allowing gamers to get familiar with the mode. It’s the perfect prelude to Vampire Survivors style mode that will be unveiled in the summer. Punters can also anticipate more betting markets, especially props and futures.

League of Legends Arena Mode is poised to deliver a more entertaining experience during Split 2 of 2024. The key changes will bring in more players and accommodate more strategies and adaptation, which is what fans want to see. Punters will also have new opportunities to leverage varying prices and other dynamics. As Split 1 and LPL Spring come to an end, fans and punters can expect a more entertaining and competitive Split 2 and Worlds 2024.