Ever since Riot Games announced it was making a mobile version of League of Legends, we've been pretty excited. League of Legends: Wild Rift is not just a port, but represents so much more to the series, allowing players to battle with their favorite champions in quick matches no matter where they are or what their life level is. . But there's still a lot we don't know about the game, and even more that will change during the series of playtests Riot has planned throughout the year.
But that doesn't mean we're entirely in the dark either. The first playtest in the Philippines has started, and it has given us a lot of new information about the game. There are also many videos and dev diaries from Riot, which clearly show what the intention of Wild Rift is.
So we've decided to create a roundup of everything we know about League of Legends: Wild Rift - a guide, if you will, to anything and everything you might want to know about Riot's famous MOBA and its move to mobile.
Here's everything we know about League of Legends: Wild Rift:
How is the wild rift map different?
League of Legends: Wild Rift takes its name from the new map the game takes place on, taking inspiration from League of Legend's PC map, Summoner's Rift. Here's what we know about this new arena:
- Wild Rift is slightly smaller than previous League maps
- The card is designed for five against five
- It has three lanes
- There are two turrets on each lane section with a third where the lane meets the nexus
- There are a variety of monsters on the map that can be defeated for bonuses, including the Red Brambleback, which gives you extra damage, or the Blue Sentinel, which gives mana and HP regen
- The map also features flora, including Honeyfruit, which heals you, and Blastcones, which you can blast to launch yourself into the air
- You can use the protection to illuminate the map
- Dragons also feature on the map and offer four different elemental damage buffs to the team that kills them.
How is Wild Rift different from League of Legends?
We know Wild Rift is bringing League of Legends to new platforms, but how will it differ from the original? Here's what we know:
- Wild Rift focuses on small 15-20 minute matches
- It was created to allow more people to integrate the League into their daily lifestyle
- The game has a new dual stick control scheme
- Wild Rift isn't a port - it's a version of League built from the ground up
- Existing League players are going to be rewarded for joining Wild Rift
- Wild Rift will be playable on mobile and console
- There is a co-op vs AI mode and a tutorial
- Wild Rift is going to have its own content releases
who are the Wild Rift CHAMPIONS?
Not all PC champions come to Wild Rift, but here's what we know about which ones are:
- There are 40 champions coming at launch, which you can see in our League of Legends: Wild Rift champion list
- Riot wants to keep champions as similar to the League as possible
- The only instances where Riot has changed champions is to accommodate a smaller map, faster gameplay, and the new dual-stick control system.
- Not all League of Legends champions come to Wild Rift
what is the RELEASE DATE OF WILD RIFT?
One of the most important things we want to know: when will Wild Rift launch? It's a question with a surprisingly complex answer, but here's all the information we have:
- Wild Rift will be available on most platforms and in most regions by the end of 2020
- The game is launching in stages, through a variety of alpha and beta tests
- This soft launch will help Riot get feedback on how Wild Rift captures the classic League experience, the dual-stick control system, and test the infrastructure before full launch, and avoid any potential cheating.
- The first Alpha test is in the Philippines and lasts two weeks
- There will be new modes coming after launch
how do runes work in wild rift?
Based on Runes Reforged in League of Legends, Wild Rift has a new simplified system for runes. Here's how it works:
- There are eight key runes to choose from
- You then choose three minor runes to compliment this keystone
- There are currently six new minor runes, such as Sweet Tooth, which increases Honeyfruit's healing and gold, or Loyalty, which gives you and your closest ally five AR and two MR
- The new system is designed to be simpler, making pre-game preparation minimal for you to play
is the wild rift FREE-TO-PLAY?
Much like League of Legends, Wild Rift is also free to play – but how does it compare to the original? Here's what we know about monetization:
- Executive producer Michael Chow, promises "not to pay for playing time or power"
- Wild Rift uses a similar model to the original league, where you pay for optional skins
- You can earn all the champions for free in the game
are there any new items in the savage rift?
Just like the regular League, Wild Rift also features in-game items. Here's how they work:
- You can buy matching items at the fountain
- Many items are familiar to League players
- Although they may differ slightly in terms of balance and cost, most item functions remain the same
- There's a new item - Tear of the Goddess - for tank champions, with the promise of more in the future
- Items recommended for purchase are highlighted so you can grab them quickly
what is the COLLECTION SYSTEM?
One of the main features of Wild Rift is the new collection system for your champions. Here are the details:
- The collection system is to allow you to customize your champion with skins while taking a closer look at their model
- Skins are the monetized aspect of Wild Rift
- Each champion has a unique entrance animation
- Not all champions or skins will be available on all platforms
That's all we know! We'll be sure to update this guide as more information becomes available, but otherwise keep an eye on our News section to find out when Wild Rift opens for testing in your region.
