TL;DR
- Free Hextech Chests return March 5, 2025 with League of Legends Act 2
- Players can earn 10 free chests per act through battle pass and honor system
- Eight chests from free battle pass levels, two from temporary honor missions
- Same chest contents as previous mastery system with skin shards for most skins
- Hextech Keys required to open chests, acquisition methods still unclear
Following significant player outcry, Riot Games has reversed course and announced the reinstatement of complimentary Hextech Chests in League of Legends, though the distribution mechanics will undergo substantial modifications compared to previous systems.
While League of Legends maintains its free-to-play foundation, the elimination of accessible Hextech Chests represented a major shift in reward accessibility. Previously, gamers could obtain randomized cosmetic items through these containers without financial investment, creating an engaging progression loop. The developer’s decision to restrict acquisition exclusively to premium purchases sparked immediate community resistance.
The controversial policy change generated widespread dissatisfaction across all League of Legends platforms. Social media channels became flooded with demands for restoration of the free chest system. Riot’s response demonstrates their commitment to player satisfaction, though the revised implementation differs significantly from the original framework.
League of Legends enthusiasts can resume collecting complimentary Hextech Chests beginning with the 2025 Act 2 update on March 5th.
Riot Games communicated this policy reversal through an official developer update video published on their X platform account dated February 26th. Key representatives Andrei “Meddler” Van Roon and Paul “Pabro” Bellezza acknowledged the company “missed the mark” with their initial Hextech Chest modifications and reaffirmed their dedication to providing no-cost acquisition opportunities.
The development team confirmed these containers will mirror the quality and contents previously available through the champion mastery progression system. This indicates participants can once again obtain skin shards covering the majority of available cosmetics. Importantly, gamers will still need Hextech Keys to unlock each container, obtained either through complete keys or assembled from key fragments.
This announcement follows recent statements where the development team had reinforced their commitment to the removal policy. This represents another instance where League of Legends modifications have been reconsidered following community feedback.
League of Legends participants can acquire up to 10 complimentary Hextech Chests each act through the complimentary battle pass progression and honor recognition systems.
The inaugural 2025 Act introduced comprehensive battle pass restructuring. Elements like daily login incentives, completed objectives, and honor acknowledgments now primarily contribute battle pass experience. While the initial act provided seasonal cosmetics and skin shards valued at 1,350 Riot Points or lower through the free track, these rewards are being reconfigured for the subsequent act.
Commencing with Act 2, gamers can obtain eight Hextech Chests by advancing through the complimentary battle pass tiers. The previous skin rewards are being eliminated from the free progression path. It remains uncertain whether Hextech Keys will be distributed through this method or require alternative acquisition approaches.
The remaining two Hextech Chests become accessible via the honor framework. Development communications specified these two honor-associated containers will be distributed through specific missions. This arrangement serves as an interim measure while the team develops the overhauled honor recognition system.
To optimize your Hextech Chest acquisition, focus on consistent daily engagement with the battle pass system. Complete all available missions efficiently, as these provide the primary experience source for advancing through free tiers. Many players underestimate the cumulative value of minor daily objectives, which can significantly accelerate your progression toward those eight battle pass chests.
For honor-related chests, maintain positive in-game behavior and participate regularly in team interactions. The temporary mission-based distribution means you’ll need to monitor your quest log carefully once Act 2 launches. A common mistake is neglecting the honor system’s mission requirements, potentially missing out on two valuable chests each act.
Resource management becomes crucial since Hextech Keys remain essential for accessing chest contents. Consider prioritizing key fragment acquisition through various game modes if the battle pass doesn’t include them. Advanced players recommend saving keys until you accumulate multiple chests to maximize opening efficiency.
Time investment varies, but dedicated players can typically complete battle pass requirements within 2-3 weeks of casual play, while honor missions may require specific behavioral patterns or gameplay types.
Action Checklist
- Mark March 5, 2025 on your calendar for Act 2 launch and chest availability
- Focus on daily battle pass missions to efficiently earn eight chests through free progression
- Monitor honor system missions carefully once Act 2 begins to secure two additional chests
- Prioritize Hextech Key acquisition through various game modes
- Save keys until you have multiple chests for efficient opening sessions
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Free Hextech Chests return to League of Legends, with a twist Complete guide to earning free Hextech Chests in League of Legends 2025 with strategic tips and methods