According to the latest announcement from Riot Games, the Pre-Season 2021 update will focus on upgrading the shop and items, with a complete overhaul from A to Z.
In more detail about the number of items, Riot Games stated that approximately 34% of items will be retained, 33% will be improved, and about 33% will be new. In total, there will be around 70 revamped and new items.
Ideal Item System
Here are some principles and criteria for building the ideal item system of Riot Games for League of Legends:
– Items provide power in the early game and crucial moments.
– Items should satisfy players in terms of purchase and usage.
– Items should have contrasting power and strategy, encouraging smarter item purchases based on the game’s situation.
– Items enhance the playstyle of champions.
– The item system should be clear so that players can easily choose items based on purpose, stats, or playstyle.
Goals for Pre-Season 2021 Items
– Buying and selling items should be quick and clear.
– Each champion needs to make strategic decisions when purchasing items.
– Item builds should open up interesting possibilities for using your champion.
– Items will have great power and will elevate the strength of your champions.
– Iconic items will remain unchanged, so you won’t have to relearn all items from scratch.
“Polishing” All Items
– Items need to be clear, unique, and distinct.
– They should fit into one of two tendencies: situational use (to counter certain champions or skills like QSS) and universal use (simply enhancing power).
– More engaging item builds, giving players more opportunities to decide which small items to purchase first.
– Items should be designed more elegantly, adding only necessary effects.
– Items should be balanced by having weaknesses and counters.
Major Update for the Shop
All items will be placed within a single screen frame, making item locations easier to find. Ultimately, all key item stats will be highlighted to allow players to compare and make quicker decisions.