New ARAM Maps, Yunara Update, New Meta-Game, and MSI Pick'Ems for League of Legends
In their latest Dev Update video, Riot Games has disclosed several exciting new changes and additions coming to League of Legends. From sweeping changes to the ARAM game mode to the arrival of Yunara, Act 2 of the Spirit Blossom Beyond will be one to look forward to!
ARAM: A Sweeping Update
One of the oldest game modes in League of Legends, ARAM will be receiving a ton of changes with the arrival of the new Act. Let's go over some of the most important updates headed ARAM's way.
New Maps
First off, ARAM will now have a total of three maps, all of which will not only feature a distinct look, but also separate gameplay mechanics. Whichever map you get in your games will be randomly selected at the start of each match. The three maps are:
- Howling Abyss (classic):
- The classic map will feature no changes whatsoever, so as to help "preserve the core ARAM experience."
- Butcher's Bridge (Bilgewater themed):
- Introducing new cannons which can be used for getting around the map faster, and to knock enemies up where you land.
- New alcove with a Power Flower which refunds cooldowns and provides a shield.
- Koeshin's Crossing (Spirit Blossom themed):
- Will feature several Spirit Blossom Portals (like Hex Gates), including portals in the center of the map which can be used to "try to make the outplay of a century... or simply get outplayed."
Koeshin's Crossing will be a new Spirit Blossom themed ARAM map. (Credit: Riot Games)Champion Cards: No More ARAM Rerolls
In addition to the new maps, the latest in a long list of changes coming to ARAM will be introduction of Champion Cards. In order to give players "more options, more consistently," the old Reroll System will be replaced entirely by these new Champion Cards.
When entering the champion select screen in ARAM, players will be presented with two champions to choose from (if you're lucky, you may even get three options). Once your choice has been made, the remaining champion will be moved to the bench, where other players will be able to pick the champion up for themselves. This way, players will always have multiple options to choose from before loading up to the game.
Yunara Update
Through their latest Dev Update, Riot took the chance to also extend a small update on the newest champion coming to League of Legends: Yunara.
Players will be happy to learn that, like Mel earlier in the year, Yunara will be earnable by simply completing a few missions in-game, guaranteeing everyone has access to the new champion. While not trying to give too much away in regards to gameplay or abilities, Riot took the chance to confirm that Yunara will be a "traditional ADC with a core focus on auto-attacks."
If you're eager to find out more about the new champion, though, you won't have to wait long. Riot has already brought in several content creators from around the world to get a sneak preview of Yunara's gameplay, and have announced that the champion's entire kit will be officially revealed "in two weeks' time." So, expect to find out everything you need to know about Yunara by or around June 23rd!
It looks like we won't be waiting long before discovering what Yunara has in store for us. (Credit: Riot Games)New Meta-Game Arriving!
Riot Games also announced that a new meta-game will soon be arriving to League of Legends. While the official name has not been announced, the game will take the shape of a 2.5D side-scrolling beat-'em-up, and will feature Yunara herself as well as Xin Zhao.
Unlike their most recent meta-game release, Demon's Hand, this new game will not require players to grind games of League of Legends in order to progress. This will essentially make the new meta-game far more self-contained.
MSI Pick'Em Challenge: A First Time for Everything
For fans of League of Legends esports, you'll be thrilled to know that MSI 2025 will feature a Pick'Em Challenge, just like Worlds always has. This marks the very first time that Pick'Ems make their way to a Mid-Season Invitational.
Additionally, all of the skins used by the winning team during the Grand Finals of MSI will be put on sale a week after the match. So, let's hope for a full 5-game series for the maximum amount of discounted skins!
With Pick'Ems making their way to us earlier than anticipated, excitement for MSI 2025 just went up a notch! (Credit: Riot Games)Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest League news and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured image credit: Riot Games
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