Finally it's time for LoL Arena. This game mode features a fun new experience for players who are sick of Summoner's Rift. And the best part? There is also a ranked mode to get you to truly try and make every match count.
The LoL Arena game mode is back in the League of Legends client. This game 2v2v2v2 game mode was introduced earlier in 2023 during the Soul Fighter event and is now making a comeback for Winterblessed 2023.
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 the first run of 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 Semi-Blind Pick format. One team member will blind pick a champion, which then gets revealed while the second player will then make his choice after seeing what the rest of the players picked.
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.
In the second run of Arena, we're also going to be able to play in groups of friends, so players can queue up with 2, 3, 4 or 8-players. The 8-player lobbies are just customs with your friends... if you've got that many.
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
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!