Riot Games is ramping up the action in League of Legends with the introduction of a new game mode: Brawl, set to launch in patch 25.10. Designed as a short, high-intensity alternative to Summoner’s Rift, Brawl offers a simplified, fast-paced format where strategy takes a backseat to non-stop skirmishes. Check out the latest dev blog video where they announce the game mode at the 6:17 mark down below:
In Brawl, two teams of five players face off in a small Bandle City-themed arena with one simple objective: Reduce the enemy team’s 250 health to zero. Points are earned through takedowns (5 points), escorting minions into the enemy base (1 point per minion), and eliminating minions when the enemy is at full health (1 point). There are no towers, inhibitors, or a Nexus. It is simply an all-out war.
The map is compact and wide, promoting constant action with minimal downtime. With fast respawns, generous gold income, and streamlined item purchases (you can buy without dying), Brawl removes the typical slow buildup seen in standard League matches. Instead, it offers a format that feels more akin to Team Deathmatch modes in FPS titles short, chaotic, and endlessly replayable with simple to understand rules.
Minions, usually cannon fodder in Summoner’s Rift, take on a central role in Brawl. Successfully pushing them into your opponent’s portal directly damages the enemy team. This makes wave control essential and adds a strategic layer to an otherwise brawl-heavy mode.
Each side of the map features jungle camps that grant powerful buffs, introducing variability and allowing for a broader range of champion viability. To maintain balance and prevent runaway snowballs, Riot is also introducing a comeback mechanic. Teams that fall behind will receive buffs to damage dealt and damage taken, giving them a fighting chance to turn the tide.
Brawl is the brainchild of Riot’s internal “Thunderdome” game jam, where developers rapidly prototype and test ideas. Like the multiplayer practice tool and turret indicators before it, Brawl started as a small experiment and evolved into a full-fledged game mode that’s now ready for the live servers.
While Brawl will launch with a few rough edges, Riot’s focus is clear—create a low-stakes, high-fun environment where players of all skill levels can dive into the core League experience without the baggage of traditional objectives.
Expect to see Brawl arrive with patch 25.10. Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran looking to relax, Brawl might just be your new go-to mode for fast, exhilarating action. Will you be joining in the fight?
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