Riot Games likely anticipated this outcome, as it has become a trend with their combined event-and-champion releases.

Since her arrival in League on July 17, the new champion Aurora has struggled to make a significant impact on the game’s dedicated fanbase. Instead, the focus has been entirely on Swarm, the exciting new bullet-hell game mode that Riot released alongside the champion.

Unfortunately for Aurora, the combination of her release with this new mode has effectively overshadowed her hype.

The League community quickly voiced their surprise at how fast Aurora and her release were pushed aside. Some players criticized her for being too “uninteresting” to make a significant impact, while others blamed her theme for failing to generate excitement. A few even suggested that Riot had missed the mark with “more anime nonsense.”

Despite this, Aurora has been seen in many matches so far. According to League statistic site U.GG, she has already appeared in over 73k games. However, compared to the usual excitement surrounding new champion debuts, her release feels underwhelming.

This curious release strategy from Riot seems to be part of a larger pattern, as seen with other underwhelming debuts like Nilah and Naafiri. Naafiri, who was released in the middle of the 2023 Soul Fighter event, was overshadowed by the Arena mode.

Not all champions have been overshadowed by events, though. Lillia and Yone, who were released during the Spirit Blossom event, and Akshan, who headlined the Sentinels event, managed to avoid being eclipsed. However, it’s worth noting that all three required periods of significant metagame dominance to stand out.

It’s possible that Aurora might become more prominent once the Swarm hype dies down, especially if Riot buffs her in the upcoming Season 14 updates. Nevertheless, the initial damage to her launch seems to have been done.

Patch 14.14 is set to introduce a variety of brand-new Anima Squad skins, available at standard RP prices of around 1,350 RP. This is a refreshing change compared to the more expensive Faker’s Hall of Legends skins and bundles.

According to Riot Phroxzon, this patch will also bring numerous balance changes across champions, items, and summoner spells. One notable focus will be additional tweaks to the Teleport, aiming to make the gameplay more exciting as the 2024 World Championship approaches.

Moreover, this update will see the debut of Aurora, the Witch Between Worlds. She is expected to bring powerful magic and abilities that can rival those of any mage in the game.

League of Legends Patch 14.14 early notes

Champions buffs

• Aphelios
• Cho’Gath
• Hecarim
• Jayce
• Sion
• Zed

Champions nerfs

• Bel’Veth
• Brand
• Corki
• Jax
• Kindred
• Lillia
• Nidalee
• Rumble
• Tristana
• Zyra

Champions adjustments

• Aurelion Sol
• Irelia
• Milio

System nerfs

• Absorb Life
• Warmog’s

League Patch 14.14 is scheduled to go live on July 17, aligning with the 2024 schedule. This update promises to bring significant changes and fresh content, enhancing the overall player experience in the upcoming season.

Aurora release

Aurora is the latest champion to join the League of Legends roster in patch 14.14. She is a mid-range mage designed for the mid lane, known for her ability to move swiftly and dodge attacks on the battlefield.

Balance changes

Patch 14.14 will include a series of balance changes affecting several existing champions. This time, a particular focus is on AP champions such as Nidalee, Aurelion Sol, Lillia, and Rumble. Additionally, other champions like Hecarim and Milio are also scheduled to receive some tweaks.

League of Legends Patch 14.14 early notes

Champions

Aurelion Sol

Base Stats

• Base AD increased: 55 >>> 58
• Attack range increased: 550 >>> 575

Q: Breath of Light

• Now consumers mana immediately instead of after 1 second

W: Astral Flight

• Cast range increased: 1200 flat >>> 1500-1900
• Stardust ratio reduced: 750% >>> 650%

E: Singularity

• Mana cost reduced: 80-100 >>> 80 flat
• Pets are no longer reduced to zero speed

R: Falling Star/ The Skies Descend

• Base damage increased: 150-350 >>> 200-450
• R AP ratio increased: 65% >>> 75%
• R2 shockwarve damage reduced: 100% of R1 >>> 85% of R1

Aurora

• You can read more about her kit here

Hecarim

Base Stats

• Health growth increased: 99 >>> 106

W: Spirit of Dread

• Healing increased: 20% >>> 25%
• Duration reduced: 5 seconds >>> 4 seconds
• Cooldown reduced: 16-14 seconds >>> 14 flat

E: Devastating Charge

• Cooldown changed: 18 seconds flat >>> 20-16 seconds

Lillia

Passive: Dream Laden Bough

• Healing on subsequent targets reduced: 33% >>> 15%

E: Swirlseed

• Base damage reduced: 70-170 >>> 60-160
• AP ratio reduced: 60% >>> 50%

Milio

Passive: Fired Up!

