Riot Games Confirms 'League Next': Massive League of Legends Overhaul Set for 2027

Riot Games has officially confirmed it is developing the most significant update in the 16-year history of League of Legends. Internally codenamed "League Next," this comprehensive revamp is scheduled for release in 2027 and aims to modernize the game’s technical foundation, visuals, and new player experience.

While rumors of a sequel have circulated for years, Riot executives clarified that this project is not "League of Legends 2," but rather a total transformation of the existing live service title designed to future-proof it for the next decade.

"League Next" Project Details

Following a report by Bloomberg on [December 18, 2025], Riot Games released a video statement featuring Executive Producer Paul Bellezza and Head of League Studio Andrei "Meddler" van Roon. They confirmed that the majority of the development team is now focused on this massive undertaking.

The overhaul targets three primary areas:

1. Unified Client: The current split between the launcher client and the game engine will be eliminated. A brand-new, all-in-one client will integrate everything into a single seamless experience, addressing years of technical debt and performance issues.
2. Visual Reimagining: Summoner's Rift, the game’s primary map, will receive "entirely new visuals." This aesthetic update extends to character models, the user interface (UI), and in-game effects to bring the game's graphics up to modern standards.
3. Gameplay Evolution: While preserving the core MOBA experience, the update will introduce "a bit of new gameplay," including significant changes to the Runes system and how players make pre-game strategic choices.

Focusing on New Players

A central goal of the 2027 revamp is to solve one of League of Legends' most persistent challenges: accessibility. The developers admitted that the current learning curve is steep, with new players effectively being "10 years behind" veterans.

To address this, "League Next" will feature a completely reworked onboarding experience. This includes the recent addition of WASD movement controls and further simplifications to help new users grasp the game's complex mechanics without feeling overwhelmed.

Strategic Timeline

Riot Games has outlined a specific roadmap for the rollout of these changes:

1. Development Phase: Full production is currently underway, involving a reorganization of internal staff to prioritize the project.
2. Next Update: Developers plan to share concrete details and previews between the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the World Championship in 2026.
3. Release Window: The full overhaul is targeted for launch in 2027.

In the official announcement video, Bellezza stated, "Once we’re done, it should be the best time ever to get your friends into League."

Sources

1. Bloomberg (via PC Gamer): A major overhaul of League of Legends is reportedly coming in 2027
2. GamesRadar: League of Legends is getting a new client... in a massive 2027 update
3. Engadget: A total League of Legends revamp is coming in 2027
4. Riot Games (Official X Account): Video Announcement regarding plans for League after 2026