Riot Games has officially announced the return of one of League of Legends’ most beloved thematics with the launch of Spirit Blossom Beyond for Season 2. This summer, players will be whisked away to the mystical land of Ionia, bringing a host of exciting updates, including gameplay changes, a visual overhaul of Summoner’s Rift, a brand-new game mode, system improvements, and a plethora of new skins.
Spirit Blossom Beyond: A Thematic Experience
Following the success of Season 1, which took players to Noxus, Season 2 promises an immersive thematic experience centered around Spirit Blossom. This season will encompass various aspects of League of Legends, including gameplay updates, a new champion, skins, a metagame, and more. The season kicks off with a stunning new cinematic set to the original track “Here, Tomorrow,” created in collaboration with singer-songwriter Lilas Ikuta (ikura of YOASOBI) and BAFTA-nominated composer Kevin Penkin.
Key Gameplay Updates
Season 2 introduces several significant changes to neutral objectives:
- Thornbound Atakhan: Replacing Atakhan’s Voracious and Ruinous forms, this new form rewards the team that slays him with all unclaimed Roses on the map and purifies Bloody Petals into Spirit Petals, granting increased effects.
- Void Grubs: Now spawn later in the game and only once per match.
- Rift Herald: Spawns at the 15-minute mark and is easier to defeat with the removal of the Shelly’s Gaze debuff.
- Bounty System: Re-tuned to activate more consistently for the team that is behind.
- Champ Select: Only junglers will have access to Smite, which will be automatically assigned. Supports will receive the World Atlas item once the game starts.
Summoner’s Rift will also receive a visual update to reflect the beauty of the Spirit Blossom thematic. Additional gameplay updates, including changes to anti-lane swap rules, the death screen, and kill streaks, are detailed in a newly released dev blog.
Enhanced Detection Systems
Starting with the next patch, significant improvements to the game’s inting and griefing detection system will automatically identify and punish players for poor sportsmanship. Full details about these changes and future plans are available in the latest dev blog.
New Champion and Metagame
Players can look forward to the introduction of a new playable champion, Yunara, and a new in-client metagame later in the season.
Introducing Brawl: A New Game Mode
Season 2 also brings a brand-new game mode, Brawl, set in the whimsical Bandle City. This fast-paced, 5v5 mode focuses on combat, with players fighting to push their minions into the enemy team’s base. With no towers or other objectives, Brawl emphasizes head-to-head champion combat, offering a lower-stakes, action-packed alternative to the classic Summoner’s Rift experience.
New Skins and Cosmetics
Spirit Blossom skins return with inspirations from Ionian folklore, featuring skins for Ashe, Irelia, Bard, Varus, Zyra, and Ivern. New “variety” skins will be introduced, starting with Pool Party Twitch, available through the Act 1 paid pass. Prestige Spirit Blossom Lux and Spirit Blossom Ivern will also be earnable through the Act 1 paid pass. The next Exalted skin will be for Morgana, with Prestige skins for Zed and Aphelios available on the pass and in the Mythic Shop, respectively.
Exciting Collaborations
- Stay in Bloom x Spirit Blossom Beyond: League of Legends partners with EDM artist Dabin for his North American festival series, Stay in Bloom, featuring artists like Blanke and Audrey Nuna. The festival will take place in Stanford, CA, on April 26-27 and in Brooklyn, NY, on May 31. For more information visit https://www.stayinbloomfest.com/
- Spirit Blossom Beyond x Yumin Ha: Esteemed fashion designer Yumin Ha collaborates with League of Legends on exclusive Spirit Blossom-inspired apparel. Follow Yumin’s Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.
Stay Updated
For the latest updates, visit leagueoflegends.com or follow @leagueoflegends on all major social media platforms.
