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New League of Legends Champion Zaahen Backstory Revealed
Martin Arévalo-Östberg
24 Sep, 2025, 23:16
|Last updated: 24 Sep, 2025, 23:25
Though Riot is yet to offer an official announcement, it seems all but confirmed that the next League of Legends champion will be Zaahen. Though not much was known about the powerful Darkin, SkinSpotlights has just released a first look at The Truth Motion Comic, shedding light into Zaahen's backstory.
Who Is Zaahen?
Zaahen was a powerful Darkin. Unlike other members of his kind, though, Zaahen's heart was not bent on destruction.
Fifteen centuries into the past, the Darkin invaded Ionia along with an army of followers, plunging the First Lands into war. On the brink of ultimate defeat, the Ionian people "prayed to the shrine spirits for deliverance," and that is when Zaahen comes into scene.
Originally, Zaahen was a member of a group of noble paragons of the sun-empire (presumably Shurima), who fell over time to the corruption of the Darkin. Strong at heart, Zaahen resisted the corruption, and had shown up ready to help Ionia against the Darkin, rather than destroy it along with them.
With Zaahen's help, Ionia fought against the Darkin for three years until finally achieving victory. Instead of rejoicing in his triumph, Zaahen grew fearful of what he might do with his own powers, and ultimately sacrificed his freedom in order to keep the people of the First Lands safe... from himself.
The decision was then made to cast the Ionian Temple of Twilight into the Spirit Realm with Zaahen inside it. To ensure that no one would be able to release Zaahen from his prison, Yunara too was launched into the Spirit Realm to stand guard over the temple for the rest of time.
*During the many battles fought alongside the Ionian people, Zaahen imprisoned many Darkin by binding them to physical objects, such as Rhaast and Kayn's scythe.
Zaahen's Release
During the most recent events involving the Wyldbloom, Yunara and the shrine she kept watch over were brought back from the Spirit Realm after centuries in exile. For a long time, much of the story surrounding Zaahen and Yunara was shrouded in mysticism. It seems, though, someone was wise to the truth.
Now, it appears that Zaahen's imprisonment will not last, as Yunara is drawn away from her post to deal with some Azakana spirits (lesser demons). These were presumably used as a distraction, allowing whoever was behind this plot to get to Zaahen.
A New Darkin Champion Arrives?
Despite the lack of official confirmation, all of the signs heavily point at Zaahen becoming the latest champion addition to League of Legends. Though there is not much to go on regarding his kit yet, it will be interesting to see what Zaahen's abilities and playstyle will ultimately look like. This is especially true considering the champion will deliver a fresh new take on the Darkin.
Wondering when Zaahen will release? The champion is anticipated to arrive during League of Legends Season 3 (2025), so expect to see Zaahen sooner rather than later.
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Featured image credit: Riot Games
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