League of Legends debuts new game mode, Ascension

When Riot Games announced last week that they were starting over with League of Legends' lore, they explained the decision was made so that they could ultimately pursue "a more dynamic and wide-ranging world" fit for the capabilities and personalities of the game's champions. In other words, they don't want the lore to exist only to justify the gameplay; they want the both lore and gameplay to work together to create a more enthralling experience, but it wasn't until today that we got our first look at what they intend to do.

With the release of new champion Azir, the Emperor of the Sands, Riot Game is adding a new Featured Game Mode to League of Legends. It's called "Ascension," and it pits two teams of five players against each other in a fight to rip the Ascension buff away from the Ancient Ascendant Xerath so that they may use the power to conquer the Crystal Scar.

Victory in Ascension is earned through points; the first earn to 200 wins. Teams get 1 point for kills, 3 points for capturing one of the three Relics of Shurima scattered around the map, and 5 points for destroying an Ascended character; Ascended Champions earn two points for each kill.

So how do you become Ascended? It's quite easy (in concept) actually. You can claim Ascension by taking down the Ancient Ascendant Xerath in the center of the map, but you'll need your entire team to battle him. Once you kill him, you will gain the Ascension buff which yields bonus health and infinite mana, increased AD and AP, cooldown reduction, and increased armor penetration and magic penetration. The downside to be Ascended, however, is that healing and regeneration effects are halved and the other team always retains vision of you. Once the Ascended player is slain, Ancient Ascendant Xerath will respawn shortly afterward.

Claiming victory on Ascension can earn you up to three types of Shurima icons. You'll get one icon for your first victory, another at three, and the third icon for your fifth victory. For those of you who want an increased challenge, there's the Perfect Ascension challenge. With this, your team must claim victory, earn the Acension buff at least once, and never allow the opposing team to hold the Ascension buff. If you can do this, you'll earn the Perfect Ascension icon.