LoL preseason 2022 brings changes to dragons, runes, and more

The preseason period has traditionally served as the primary testing environment for League of Legends’ most significant mechanical updates, and the 2022 iteration continues this established pattern with substantial modifications.

Riot Games has unveiled comprehensive previews detailing the upcoming preseason adjustments, confirming these changes will match the scale of previous major updates. However, unlike the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the 2022 modifications will extend their impact beyond the standard Summoner’s Rift experience.

Complementing the core gameplay alterations, a complete restructuring of the reward and achievement framework aims to increase player engagement frequency. While specific implementation details remain forthcoming, Riot’s extensive announcement provides clear expectations for what the community can anticipate throughout the winter months and into early next year.

LoL items, dragons set for changes in 2022 preseason

Regarding in-game mechanical adjustments, Riot Games has identified four critical domains scheduled for comprehensive revision. These targeted areas encompass rune configurations, dragon mechanics, item selections, and bounty implementations.

Check out the team’s thoughts and goals for Preseason 2022!

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— League of Legends (@LeagueOfLegends) August 11, 2021

Rune selections often present comprehension barriers for novice participants, while veteran players rapidly identify certain options as consistently more advantageous. Both these concerns will be addressed during the preseason through comprehensive Inspiration keystone revisions and secondary rune balancing modifications.

Dragons underwent significant transformations during the previous preseason to enhance match uniqueness. Riot Games acknowledged these modifications achieved their intended purpose but indicated additional enhancements remain possible. Potential adjustments include novel terrain modifications and dragon buff alterations, though specific implementations haven’t been finalized.

While Riot confirms the dynamic dragon mechanics introduced in the 2021 preseason received positive feedback, the equivalent itemization flexibility failed to resonate similarly. The development team noted players haven’t demonstrated particular enthusiasm for strategic item consideration, prompting corresponding adjustments. Additionally, support champions will receive expanded itemization options, while primary selections for tanks, assassins, and mages will likely receive statistical improvements.

Finally, bounty mechanics will undergo revisions designed to increase comeback opportunities. Individual champion elimination bounties won’t experience substantial changes, with Riot instead concentrating on objective-based rewards. The primary challenge involves ensuring dominant teams can consistently and efficiently conclude matches when opportunities arise, though developers believe additional flexibility exists for facilitating potential comebacks.

LoL adding challenges, are missions gone?

The modification players will most immediately experience involves the introduction of challenge mechanics. The fundamental concept behind challenges centers on providing more consistent reward structures tailored to individual gameplay preferences.

Challenges will enable participants to monitor their comprehensive mastery development and commitment levels, display and contrast diverse League achievements, and pursue multiple challenge categories and accomplishments for progression and aspiration.

It remains uncertain whether these will supplement existing mission structures or entirely replace mission frameworks. One illustrated challenge example involves achieving S-rank classifications in ARAM matches specific quantities of times, with tiered achievement levels based on S-rank frequency.

There is plenty more discussed in the blog post so make sure to check it out on the official League of Legends website.

Rune System Mastery: Focus on understanding the redesigned Inspiration tree first, as these changes will impact early-game strategy significantly. Avoid the common mistake of sticking to outdated rune preferences without testing new combinations.

Dragon Priority Planning: With potential terrain changes, reconfigure your warding patterns around dragon pit. Advanced players should coordinate with junglers to secure vision control 90 seconds before spawn timers.

Item Build Adaptation: Support players should anticipate 2-3 new item options, while tanks may see 5-8% statistical improvements on core items. Plan your gold efficiency strategies accordingly.

Comeback Mechanics: The revised bounty system means teams falling behind should prioritize objective control over risky champion kills. A successful comeback typically requires securing 2-3 consecutive objectives rather than individual eliminations.

For comprehensive gameplay guidance, check our Complete Guide to master all mechanical aspects.

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