• AD ratio reduced: 15% flat >>> 7-15% (1/6/9)
• Base damage reduced: 15-50 >>> 10-50

Q: Ultra Mega Fire Kick

• Range increased: 1000 >>> 1200
• Cooldown reduced: 12 seconds >>> 10 seconds

W: Cozy Campfire

• Recast range increased: 700 >>> 3000

E: Warm Hugs

• Base shield reduced: 60-180 >>> 45-165
• AP ratio increased: 30% >>> 45%
• Recharge timer increased: 17-13 seconds >>> 17 seconds flat

Nidalee

W: Pounce

• Damage reduced: 60-210 >>> 55-190
• Now has a 50% bonus AD ratio

E: Swipe

• Base damage reduced: 80-260 >>> 60-225
• Bonus AD ratio increased: 40% >>> 70%
• AP ratio reduced: 45% >>> 40%

Rumble

Q: Flamespitter

• Base damage reduced: 125-185 >>> 80-180
• Minion damage increased: 55-75% >>> 71-75%

League of Legends Patch 14.14 is set to go live on July 17, 2024. This patch promises to bring significant updates, making it an exciting time for both new and veteran players to explore the game.

The introduction of League of Legends’ 168th champion, Aurora, a charming Vastaya bunny mage from the Freljord, might be the last instance for a while where players encounter such a heartwarming character with a sweet appearance on the Rift.

In discussing how Aurora became a beloved project for the League development team, lead champion producer Lexi Gao provided a sneak peek into the future additions to the game in an interview with Dot Esports. Gao mentioned that the upcoming champion releases would feature much “darker” themes compared to the latest champions like Aurora, Hwei, and Smolder.

Although Gao didn’t elaborate further, League players have started speculating about which champions she might be referring to.

Earlier this year, Riot Games confirmed that Ambessa Medarda from the animated series Arcane will soon be joining the League roster to celebrate the release of the show’s second season on Netflix this November.

While details about the warlord’s abilities are scarce, her Noxian background and possible storyline in Arcane’s second season suggest she will be a ruthless champion. It’s anticipated that her abilities might be comparable to those of Darius or Katarina.

The League universe is vast and filled with intriguing characters, making it exciting to explore some of the more sinister and eerie concepts. The possibilities include inhumane celestials, deepwater horrors, ghostly spirits, or even bloodthirsty demons. These are just a few examples of the dark inspirations Runeterra offers to the League development team.

While recent champions have their unique themes, they are not as dark as older champions such as Fiddlesticks. Riot tends to create more humanoid figures as they are easier for players to relate to, but there is still a rich pool of cruel human characters in Runeterra that could be transformed into horror-like champions.

The upcoming champion, Aurora, has been creating quite a buzz as Riot Games has revealed her abilities. She is the newest champion set to be released in League of Legends. She is expected to make her debut during the Summer Event. Aurora is a Mage champion designed for both the Top and Mid Lane.

Teasers and the League of Legends Mini-Game, The Spirit of the Hearth, have introduced players to her story. With gameplay content now available, let’s delve into Aurora’s abilities.

League of Legends Aurora abilities

Based on the video, it is clear that she has a lot of utility in her kit. The champion has the ability to turn invisible and control a zone where she can move freely. Additionally, she possesses damaging abilities, including a recall projectile similar to Zoe’s.

Passive – Spirit Abjuration:

If Aurora damages an enemy 3 times with either her spell, attacks, or both, she will deal magic damage and gain a Spirit. This allows her to enter Spirit Mode and gain movement speed, empowering her healing for 3 seconds.

For every additional spirit following Aurora, the bonuses from Spirit Mode are increased by 5%.

Q – Twofold Hex:

Fire a blast of energy in a direction, dealing magic damage to enemies hitting and marking them. You can recast the ability to use the mark to gain the Spirit back dealing magic damage to enemies that it passes through.

W – Across The Veil:

Hop in a direction. Upon landing, enter the spirit realm, become Invisible, and enter Spirit Mode for several seconds. Takedowns on Enemy Champions reset the cooldown for Across the Veil.

E – The Weirding:

Send out a blast of Spirit Magic to deal damage in an area and slow the target’s hit. Aurora will hop backward slightly on cast.

R – Between Worlds:

Send out a pulse of Spirit Energy that deals damage and slows enemies. The area merges with the Spirit Realm, granting Aurora an empowered Spirit Mode, and allowing her to travel from one end of the area to the other freely.

Enemies who try to cross the threshold will take magic damage, be slowed, and be pushed back toward the center of the area.

There is much to appreciate about her abilities, which include significant movement capabilities and skill shot damage. Aurora is scheduled to be released in Patch 14.14, which is set to go live on July 17.

Aurora is the next champion to be introduced in League of Legends. This Vastayan mage from the Freljord is described as a mid-range solo lane mage with the unique ability to see things that others might miss.

The champion has already generated considerable excitement among players with numerous teasers both within the game and externally. Initially showcased through a new emote, she has sparked curiosity about what her abilities might entail.

In addition to these teasers, more lore about her has been revealed through a comic featured in the game client. This comic narrates the story of Aurora assisting Ornn at his forge, establishing a connection between the two characters. Now, we’ve received an even more tangible Easter egg in the form of a new item being added to the MOBA.

The new item, called “Witch’s Hat,” is exclusive to the Vastayan mage. It appears to be an Ornn-upgraded version of Rabadon’s Deathcap and includes a humorous description that hints at Aurora’s relationship with him.

