The Great Rune Reforging: When League of Legends Changed Its Runes System
League of Legends (LoL), a game known for its strategic depth and constant evolution, has undergone numerous changes since its inception. One of the most significant shifts was the reworking of its rune system. This is because the rune system deeply influenced how players approached the game, so it was a change that was noticed by many players. The shift wasn’t just a minor tweak but a complete overhaul that fundamentally altered how players customized their champions and approached the early game.
League of Legends removed the old rune system and introduced Runes Reforged on November 8, 2017, with the release of patch V7.22 during Pre-Season Eight. This update replaced the previous system of Runes and Masteries, streamlining character customization and making it more accessible to all players. The new system aimed to provide more impactful choices and create a more dynamic pre-game experience.
A Look Back at the Old System
Before Runes Reforged, the system was a complex web of Runes and Masteries. Players would spend Influence Points (IP), an in-game currency, to purchase individual runes that provided various stat bonuses. These bonuses included everything from attack damage and ability power to armor and magic resistance. The Masteries, on the other hand, were a talent tree where players could allocate points to gain additional passive effects.
The old system was often criticized for being pay-to-win or, at the very least, pay-to-compete. New players were at a disadvantage because they lacked the IP to purchase optimal rune pages. This meant they were starting each game with weaker stats compared to seasoned players who had accumulated a vast collection of runes. The system also demanded a significant time investment to understand the optimal rune combinations for different champions and playstyles.
The Arrival of Runes Reforged
Runes Reforged was designed to address these issues and create a more equitable and engaging system. The key changes included:
- Free Runes: Runes were made free for all players, eliminating the IP grind.
- Simplified System: The number of rune slots was reduced, and the rune options were consolidated into a smaller number of more impactful choices.
- Key Stones: The introduction of Keystone runes, which provide significant gameplay-altering effects.
- Path System: Runes were organized into five distinct paths: Precision, Domination, Sorcery, Resolve, and Inspiration, each offering a different playstyle and set of bonuses.
The goal was to create a system where every rune choice felt meaningful and directly influenced how a player approached the game. Instead of passively acquiring stats, players could now tailor their champions to specific strategies and adapt to different matchups.
Impact on Gameplay
The introduction of Runes Reforged had a profound impact on League of Legends gameplay. The game became more dynamic, as players experimented with different rune combinations and discovered new strategies. The Keystone runes in particular had a significant impact, enabling entirely new playstyles and champion builds.
For example, the Press the Attack Keystone in the Precision tree empowered auto-attack focused champions, while the Electrocute Keystone in the Domination tree provided burst damage for assassins. These keystones gave players the tools to specialize their champions and optimize their performance in specific roles.
The accessibility of the new system also helped to level the playing field for new players. They no longer had to spend countless hours grinding IP to acquire optimal runes. Instead, they could focus on learning the game and experimenting with different champion builds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the League of Legends rune system, past and present:
When did League remove old runes?
As of November 8, 2017, patch V7.22, all old runes were removed from the game, coinciding with the introduction of the Runes Reforged system.
Did League get rid of runes?
Not entirely. League got rid of the old rune system and replaced it with Runes Reforged. This was a complete overhaul, but the core concept of customizing your champion with runes remained.
What level do you unlock runes in League of Legends?
With Runes Reforged, runes are available to all players immediately. There is no leveling requirement to unlock them.
Can you have more than 3 runes in LoL?
Yes, Runes Reforged allows players to select one Keystone rune and a combination of smaller runes from a primary and secondary path, totaling around 5-6 runes generally. The specific number and type of runes depend on the chosen rune paths.
How do you awaken runes?
This question is more relevant to the game Elden Ring, not League of Legends. In Elden Ring, you awaken Great Runes by visiting specific Divine Towers after defeating certain bosses.
How many runes are in a set?
In the context of the real-world runic alphabets, the number of runes varies. The Elder Futhark has 24 runes, while the Younger Futhark has 16. In League of Legends, with the Runes Reforged system, there is no fixed “set” of runes; players choose from a variety of options.
What does activating runes do?
In League of Legends, activating runes means selecting them in your rune page before a match. This grants your champion the passive bonuses and effects associated with those runes throughout the game. In Elden Ring, it means using a Rune Arc to use the effect of your chosen Great Rune.
How does arcane rune work?
This question is more applicable to Dota 2, not League of Legends. The Arcane Rune in Dota 2 reduces spell and item cooldowns, as well as mana costs. League of Legends does not have an item called “Arcane Rune.”
Did they remove clans in League?
Yes, League of Legends has removed Clubs, which were similar to clans, in the near future on the League Client and League+ mobile app.
Are runes permanent?
In League of Legends, runes are permanent selections within your rune page. You can change your rune page between games, but the runes you choose remain active for the duration of that particular game.
When did runes disappear?
Runes, as an ancient alphabet, did not disappear entirely. They were used alongside the modern alphabet for centuries and are still studied and used in various contexts today. In League of Legends, the old rune system disappeared on November 8, 2017.
What is the oldest runes?
The oldest known runic inscriptions date back to around the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.
What is uncapped leveling in League of Legends?
Uncapped leveling in League of Legends means that there is no longer a level 30 cap. Players can continue to level up indefinitely and receive rewards, such as champion shards and cosmetic items, each time they level up.
What Great Rune is the best?
This question pertains to Elden Ring, where Great Runes are powerful items obtained from defeating main bosses. The “best” Great Rune is subjective and depends on the player’s build and playstyle. In League of Legends, there are no “Great Runes”.
How do I get more rune arcs?
Again, this is an Elden Ring question. In Elden Ring, you can obtain Rune Arcs by killing rats, playing cooperatively, or purchasing them from certain merchants.
How do you turn off recommended runes in League of Legends?
In League of Legends, there’s usually an option within the champion select screen or the rune selection interface to disable or customize the rune recommendations. It’s often a simple toggle or checkbox within the rune page editor.
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Conclusion
The rune system in League of Legends has undergone a significant evolution over the years. The transition from the old Runes and Masteries system to Runes Reforged was a pivotal moment in the game’s history. It made the game more accessible to new players and added depth and complexity to the pre-game customization process. While the specific runes and mechanics may continue to evolve, the core concept of customizing your champion to suit your playstyle remains a fundamental aspect of the League of Legends experience. The change has been overwhelmingly positive for the game, even though some people can miss the old runes and masteries page.