Next game mode lol, League of Legends Swarm Is Coming

Wondering what the next big addition to League of Legends will be? If you missed it, Swarm might offer a glimpse into Riot's experimentation with new PvE formats, specifically taking inspiration from the bullet-hell-survival genre. This article dives into the details of the Swarm game mode, dissecting its features, gameplay, and what its temporary existence might mean for future game mode designs in LoL.
At a glance:

• Understand the core mechanics of the Swarm game mode.
• Discover the champions and abilities available in Swarm.
• Learn how to navigate the different difficulty levels and progression systems.
• Explore the maps and enemy types you'll encounter.
• Assess the potential impact of Swarm on future League of Legends game modes.

What Was League of Legends Swarm?

Swarm was a limited-time game mode in League of Legends, released as part of the Anima Squad 2024 event. It offered a unique bullet-heaven survivor experience within the LoL universe. Think Vampire Survivors meets League of Legends. The goal was simple: survive endless waves of "Primordian" monsters and defeat a final boss on one of four distinct maps.
The mode was designed to be accessible to both new and veteran players. It required quick reflexes, strategic movement, and adapting to randomly generated upgrades. Swarm provided a refreshing break from the traditional PvP gameplay of League of Legends, focusing on cooperative PvE action.

Key Features of the Swarm Game Mode

Let's break down the key elements that made Swarm a unique experience.

Accessible Gameplay and Controls

Swarm was unlocked after completing the League of Legends tutorial, making it instantly accessible to new players. The controls were straightforward, using WASD for movement, which acted like an arrow pad. While it lacked native controller support (something Riot mentioned potentially adding in the future), the WASD scheme was easy to pick up.

Diverse Champion Roster

Nine champions were available to play in Swarm, each with unique abilities. The best part? You didn't need to own the champions to play them in this mode. This allowed players to experiment with different playstyles and find their favorite Swarm champion. The available champions were:

• Aurora
• Briar
• Illaoi
• Jinx
• Leona
• Riven
• Seraphine
• Xayah
• Yasuo
  Each champion had three abilities: an auto-attack and two player-activated abilities. Abilities could be auto-aimed or user-aimed, providing flexibility in how you approached combat.

Two Distinct Queue Options

Swarm offered two queue types:

• Co-Op (XvE): Create a lobby and play solo or with a pre-made party of 2–4 players.
• Matchmade (4vE): Queue up solo or with a partial party and get matched with other players. This required completing all maps on Story mode first.

Scalable Difficulty Levels

The game featured three difficulty modes, each unlocking new progression boards and increasing the challenge. The difficulty adjustments impacted several aspects:

Rewarding Progression System

The progression system in Swarm incentivized players to keep playing and improving. Rewards included:

• Advancing to the next map by defeating each boss.
• Recruiting new fighters
• Unlocking new upgrades and additional in-game missions.
• Acquiring new passives, additional passive slots, new weapons, and champion permanent shards.
  Completing objectives was key to unlocking the next difficulty mode.

The Setting and Maps

Swarm took place in Final City, a technologically advanced metropolis built on a secluded island. The city was surrounded by the Primordian ocean and protected by thick walls.
There were four distinct maps to play on:

• Warehouse District
• The Outskirts
• Subterranean Lab
• The Beachhead
  Finishing all maps in Story mode unlocked the Matchmade queue.

Combat Dynamics

Combat in Swarm revolved around utilizing your champion's abilities and equipping powerful weapons. Abilities required active player input, while weapons activated automatically.

Leveling Up and Gaining Power

Slain enemies dropped EXP Orbs that players collected. Collecting these orbs increased the team's experience, and reaching certain thresholds granted levels. Levels provided access to upgrades and improved stats. Players could also acquire Passives, which granted stat bonuses. Fighters started with three passive slots and could increase this to six.

Practical Playbook: Mastering the Swarm

Here’s a quick guide to dominating in Swarm:

1. Champion Selection: Choose a champion that complements your playstyle. Do you prefer high damage output (Jinx, Xayah)? Or tankiness and crowd control (Leona, Illaoi)? Consider your team composition in co-op.
2. Movement is Key: Constantly move to avoid enemy attacks. WASD movement helps with this.
3. Prioritize Upgrades: Spend your gold wisely on upgrades that boost your damage, survivability, and movement speed.
4. Learn Enemy Patterns: Understanding the attack patterns of different enemies and bosses is crucial for survival.
5. Coordinate with Teammates: Communicate with your team to focus fire on priority targets and revive downed allies.

Weapons and Passives: Powering Up Your Champion

Weapons in Swarm are automatically activated equipment that can significantly boost your damage output. They are granted and improved through selections during gameplay. Passives, on the other hand, provide stat bonuses. You start with three passive slots, but can unlock up to six.
Example: A weapon might fire homing missiles at nearby enemies, while a passive could increase your critical hit chance.
Choosing the right combination of weapons and passives is essential for optimizing your champion's build.

Surviving the Primordian Onslaught

The game throws waves of monsters at you from the very beginning. These "Primordians" inch towards you to attack. In non-solo runs, dying allies enter a downed state and can be revived by teammates.
Tip: Focus fire on the larger, more dangerous enemies to thin the herd. Use your abilities strategically to clear waves of smaller enemies.

Next Game Mode LoL: Swarm’s Potential Influence

While Swarm was a limited-time mode, it offered valuable insights into Riot's design philosophy and potential direction for future game modes in League of Legends. Its popularity suggested a desire for more PvE content, especially content that’s different from traditional MOBA gameplay.
This new game mode LoL took inspiration from the bullet-heaven survivor genre, indicating a willingness to experiment with unconventional gameplay mechanics. Survive the Swarm in LoL, and perhaps we will see its core strengths refined and re-applied.

Quick Answers: Common Questions About Swarm

Q: Was Swarm pay-to-win?
A: No. All champions were available to all players, regardless of whether they owned them in the main game. Upgrades were earned through gameplay, not through microtransactions.
Q: When was Swarm available?
A: Swarm was available from July 17th, 2024 (patch 14.14) to August 19th, 2024 (during patch 14.16).
Q: Why was Swarm removed?
A: Swarm was a limited-time event mode. Riot often introduces temporary game modes to keep the game fresh and gather player feedback.
Q: Will Swarm return?
A: Riot has not confirmed whether Swarm will return. However, based on its positive reception, there's a possibility it could be reintroduced in the future, possibly with improvements and adjustments. If that happens, the next game mode lol could be this one!
Q: Is Swarm available on mobile?
A: No. Swarm was exclusively part of the desktop League of Legends client.

Actionable Close: What We Learned From Swarm

Swarm showcased Riot's willingness to experiment with new game modes and genres. While it was a limited-time event, its success may influence future PvE content in League of Legends. Keep an eye out for future announcements from Riot – the next game mode lol could be just around the corner, potentially building upon the foundations laid by Swarm.