Riot Games unveiled its plans for item changes in season 11 of League of Legends in a video detailing 2021 preseason alterations. Among these changes is the introduction of a new class of items known as “Mythic items,” a completely new concept to the game.
Mythic items are “the cornerstone of your builds, with big effects that define your playstyle from game to game,” according to a video created by Riot detailing the item changes for 2021. They have the unique effect of adding bonus statistics to your other items, a mechanic previously only seen in Ornn’s Living Forge and Masterwork items. Only one Mythic item is able to be bought at a time and the items are designed with specific roles in mind.
The general theme of these items seems to be combating the typical weaknesses of marksmen characters, such as their lack of defensive statistics, mobility issues, and difficulty in killing tanks with the current state of critical strike items. The powerful effects of these Mythic items are reflected in their price point, which will make them some of the most expensive items in the game.
This is just one of many changes that Riot is implementing as part of a complete overhaul to the shop system. These items should be hitting the PBE within the next few weeks for an “extended testing period.” Riot also plans to release a more in-depth written piece covering item changes soon.
Riot has been on point with their communication lately. They released the insight into the process of designing a new champion recently.
“One of, if not the most difficult parts of gameplay design for a new champion is figuring out the high-level direction in the early stages of development,” Scruffy said. “These early decisions will affect the eventual possibilities and overall potential that the champion can achieve.”
Riot devs ask themselves four key questions before moving forward with a champion’s gameplay design.
Does your direction open a door to new gameplay spaces?
Is your theme resonant with the intended player base?
Does your gameplay hook deliver on the theme?
Does your gameplay direction have room to be satisfying and healthy?
Since there are over 150 League champs, new releases need to be unique and innovative. But their theme has to match player expectations. A deadly assassin, for example, can’t have a fluffy duckling theme, according to Scruffy. And new releases have to be balanced with counterplay, while also being satisfying enough that players keep coming back.
