What is Preseason in League of Legends?
The preseason in League of Legends is a period of time, typically several weeks, before the start of a new ranked season. During this time, developers at Riot Games, the creator of League of Legends, make significant changes to the game, introducing new champions, items, modes, and balance changes. The main goal of the preseason is to lay the foundation for a successful ranked season by buffing or nerfing champions, tweaking item builds, and making adjustments to the game’s meta.
Key Changes and Updates
Preseason is a crucial time for League of Legends, as it sets the stage for the upcoming ranked season. Some of the key changes and updates during this period include:
- New Champions: Riot introduces new champions, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
- Balance Changes: Champions undergo significant balance changes, including buffs and nerfs, to ensure a healthy balance between roles and positions.
- Item Changes: Items are reworked or introduced to provide new build paths and strategies for players.
- Mode Updates: New game modes or updates to existing modes, such as the addition of a new snowball game mode, are added to keep the game fresh and exciting.
- Gameplay Changes: Riot may make changes to gameplay mechanics, such as increasing or decreasing the effectiveness of certain abilities.
Preseason Timeline
Preseason typically begins in late fall or early winter, around November or December, and lasts for several weeks. During this time, Riot releases several patches, each containing a large number of changes and updates. The preseason officially ends with the start of the ranked season, usually in late January or early February.
What to Expect During Preseason
Here are a few things you can expect during preseason:
- Chaos and Uncertainty: With so many changes to champions, items, and gameplay mechanics, preseason can be a chaotic and unpredictable time. Be prepared for unexpected matchups and strategies.
- New Strategies and Playstyles: As Riot introduces new champions and items, teams and players will develop new strategies and playstyles. Be prepared to adapt and learn.
- High-Focus Testing: Riot heavily tests the game during preseason to identify and fix any issues before the ranked season begins. This means you may encounter bug fixes and hotfixes during this time.
- Community Feedback: The League of Legends community is highly active during preseason, with many players providing feedback on the changes and updates. This feedback often influences the final decisions made by Riot.
Benefits of Preseason
Despite the chaos and uncertainty, preseason serves several purposes:
- Improved Champion Balance: Preseason allows Riot to fine-tune champion balance, ensuring a more enjoyable and competitive experience for players.
- Increased Replayability: With new champions, items, and gameplay mechanics, preseason keeps the game fresh and exciting, encouraging players to continue playing and exploring new strategies.
- More Competitive: Preseason can be a time of intense competition as teams and players adapt to the changes and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the preseason?
A: The main purpose of the preseason is to lay the foundation for a successful ranked season by introducing new champions, items, and balance changes.
Q: Why do champions get nerfed or buffed during preseason?
A: Champions are nerfed or buffed to ensure a healthy balance between roles and positions, making the game more enjoyable and competitive.
Q: How long does the preseason last?
A: Preseason typically lasts for several weeks, usually from late November to late January or early February.
Q: What is the difference between preseason and regular season?
A: Preseason is a period of time before the ranked season begins, while the regular season is the actual competitive season, where teams and players compete for points and prizes.
Q: Can I still play ranked matches during preseason?
A: No, preseason is a time for testing and adjustment, and ranked matches are not available until the official start of the ranked season.
Q: Will I be able to carry my old champion masteries and Summoner Spells into the new ranked season?
A: No, as part of the preseason, Riot clears out old champion masteries and Summoner Spells, requiring players to re-pick and re-master their champions for the new season.
Q: What happens to my old champion’s stats and levels during preseason?
A: Riot typically resets all champions to level 1, removing all gold, items, and experience. This is done to ensure a fresh start for the new season.
Q: Can I still earn IP and Blue Essence during preseason?
A: Yes, IP and Blue Essence can still be earned during preseason, but the earned items and champions will not carry over into the new ranked season.