TL;DR
- Season 10 officially begins January 10 with patch 10.1 launching January 8
- Preseason introduced Elemental Rift, Senna, Aphelios, and upcoming champion Sett
- Ranked reset uses 10 provisional matches based on previous LP and preseason performance
- Meta shifts toward early/mid-game champions with enhanced objective control importance
- Balance changes target multiple champions including buffs to Kalista, Alistar, Jayce and nerfs to Aphelios, Kassadin, Shaco
The landmark tenth season of League of Legends approaches its official commencement, bringing substantial gameplay evolution.
Riot Games generated significant anticipation through their Twitter announcement, highlighting both ranked ladder opportunities and developer innovations planned throughout 2020. The competitive season formally initiates on January 10, precisely 48 hours following the year’s inaugural patch deployment.
Competitors received extensive previews of upcoming seasonal developments during the November preseason period. Transformations ranged from the revolutionary Elemental Rift mechanics, additions of Senna and Aphelios to the champion roster, systemic item and rune adjustments, to the unveiling of Sett—recent weeks witnessed League enthusiasts adapting to 2020’s competitive landscape.
The season’s initial update represents a substantial gameplay overhaul. Accompanying the debut of the new juggernaut Sett, this patch incorporates numerous balancing modifications affecting both champion capabilities and item effectiveness, featuring enhancements for Kalista, Alistar, and Jayce alongside reductions for Aphelios, Kassadin, Shaco, and additional champions.
As these adjustments become active and participants begin testing their skills in the fresh ranked environment, these comprehensive changes will catalyze new metagame formations. This competitive year anticipates strategic emphasis migrating toward champions exhibiting powerful early and mid-game presence, coupled with intensified focus on strategic objective domination.
Beyond the mechanical adaptations players are currently mastering, the new season commencement introduces a moderated ranked recalibration. Once competitive play activates, participants will observe their previous rankings archived, temporarily leaving them without divisional placement. However, this transitional phase doesn’t negate the influence of pre-reset positioning on subsequent climbing progression.
Competitors must initially complete 10 placement matches. The matchmaking algorithm will calculate opponents using historical League Points data, including LP fluctuations during preseason activities, while the victory percentage across these provisional contests establishes initial standing for the renewed ranked ascent.
Strategic analysts project significant meta evolution stemming from preseason modifications. The Elemental Rift’s terrain transformations will fundamentally alter jungle pathing and objective control strategies, demanding adaptable gameplay approaches. Champion selections favoring strong laning phases and mid-game power spikes will likely dominate the initial competitive landscape.
Optimal champion picks should emphasize early pressure capabilities combined with objective securing potential. Understanding dragon priority and Herald utilization becomes increasingly critical for climbing efficiency.
The inaugural 2020 update, designated patch 10.1, is programmed for deployment on January 8.
Action Checklist
- Review preseason changes and practice Elemental Rift adaptations
- Test balance-affected champions in normal games before ranked
- Develop provisional match strategy focusing on early game champions
- Analyze previous season performance to set realistic climbing goals
- Study objective control techniques for new rift mechanics
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