The item’s description reads, “‘Friend.’ Yes, it is a funny word. Yet perhaps this likely refers to Ornn developing a friendship with Aurora, which is an unusual occurrence for the typically solitary Freljordian blacksmith.

As of now, the details of Aurora’s abilities remain unknown, but her friendship with Ornn might offer some clues about her gameplay. It is probable that Aurora will have close ties to Ornn and feature interactions reflecting their strong bond in the lore.

This upcoming champion is expected to be released in late June or mid-July 2024.

Recently, the well-known YouTuber BigBadBear, who is renowned for leaking upcoming content related to League of Legends, disclosed some intriguing information about the champion following Smolder. According to him, the new addition will be a Mage from Vastayan, hailing from the icy region of Freljord.

The images of this champion have been gradually unveiled, and it appears she is temporarily referred to as Aurora, based on hidden files. Aurora is described as having a slim and attractive appearance, but she harbors mysterious magical powers within.

The League Of Leaks has also recently shared some initial images of Aurora’s look. She is depicted with reddish-brown hair, eyes concealed behind large, round glasses, and donning a heavy coat typical of someone from a cold climate. Unlike other champions, Aurora does not wield a specific weapon; instead, she carries a notebook and a simple brush.

Interestingly, although she is introduced as a Mage, her primary position will be in the Top Lane, deviating from the conventional Mid Lane role typically associated with Mages. This is reminiscent of other unique roles created by Riot Games, such as the Melee ADC (Nilah) or the Solo Lane Marksman (Akshan).

Another notable feature hidden beneath Aurora’s large coat is a pair of rabbit ears, characteristic of the Vastaya race. She possesses the ability to control magic through various potions, and her eyes, concealed behind the big glasses, are rumored to have special abilities.

Additionally, according to leaked information, Aurora’s ultimate ability involves transforming into a more sinister form, similar to Swain. She also has a move called Exorcism.

It is anticipated that this Aurora will be officially launched during the League of Legends Summer event, which usually takes place in early July. As the event approaches, more official information about the new champion is expected to be released.

Riot has taken a unique approach in unveiling her. Unlike previous champions who typically received a teaser video, Aurora is being introduced through an in-game mini-game event called ‘The Spirit of the Hearth Home.’ This interactive event not only covers Aurora’s backstory but also explores the relationship between her and Ornn. By completing the entire story, players will earn some free rewards.

The Spirit of Hearth Home Mini-game

Getting Started

To begin playing the mini-game, you need to log in to your client. Navigate to ‘The Spirit of Hearth Home’ tab and click on the start button. Once you do this, the main event will begin, presenting a brief backstory in a comic-style format.

Collecting Items

Initially, you need to visit every location in the game and click on all the objects you can find. In the images below, all the items you need to collect are indicated.

Arranging the Bookshelf

After gathering all the books, you will need to arrange them in a specific order. The arrangement details can be found in the guide below.

Playing the Instrument

Next, you will encounter an instrument that you need to play. The song numbers for each character are as follows:

• Lissandra: 26543252
• Ornn: 2625234
• Volibear: 6542321

Workshop Bench

Rewards

Once you complete all the tasks mentioned above, Ornn will appear in the Library. Talk to him to conclude the event.

Upon completing the event, you will receive the following rewards:

• Hearth Home Icon
• Hooded Figure Icon
• Hestrelk Icon

By following these steps, you will be able to fully enjoy the “Spirit of the Hearth Home” mini-game and earn some exciting rewards.

Aurora was initially hinted at before the start of the 2024 League season. This new footage suggests she may be arriving in the game client shortly.

The video, shared on the SkinSpotlight YouTube channel, is an animated comic that explores the beginnings of the friendship between Ornn and Aurora. The narrative starts with Aurora approaching Ornn, seeking help.

Ornn provides the narration, describing Aurora as a quiet, unobtrusive, and curious Vastaya. Upon Aurora’s arrival at Hearth Home, Ornn forges a new, powerful artifact for her—a wand, which is likely connected to her in-game abilities.

With this new wand, Aurora casts a spell that opens a portal at the top of Ornn’s mountain, causing snowflakes and a few small poros to fall onto the formidable figure of the Forge Master. This scene gives League of Legends fans a sneak peek at her potential abilities.

Aurora is a Vastayan rabbit explorer from the Freljord region. Riot had previously teased her as a mid-range solo lane mage earlier in the year. According to those teasers, she has the ability to see things that others cannot, as evidenced by her special glasses.

As a mid-range solo lane mage, she is designed to be more whimsical and light-hearted compared to other champions in the League of Legends roster.

When Aurora was first hinted at, the game designers mentioned that she has a natural ability to see what others believe isn’t there. This could imply that she possesses a skill similar to a control ward.

Although Riot has not officially released her abilities, League players are already speculating about what new skills she might bring, including the possibility of her summoning a Haestryr—a companion much like Ornn’s ultimate ability.

While her exact release date remains unknown, the recent teasers suggest that her character might launch in the coming months. Based on the information available, it is estimated that she could be released around late June or July, possibly with Patch 14.13 on June 26, 2024, or Patch 14.14 on July 14, 2024.