League of Legends is stirring things up with its new Noxus-themed season, offering players an invigorating twist on the beloved MOBA. The makeover includes visually appealing environments and character skins inspired by the notorious region. Adding to the excitement, cinematic sequences give fans a closer look into the stories of characters like Mel Medarda and LeBlanc, expanding on the narratives introduced in the hit series Arcane. As a teaser, after wrapping up the Noxus theme, the next in line is Ionia.
One of the most notable updates this season involves a revamp of LeBlanc. Her reimagined design aligns with her appearance in the recent cinematics. Vladimir, another famous champion from Noxus and ally of LeBlanc, also got a fresh look, sparking speculation about a possible update for him as well. However, it seems this update for Vladimir might be postponed as Season 1 draws to a close and attention shifts to Ionia, set to launch on April 30.
Vladimir, a blood-manipulating mage introduced back in 2010, plays a significant role in the narrative. With a history steeped in the dark politics of Noxus, he was a pivotal figure against Mordekaiser alongside LeBlanc and the Black Rose, continuing their clandestine efforts to wield power from the shadows. Despite two enhancements over the years, his last visual overhaul was in 2014, leaving many players hoping for a modern redesign.
Fans might have felt teased by Vladimir’s updated look in the Noxus cinematics without a follow-through in the game. Riot Games could potentially release one large update each season, and for Noxus, it seems LeBlanc was the priority. There’s always a slim chance of a surprise update from Riot before Ionia kicks off.
Interestingly, Wild Rift, the mobile counterpart of League of Legends, already showcases Vladimir’s updated design since he was launched there in 2023. It’s evident this version has more detailed features than his classical model. Bringing this updated design to League on PC involves technical challenges but it’s a hopeful goal. For now, Riot might be prioritizing overall balance for all champions, keeping a substantial Vladimir update for a later date.