The developers at Riot are shaking things up a bit for League of Legends players, introducing a new arena mode called Ascension – but it’s only for a limited time.
Ascension mode pits two teams against one another, battling to claim the Ascension buff by defeating Ancient Ascendant Xerath. Because the sands of Shurima have moved the Crystal Scar, making it impossible to traverse the outer circle of the map, players must use the Golden Transcendence trinket to teleport them to the battle.
Ascended Xerath holds the key to great power – if you can defeat him.
At the center of the map lies Ascended Xerath – a Baron-like boss that players may slay in order to attain the Ascension buff, which awards them double points for every champion kill – making it easier to attain the 200 points necessary for a victory. In addition, the Ascension buff provides the champion with:
- Attack Damage and Ability Power
- Cooldown Reduction
- Bonus Health
- Infinite Mana
- Armor Penetration and Magic Penetration
What this means for players is that the typical strategy aspect of League of Legends is downplayed in favor of a more skill-based match that depends heavily on individual player ability with their champion. In short, Ascension is a death-match mode that pits champions against one another without the aid of towers or minion waves. Victories in this mode grant players access to rewards like the exclusive Shurima icons.
Ascension appears to be a promotional effort on the part of Riot both to exemplify the new narrative direction they’re taking with the game and as a teaser for their upcoming new champion, Azir, The Emperor of the Sands.
This new gameplay mode will be available from September 10 – 21.
