Arena - The Grand Reckoning

Product Lead for Modes, Eduardo “Riot Cadmus” Cortejoso, has revealed some important information about Arena’s return in Act 2 with patch 2025.S1.5.

Before getting into the specifics, let’s take a moment to talk about how new game modes will fit into League’s seasonal structure moving forward. We’ve already set this in motion with ARURF in patch 2025.S1.2, but here’s a quick breakdown:

Every patch should offer an alternative way to experience League, including:

• Returning fan-favorites (like ARURF or One for All)
• Major updates (such as this Arena release!)
• Brand-new game modes (think Swarm from last year)
• Experimental concepts we’re eager to try out

While we’ll generally align modes with a season’s theme, there may be occasions where we introduce variations for diversity. For example, although Arena will be Noxus-themed, we might switch things up to keep it fresh.

Arena’s schedule will closely follow season acts, so expect new updates near the start of each act—like right now!

As part of League’s shift to seasonal content, Arena is evolving to match. To celebrate Season 1 and welcome you to Noxus, we’re bringing Arena from the Rings of Wrath to the Grand Reckoning! Instead of floating mystical arenas, all maps have now been grounded by the power of Noxus, allowing audiences to witness gladiatorial combat firsthand. Now, let’s explore the updates to our existing maps!

Koi Pond was one of the most controversial maps last time Arena was live. While we made some tweaks during its last run, we’ve now taken a much bolder approach based on player feedback.

Introducing: THE RING—a walkable terrain wrapping around the outer perimeter of the Koi Ponds, connecting them together. This change directly stems from community suggestions and should prevent situations where players feel trapped with no escape. It won’t be easy to get away if you’re caught in a tough spot, but it’s no longer a guaranteed loss. Additionally, we’ve removed Blast Cones to eliminate frustrating scenarios where certain champions were unfairly trapped due to movement restrictions or auto-attack range.

The Reckoner Arena places you right in the heart of the action with scattered pillars throughout the battlefield. However, these aren’t just for cover—they’re destructible! Once they take enough damage, they’ll collapse, dealing heavy damage to nearby enemies and knocking them back. The destruction leaves behind rubble, altering the battlefield dynamically while ensuring it doesn’t interfere with vision mechanics.

Previously, Arena featured Cameos, but many players found them intrusive. This time, we’re replacing them with a new system: Guests of Honor.

Each game of Arena will feature a group of renowned Noxians or Reckoners (champions) appearing as “Guests of Honor” in special event rounds. Players will vote on which Guest will introduce a new game-changing rule for the remainder of the match. Depending on how far you progress, up to two Guests of Honor may appear per game. With over 20 champions featured, every match will feel fresh and dynamic.

Here are a few examples of Guests and their effects:

• Darius - Noxian Might: Every team loses 50 Health but heals 5 Health when an enemy team is eliminated.
• Vladimir - Universal Donor: All players receive a bonus augment matching their current ones.
• Mordekaiser - Die Alone: One player from each team starts combat in the Death Realm.

At launch, 14 Guests will be available, with 8 more added later in Act 2. Of course, we’re also introducing new Augments, but we’ll leave some surprises for you to discover in-game!

One of the biggest player concerns last time was progression. Many felt there wasn’t much motivation to continue playing after reaching their desired Gladiator rank, and the competitive progression system lacked depth. To address this, we’re introducing a brand-new Arena “Fame” system.

Fame is earned based on your placement in each game, and you can accelerate your progress through three unique missions per champion. Each milestone unlocks new rewards:

• Level 1: Overflow (Silver Augment) added to the pool
• Level 2: Hattrick (Gold Augment) added to the pool
• Level 3: Matchup Intro upgrade
• Level 4: Slow and Steady (Gold Augment) added to the pool
• Level 5: 1 Reroll
• Level 6: Matchup Intro upgrade
• Level 7: And My Axe (Gold Augment) added to the pool
• Level 8: Transmute: Chaos (Prismatic Augment) added to the pool
• Level 9: Matchup Intro upgrade

Unlike Swarm, progression doesn’t grant power but instead introduces new augment options, challenging your adaptability and creativity—similar to a Roguelike experience.

Additionally, you’ll unlock Matchup Intro Upgrades, customizing your intro screen to showcase your Arena mastery!

Other progression updates:

• Champion Mastery now progresses in Arena.
• Arena features Battle Pass tie-in missions.
• The Arena God Challenge retains previous progress—no need to grind it again!
• Gladiator points/ranks have been removed due to low engagement and overlap with Fame progression.

To encourage experimentation, we’re introducing two new mechanics in champion select: Crowd Favorites and Bravery.

• Crowd Favorites: Five randomly highlighted champions will appear in champ select. Choosing one grants 1 Free Stat Anvil.
• Bravery: If you lock in a random champion, you’ll earn 1 Free Stat Anvil + 2 Rerolls, plus bonus Fame. However, since you won’t know your champion until loading in, you’ll use your last-selected skin.

We don’t expect every player to use these features, but they offer extra fun and rewards for those willing to embrace randomness.

Arena will be available until Patch 15.9, which goes live on April 30. Be sure to jump in while it’s here!

We can’t wait to see how you all enjoy the updates, so share your feedback! See you in the Grand Reckoning!