The 2025 season of League of Legends brings exciting changes that are designed to make the game feel more cohesive and engaging. Riot Games is shifting its focus toward thematic storytelling while also simplifying systems to improve your overall experience. Whether you’re diving into ranked placements or exploring Runeterra’s lore, there’s a lot to look forward to this year.
Let’s break it down, from the season’s start date to the new placement system and the immersive changes tied to this year’s themes.
When Does the Season Begin?
Mark your calendars: Season One of 2025 begins on January 10th. Riot has restructured the calendar so that the year will now be divided into three smaller seasons, each lasting about four months. This new structure allows for a stronger focus on storytelling, with each season highlighting a specific region of Runeterra.
The first season kicks off with Noxus, a land defined by its strength, ambition, and unity through conquest. This theme will shape everything from champion releases to in-game events and even the client’s design.
What’s Different About Ranked Placements?
Ranked placements have undergone some key changes this year. Riot is introducing a hard reset, meaning that all players will start at a lower rank than they ended with in 2024. For instance, if you finished last season in Gold, you might find yourself starting in Bronze or Silver. Even high-ranking players in Diamond or above will likely start their climb in Platinum or Gold.
If you’re playing on a new account, the system now requires you to complete 10 normal matches before you can even access ranked mode. This extra step allows Riot’s algorithm to better gauge your skill level. Once you qualify, you’ll play 5 placement matches, a reduction from the 10 matches required in earlier seasons.
During placements, the system looks at more than just your wins and losses. Metrics like KDA, vision score, and overall performance play a big role in determining your initial rank. Even if you lose a match, performing well can still positively impact your MMR, giving you a better foundation for climbing later in the season.
What Happens After Placements?
Once your placements are complete, your rank is just the beginning of your journey. Early in the season, the matchmaking system is more fluid, allowing your rank to adjust quickly based on your performance. This means that strong players who were placed lower than their actual skill level can climb faster, while those placed higher than they should be may experience tougher matches until the system balances out.
However, the start of the season can feel chaotic. A hard reset means that players from a wide range of skill levels will be in the same matches as the system recalibrates. You might find yourself playing against opponents who were much higher-ranked last season or teaming up with players who are less experienced. While this can be frustrating, it’s temporary and will stabilize after the first few weeks.
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Thematic Seasons: Bringing Runeterra to Life
One of the most exciting changes for 2025 is the introduction of thematic seasons. Instead of isolated events or one-off lore drops, Riot is using each season to explore a specific region of Runeterra. Season One focuses on Noxus, and everything about the game—champions, skins, missions, and events—will tie back to this theme.
For example, new skins released this season will reflect Noxian culture, emphasizing its militaristic and unified identity. Similarly, missions and events will be designed to immerse you in the story of Noxus, allowing you to learn more about its champions and their ambitions. Riot’s goal is to make League feel like a living, breathing part of Runeterra, where every match connects to a larger narrative.
A New Look for the Client
The client is also getting an overhaul to better showcase these themes. When you log in, you’ll notice the new Activity Center, a streamlined landing page that puts seasonal content front and center. This redesigned space will highlight your progression in the Battle Pass, story updates, and any active events.
The Info Hub is another new addition. It’s designed to keep you informed about patch updates, champion releases, and esports news. The Info Hub only appears once per patch when you log in but can be accessed any time from the Activity Center. These changes aim to reduce clutter and make it easier to stay engaged with the game’s evolving themes.
The Battle Pass: A Core Part of the Experience
The Battle Pass has been revamped to serve as a central part of the seasonal experience. Replacing the Event Pass, this new system is designed to be simpler and more rewarding. Each Battle Pass will last for four patches (about two months) and align with the current season’s theme.
Whether you stick to the free version or upgrade to the paid track, the Battle Pass offers meaningful rewards. The free pass includes two skins per Act: one thematic and one random. If you opt for the paid version, you’ll gain access to exclusive Prestige skins, borders, and other high-value cosmetics.
Missions have also been redesigned to offer more variety. You’ll have daily, weekly, and Act-long objectives that reward Battle Pass experience. Mastery milestones now contribute to your Battle Pass progress, tying gameplay achievements directly to the rewards system.
Streamlining Rewards
Riot is simplifying how rewards work to make the experience less confusing. For example, Event Tokens and crafting materials have been removed. All Battle Pass rewards are now presented in a straightforward track, so you can see exactly what you’ll earn and how to get it.
For free-to-play players, the new system is especially generous. Completing the free pass throughout the year will earn you at least 12 skins, compared to the 9 skins available in previous years. These rewards are no longer tied to shards or crafting materials—they’re full skins that you can immediately use.
How to Approach the 2025 Season
Starting a new season can feel overwhelming, especially with so many changes. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
First, don’t rush into ranked matches on the first day. The matchmaking system takes a few weeks to stabilize, so waiting can lead to more balanced games. If you’re on a new account, use the required 10 normal matches to practice and refine your skills.
Once you begin placements, focus on playing your best, even in matches that seem unwinnable. Strong individual performance matters more than the final result, especially during placements.
Finally, take time to explore the thematic content. Whether it’s completing missions, unlocking skins, or learning more about Noxus, the seasonal story adds depth to your gameplay and makes the grind feel more rewarding.
What’s Next?
The 2025 season represents a major shift for League of Legends. By combining thematic storytelling with streamlined systems, Riot is creating an experience that feels more unified and immersive. From the moment you log in on January 10th, you’ll notice how much has changed—both on and off the Rift.
Whether you’re climbing the ranked ladder or diving into Noxian lore, there’s something for everyone this year. The future of League is here, and it’s more engaging than ever.
