RIOT’s fall from grace

Riot Games has started 2025 with major changes to League of Legends, including the controversial removal of Hextech Chests and Masterwork Chests. In its latest developer diary, Riot addresses player concerns regarding in-game rewards, map updates, and the increasing cost of skins. While the company insists that these changes are necessary for the game’s long-term sustainability, many players remain unconvinced.

The Removal of Hextech Chests: A Necessary Change?

For years, Hextech Chests were a staple in League of Legends, allowing players to earn free skins by playing well. However, Riot now claims that the system had become “unsustainable” for the game’s long-term health.

Andrei “Meddler” van Roon, head of League Studio, explained:

“We want to deliver the best experience that you can play forever without spending anything; so that you only spend money when we’ve made something great that you want to spend money on.”

Executive producer Paul “Pabro” Bellezza elaborated further, stating that free chests had unintentionally become the primary way players unlocked skins. This led to a decrease in direct purchases, making it difficult for Riot to monetize effectively.

“We didn’t want to go all the way back to the early days of League with no skins earned through play time at all,” Bellezza clarified. “But Hextech Chests and giving away free skins was leading to meaningful diminishing returns.”

While Riot acknowledges the backlash, the company remains firm in its decision, arguing that these changes will ensure the sustainable long-term health of League of Legends.

Blue Essence Controversy: A Frustrating Change

In addition to removing Hextech Chests, Riot has revamped its Battle Pass system, replacing previous rewards with a progression system more akin to other multiplayer titles. However, players quickly criticized the lack of Blue Essence (BE) rewards in the new format.

Initially, the Battle Pass only provided 4,750 BE, while new champions cost 7,900 BE at launch and later drop to 6,300 BE. This meant that even completing the pass didn’t grant enough currency for a new champion, prompting heavy backlash from the community.

Riot has since adjusted the rewards and admitted it “screwed up,” but concerns remain over the economy of free resources.

Skin Quality Concerns: Decreasing Standards?

Another major complaint from players is the perceived drop in skin quality, particularly with Masque of the Black Rose battle pass skins. Many players noted that some skins, such as Vladimir’s, felt like mere recolors rather than unique cosmetics.

Bellezza responded to the criticism:

“We’ve heard a fair bit of feedback that those skins don’t feel like they’re good enough in various respects. We agree with a lot of that feedback.”

To address this, Riot plans to improve skin effects and model changes in future battle passes, though these adjustments won’t be implemented until Season 2.

New Champion Unlock Policy: A Silver Lining?

One positive change Riot announced is that players will now receive the champion for free if they unlock a skin for a character they don’t own. This addresses complaints from players who had limited Blue Essence and struggled to afford new champions.

For newer players, this provides a way to expand their champion pool while still engaging with skins.

Noxian Rift Map Adjustments

In response to complaints about the Noxus-inspired map, which some players felt was too dark, Riot has made brightness adjustments to improve visibility. While some fans still want a toggle feature to switch between map themes, Riot has yet to confirm whether such an option will be added.

Final Thoughts: Is Riot Moving in the Right Direction?

Despite Riot’s reassurances, many players remain skeptical about these changes, especially regarding the increasing reliance on microtransactions. While adjustments have been made to address feedback, the removal of Hextech Chests and higher skin costs have left some players frustrated.

With Season 1 Act 2 bringing further updates, including battle pass tweaks and additional champion unlocks, it remains to be seen whether these changes will satisfy the community or fuel further backlash.

What do you think of Riot’s latest changes? Let us know in the comments!

FGM –