League of Legends Previews the Trials of Season 3

Season 3 is shaping up to be a big one for League of Legends. Patch 25.17 marks the start of the next chapter, pulling together everything from Spirit Blossom Beyond to Welcome to Noxus. Big names like LeBlanc, Yunara, Atakhan, and Xin Zhao are stepping into the spotlight, setting the stage for Worlds 2025 — which lands in China this October for the tournament’s 15th anniversary.

Expect fresh updates across champions, game balance, modes, controls, and even how Riot handles player behavior. Here’s what’s coming your way:

Xin Zhao’s Visual Update

One of the most enduring champs in the League of Legends, Xin Zhao finally gets a full visual update. His gameplay stays the same, but his skins are getting the full polish treatment — including Commando and Imperial, which get boosted visuals and a new RP price (from 520 to 750). A new Epic skin for Xin is also arriving later in Act 1, while previously vaulted skins will be available again across Patches 25.17 and 25.18.

Doom Bots Return

If you missed them the first time, now’s your chance — Doom Bots are back in Patch 25.17. The mode comes with new difficulties, curses, bosses, and even in-game challenges called Trials of Doom, each patch bringing a fresh objective to test your squad.

WASD Controls on the Horizon

League of Legends is experimenting with something that could shake things up: WASD movement controls. First rolling out on PBE, then in non-Ranked, and eventually Ranked if all goes well, WASD will give players an alternative to the classic point-and-click style. Riot says both schemes will be balanced carefully so neither offers an unfair advantage.

Player Behavior and Smurfing Crackdown

Starting Patch 25.18, Riot’s upping its game against smurfing, boosting, hitchhiking, and account trading. Powered by Vanguard detection and community reports, these changes aim to clean up Ranked for everyone. Alternate accounts used in good faith won’t be affected, but bad actors will see bans ripple across multiple accounts. Riot’s also expanding tests for True Skill 2, a new matchmaking system that promises fairer placements and improved MMR accuracy.

Cosmetics and Skins

Prestige Skins: Sylas and Mel hit the Mythic Shop; Jarvan IV and Zoe are tied to the Act 1 and Act 2 Passes.
Worlds Winner Skins: Celebrating T1’s 2024 championship win, dropping this September.
Machine Herald Viktor: Arriving in Patch 25.19 — and free for anyone with Viktor Mastery 5+ (as of August 4).
Legacy TFT emotes and icons also return to the Mythic Shop, giving long-time players a shot at missed rewards.

Worlds 2025 in China

This year’s World Championship kicks off October 14 in Beijing, with the Finals set for November 9 in Chengdu. The Worlds Anthem drops October 10, celebrating 15 years of competitive League and the players who defined it.

Season 3 feels like a big closing act before the next era of League begins — fresh experiments, a fan-favorite mode’s revival, and a renewed focus on keeping games fair. Add in Worlds’ 15th anniversary in China, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Which update are you most hyped for?

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