League of Legends has come a long way over the years, both for better and for worse at various times. Starting out with just 17 original characters LOL has become one of the absolute mainstays of the MOBA genre.
Part of the sustaining force behind League of Legends is its constant growth and the lore behind its world, both of which have exploded outwards in recent years. New characters come in with more and more interesting stories and the actual legends behind the League keep getting bigger. Which is why a recent slip up by Riot Games has players and lorehounds very excited.
Riot put up a page for a brand new champion, named Zeri, on the official League of Legends website before removing it, both without any announcements or clarification. This seems to have been a mistake, and as a result a good deal about Zeri has been leaked to the public. Her appearance has been compared to Gwen, sporting similar bright hair in pigtails and an anime inspired face, and sporting a unique weapon: a blaster attached to her right arm. She's also from Zaun, meaning it's entirely possible she might show up in Arcane Season 2.
The page, before being taken down, detailed a few things about Zeri's backstory, though notably not her specific abilities. Zeri seems to be a mage with an affinity towards electric magic, which she uses to power her arm cannon. All of this translates to her being an AD Carry in game. She's known for her compassion and her only related hero is Ekko, a character who shares many traits with her, suggesting they may be friends. With this leak coupled with Riot experimenting with a seventh item slot, it looks like League's immediate future will be interesting to witness.
Opinions on Twitter of Zeri are somewhat mixed, with some believing her to be a hoax, some excited, and some unenthusiastic. One can never be certain with a new League release if the character will be beloved or hated, at least not until abilities are known. Still, with Ruined King stealth released and doing well, Riot has some good will to spend from its playerbase.
Zaun getting new heroes might be good for League riding off Arcane's success, but it could also backfire completely. Many players are hunting Arcane for Easter Eggs and hoping for champions they know, not new champions with less lore presence. And if they show up in Arcane, players are hoping they have the backstory and personality to belong and be a huge presence. No one wants another Seraphine.
League of Legends is available for PC.