The League of Legends development team released a new Dev Update video on Tuesday detailing assorted changes for Season 1 Act 2. In the video, lead developers Andrei “Meddler” van Roon, Paul “Pabro” Bellezza, Matthew “Riot Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison, and Eduardo “Riot Cadmus” Cortejoso outlined updates that span gameplay improvements, business model adjustments, and upcoming competitive events.

The update comes as the first season of 2025 gets underway. Developers discussed early player feedback on seasonal themes and gameplay updates while highlighting changes designed to balance the game’s mechanics. Among the improvements, Battle Pass skins will see more distinct visual effects and updated models, and players who do not own a champion will automatically unlock it upon receiving the skin. In addition, certain challenging or unpopular Battle Pass missions are set for removal or rework, and Teamfight Tactics contributions to Battle Pass XP will increase.

On the business front, Riot detailed revisions to Hextech Chests and the process for earning skins. Although the changes have drawn some criticism, they are intended to ensure that League of Legends remains a fully free-to-play game while supporting long-term development plans.

Adjustments to in-game features continue with modifications to Feats of Strength. For example, the Feat of Warfare has been changed from a “First Blood” objective to awarding the first three kills in a match, a tweak aimed at stabilizing the event. Developers also confirmed that measures to prevent excessive snowballing are holding steady compared to pre-season levels, with ongoing monitoring planned.

New gameplay elements were highlighted in the update as well. The Swiftplay mode, introduced to shorten match times and reduce early-game imbalances, has exceeded performance expectations. Further changes—including adjustments to minion scaling and tower resistances—are intended to prevent overly lengthy matches. Riot is also exploring improvements to matchmaking and premade group lobbies, with tests of the True Skill 2 matchmaking system slated to begin later this month in Korea and Oceania for Swiftplay and ARAM.

Arena mode will return in Act 2 with several new features. The Reckoner Arena map introduces destructible pillars that alter terrain during matches, while a new fame system will reward players with augments and match-intro visuals as they gain recognition. In a further twist, the traditional Cameos have been replaced by Guests of Honor—a feature that lets all lobby members vote on which notable Noxian or Reckoner character will introduce global in-match effects. Riot noted that Arena is planned to remain a rotating game mode for the foreseeable future.

Additional updates include plans to roll out updated champion mastery emotes in March and the return of the Blue Essence Emporium in April. Meanwhile, the new Streamer Mode, which substitutes player names with champion names, is now live and is intended to help reduce negative experiences for players who stream their games.

Looking ahead to Season 2, the team indicated a thematic shift away from Noxus that will bring map changes, a new champion, additional skins, and other adjustments. More details are expected in the next Dev Update.

The First Stand tournament is set to kick off in Korea on March 10, featuring a Full Fearless Draft format and offering teams a second regional bye at MSI. Riot encouraged community members and media outlets to review the additional visual assets and in-depth developer blogs available online for further coverage.

For now, the League of Legends team will continue to refine game balance and introduce new content based on ongoing player feedback and internal testing.