With mobile MOBAs slowly overtaking the mobile gaming scene, it makes sense forRiot Gamesto enter the foray withLeague of Legends: Wild Rift. In this upcoming title,Leaguefans will finally be able to play intense 5v5 matches in the mobile version of the hit MOBA. Moreover, with the gamejust having entered alpha, fans and MOBA enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to.
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However, not everything goes smoothly in mobile titles. For instance, aside from lag and communication issues, the game might not have the same “thrilling"Leagueexperience. What are awesome things coming inWild Rift, and what might be things that can cause alarm?
10Excited: 40 Of 145 Champions, More To Follow
As players may have seen, only 40 Champions will make it to the launch ofWild Rift. This number might seem low compared to 145 Champions in OGLeague, and comparably less toMobile Legends: Bang Bang (ML)andArena of Valorwill almost hit 100 playable characters.
Of course, fans should expect Riot to bring more of their favorite Champions into the game. The fact that fan-favorites such as Miss Fortune, Jinx, Ashe, and Vi will make it toWild Riftshould be enough to motivate players to try the game. Moreover, Riot may even consider makingWild Rift-exclusive Champions.
9Worrisome: Mobile Opens Microtransactions, Hacks
Mobile MOBA fans who lovedWild Riftmight worry about two things: microtransactions and hacks. The first one seems inevitable, especially since OGLeagueand most MOBAs have microtransactions. In the case ofWild Rift, microtransactions come in the form of purchasable heroes and skins.
However, the worry lies in the risk of hacking and exploits. Games such asMLhave such a massive player base that a lot of accounts get banned for map hacking (revealing where opponents are), hacking accounts, and other cybercrimes. Hopefully, Riot Games has a robust-enough security system to keep these threats in check.
8Excited: Simpler UI, Fluid Gameplay
Taking cues from popular mobile MOBA,Wild Riftfeatures dual-stick controls. While this makespoint-and-click skillsturn into skill shots,Wild Riftdid overhaul the UI to make handling Champions much more fluid.
For instance, players can easily look at the map on the upper left, alongside Gold and other relevant statistics. Meanwhile, the bottom right corner contains all Spells, Skills, and Attack options. Moreover, players have the option to switch from a basic “Attack” button to include a Turret or Minion-priority setting, enabling them to switch attack targets almost instantly.
7Worrisome: Targeting Will Not Be As Precise
Players of PC MOBAs understand that aiming at the right location can wipe out the entire opponent or risk getting the team killed. Unfortunately, the dual-stick controls inWild Riftmean targeting itself takes a hit.
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Of these caveats, the most obvious would be the lack of clicking specific targets. While this might not matter with minions and creeps, targeting matters a lot during clashes. For instance, Miss Fortune’s Double Up S1 can kill Champions and deal bounce damage to nearby enemies. InWild Rift, Miss Fortune players will have to click icons of enemy Champions near their skill list to target them, instead of the usual point-and-click.
6Excited: Classic Champions Get A Mobile Makeover
Based on gameplay footage,Wild Rifttakes familiarLeagueelements and gives Champions a mobile MOBA spin. As such, Riot seemed to “translate” Champion skills nicely intoWild Rift.
For instance, Champions are capped at Level 15 instead of Level 18, making matches faster. Players can customize Champions with Runes, some of which only activate at certain levels within matches. Moreover, players have access to two Spells that aid them in battle, which is a welcome change from the usual one Spell from other mobile MOBAs.
5Worrisome: Controls, Communication Takes Getting Used To
PC players transitioning intoWild Riftneed to adjust to UI changes of a smaller, more compact device. For instance, communication takes a hit as chatting via a landscape touchscreen keyboard will take time. Players may opt for voice communication, which, while ideal for teams, might not be for everyone.
Moreover, standard mechanics such as scouting and scrolling the map might need practice for PC players. After all, instead of using a mouse scroll, players need to click parts of the map on the screen. Unfortunately, this caveat opens players to the risk of accidentally clicking random buttons.
4Excited: Format Means Accessible, Portable Matches
Players of mobile MOBA love their titles for faster and smoother gameplay. Unlike other PC MOBA, mobile MOBA allows players to set up matches much faster, customize heroes much easier, and have a more accessible item shop to build sets quickly. Thanks to the more action-oriented approach of mobile MOBAs, players feel every attack and spell their Champions cast.
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Additionally, this mobile format enables players to “bring matches with them,” play with more gamers and master their favorite Champions faster. They can play with friends just by having their phones, which is a welcome change compared to the classicLeaguethat needs players to bring laptops or PCs with them.
3Worrisome: Format Simplifies Gameplay
PC MOBAs force players to be quick with their fingers in choosing the right loadout, targets, and even position on the battlefield. This caveat makes matches more intense. However, a mobile MOBA tries to simplify this with more accessible shortcuts and actions.
For instance, rolessuch as tanksmight have simpler “loadouts,” which might constrain players who love tinkering with combos. Runes seem more accessible, which again might impede with the tactical depth pre-matchLeagueusually offers. Unfortunately, this mobile format might constrain PC fans. The gameplay might be simplified and turn out to be less exciting than the regularLeague.
2Excited: Introduce New Players To League
SinceWild Riftwill helpLeaguetransition into mobile platforms, players will finally playLeaguewith a much simpler format. Interested players often complain about how OGLeaguemight be too complicated. This comment might pertain to item combos, Runes setups, or even Spell selection.
Thankfully,Wild Rift’s simpler approach as a mobile MOBA can make the game more approachableto newbies. Hopefully,Wild Riftmay encourage players to try out OGLeagueon the PC.
1Worrisome: Divide The Fanbase
The idea ofWild Riftmaking a mobileLeagueexperience concerns fans, especially with regards to player population. Having a mobile title with the same premise (MOBA) might divide players between the PC game and the mobile title, which might not be good for the franchise’s growth.
Riot Games will need to focus on updating both the mobile MOBA and the PC title, meaning there are concerns over which title gets first priority and how “in-depth” the mobile MOBA will get. Moreover, players who want to “go pro” on one platform might not be able to do it with the other, given time constraints.
