LoL Wild Rift Patch 5.0: Release Date, New Champions, Gameplay & More

The new year brings a massive content update to League of Legends: Wild Rift. Patch 5.0, nicknamed Bright Heights, arrives on January 18th and introduces fan-favorite champions, impactful gameplay changes, and new modes to Riot's mobile MOBA. Here’s everything you need to know about LoL Wild Rift Patch 5.0 release date, new champions, gameplay, and more.

LoL Wild Rift Patch 5.0 Release Date

Mark your calendars for January 18th, when Wild Rift's Patch 5.0 deploys worldwide on iOS and Android. The update launches alongside Lunar New Year celebrations and will keep players busy well into 2024. Expect biweekly patches afterwards that tweak game balance based on 5.0's additions.

Three New Champions

League PC players will recognize these new mobile champions. All three provide unique playstyles to master.

Syndra

Syndra hurls multiple dark spheres telekinetically, nuking enemies from long range. She demands skill to juggle her orbs for massive burst potential.

Talon

Talon parkours through the jungle and lanes, ambushing squishies with quick kills. His hit-and-run style is ideal for securing objectives after slaying lone opponents.

Kindred

Kindred, actually two champions in one, offer conflicting versions of death. Lamb provides a peaceful passing while Wolf violently hunts down runners. Their versatility enables different jungle paths each game.

These champions widen the strategic options for veteran and novice players alike. Syndra and Talon pose lethal threats when mastered, while Kindred's duality rewards adaptable jungle routing.

Reworked Champions

Four existing champions receive extensive adjustments:

Aurelion Sol

Aurelion Sol's kit is completely redesigned, transforming him into the late-game celestial juggernaut he was meant to be. His new passive expands his power as matches continue.

Wukong

• Wukong gains better sustain in extended fights, thanks to augmented clones and improved skills. His more reliable gameplay makes him a viable fighter.

Yuumi

• Yuumi sees tweaks to her attach mechanic aimed at enhancing her aid whether attached to allies or not. These changes provide steadier value from the Magical Cat.

Gragas

• Gragas enjoys some quality of life improvements focused on smoothing out his gameplay. A troublesome champion to balance, this round of updates brings reliability to the Rabble Rouser.

These reworks target champions whose potential was capped by flawed or dated designs. The goal is to increase strategic diversity amongst player favorites previously hampered by issues.

Gameplay Shakeups

Beyond new champions, Patch 5.0 also introduces systemic changes:

• Several new items like Heartsteel or Titanic Hydra diversify build options. Some existing items get rebalanced too.
• Siege minions are readjusted to ease pressure after roams or recalls.
• Rift Herald prioritizes turrets over minions now as well.
• A new alcove in the Baron lane shakes up gank and escape tactics. Tricky new terrain expands pro playmaking opportunities.
• Pet system upgrades let players evolve their charming Chonccs. Additional furry pals and rewards give pet collectors reason to rejoice.

These meaningful updates provide every player, from pro jungler to casual laner, with new tools and tactics to employ. The evolving metagame stays fresh and demands new strategies.

New Game Modes

A fresh take on URF and improvements to The Arena:

• Double Cast - A new mode where abilities have short cooldown windows, while some champions' attacks strike twice periodically.
• The Arena - Dragon-themed augments for Lunar New Year. Also, an anything-goes 9th round allows all remaining teams to battle freely.

Ranked, Pass, and Events

Beyond new champions and systems, Patch 5.0 also kicks off:

• Ranked Season 12, featuring the Glorious Crown Xin Zhao skin and rewards renewing Legendary Queue's appeal.
• A fresh Wild Pass containing Food Spirits Veigar and Black Frost Renekton as unlockable skins.
• Lunar New Year celebrations like Dragon Lantern skins for a season of joyful rewards.
• Valentine's Day and Ramadan events bringing thematic goodies later into spring 2024.

With over three dozen skins launching across new passes, chests, and direct purchase, collectors have plenty to acquire. Combined with Ranked grinders getting a new season and casual players benefiting from events, there's something for everyone.

New Skins in Wild Rift Patch 5.0

• Akshan Dawnbringer
• Draven Dawnbringer
• Kayn Nightbringer
• Tyndramere Nightbringer
• Katarina High Noon
• Leona High Noon
• Samira High Noon
• Twitch High Noon
• Morgana Lunar Empress
• Nasus Lunar Guardian
• Pantheon Lunar Guardian
• Aurelion Sol Lunar Guardian
• Graves Dragon Lantern
• Zyra Dragon Lantern
• Caitlyn Battle Academia
• Jayce Battle Academia
• Kindred Cat&Dog
• Warden Nautilus
• Syndra Spirit Blossom
• Urgot Pajama Guardian Cosplay

Summary

Patch 5.0 "Bright Heights" elevates Wild Rift with meaningful additions that impact casual newcomers and hardcore experts alike. The strategic metagame expands thanks to revamped champions and impactful new systems. Meanwhile, new goodies across profiles ensure rewarding progress whether playing for fun or rankings. When the update launches on January 18th, expect Wild Rift's 2024 to begin in earnest style.