It looks like League of Legends is debuting a completely new mode to their game in Patch 8.16. Riot Games will introduce their first ever “experimental mode” in the next patch, and it will be called Nexus Blitz. Riot will be alpha playtesting on live servers for a few patches.
What are Experimental Modes?
According to Riot Games, experimental modes “are gameplay prototypes designed to deliver a different kind of experience distinct from Summoner’s Rift, Twisted Treeline, or ARAM”. They will also provide a different experience when players compare them to modes like URF, Doom Bots and One-For-All. There are a few key differences.
Experimental modes are a test for a game mode that could last a while and possibly even become a permanent addition to League of Legends. They will not connect to any events or holidays, like URF, Doom Bots or One-For-All. Instead, the goal for experimental modes is to be a regular mode-of-choice for many players in the future. Additionally, experimental modes are all about playtesting and getting early feedback from the League community. This way, they are able to judge whether or not they should pour more resources into the project. As a result, many of the experimental modes will be in an obvious alpha state in terms of art and effects. Don’t worry though, as there will be plenty of patches to evolve the game mode as time goes on.
Finally, experimental modes will not be too frequent. Riot says that these modes will occur two times during the year at most. This is because Riot Games is building these modes from the ground up, while also still working on the existing modes that are already in the game. Now, let’s move on to the first experimental game mode, Nexus Blitz.
What is Nexus Blitz?
Nexus Blitz will be fast and fun. In the newest mode, each team consists of a duo jungle and three laners. The map will be very small, which will lead to constant action. New, never-before-seen events will amplify the battle even more. Events are map-wide and will start every few minutes, granting powerful rewards to the winning team. Comparable to these events are game types like King of the Hill, pushing a payload, and the closing circle of death from Battle Royale games.
When a team wins an event, they gain huge buffs like a massive shield for every team member, or even something ridiculous like arming your minions and turrets with Blitzcrank hooks. Riot Games is still thinking of different ways to reward event players, and encourages its fanbase to chime in other ideas! Also, League of Legends is borrowing a mechanic from many other games, where a player is “on-fire”. When a champion goes on a hotstreak, they too will gain boosts like gaining adaptive damage and shorter cooldowns. However, they will also gain less resistances and a huge bounty will be placed on them.
The Nexus Blitz alpha starts in 8.16, and Riot’s current plan is for the game to last a month. It is up to the players and fans to help shape what this new game mode will become, so play and suggest everything and anything! You might see your idea in an experimental mode soon! Check out all the details on Riot Games’ website.
What do you think about Riot Games’ experimental mode, Nexus Blitz? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! If you want more League of Legends content, check us out here!
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