Riot Games has revealed that Chemtech Drake will return toLeague of Legendsin Preseason 2023. The announcement comes among a host of upcoming changes to the jungle inLeagueofLegends.Chemtech Drake was first introduced toLeague of Legendsin Preseason 2022, with the intent to raise the stakes in the jungle. However, after receiving player feedback,Riot disabled Chemtech Drakebecause it was “too frustrating to play with.” In a January blog post, the Summoner’s Rift Team shared that they would continue working on Chemtech Drake and addressing its issues, particularly on terrain.RELATED:League of Legends Releases 2022 Worlds Music Video with Lil Nas XTaking on Chemtech Drake 2.0 will offer players new rewards, including a buff and soul. Previously, slaying Chemtech Drake granted an attack buff that increased damage against players with more health. The effect of the Chemtech Soul was a brief Champion resurrection comparable to Karthus' passive, Death Defied. This powerful feature contributed to unbalanced matchups and arocky start toLeague of LegendsSeason 12. In Preseason 2023, when killed, Chemtech Drake will grant players better shield strength and heals, as well as tenacity. Obtaining Chemtech Soul will give players bonus damage when they are below a certain amount of health.
Players can also anticipate a new Chemtech look for the Rift, along with upgraded effects for jungle plants. Blast Cones will blow champions twice as far. Replacing Honey Fruits, Stim Fruits will give champions a small heal and shield rather than slowing champions. Stalker’s Bloom will replace Scryer’s Bloom, aiding with vision and movement speed towards enemy champions.
Since the game’s release, Riot has made constantadjustments to the jungle inLeague of Legendsthat have either frustrated or appeased the ever-growing number of players. These preseason alterations to the jungle and reintroduction of Chemtech Drake could be a hit or a miss with players. After the near-universal panning of Chemtech Drake, Riot developers made changes that the community noted were not included in the patch notes. Unannounced shifts in the meta proved challenging for competitive gamers.
Now the Summoner’s Rift team offers greater transparency, sharing that they decided to release the game updates earlier than usual so that they would have time to test changes and receive feedback. Some players saw that the original concept had potential and anticipated animproved Chemtech Drake inLeague of Legends. If executed the right way, Chemtech Drake could show off what Chemtech has to offer.
League of Legendsis available now for PC.
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