Six years after the last PvE event, Riot has brought back a special mode of this type for League of Legends. Called Swarm, the gameplay diverges completely from the standard MOBA style and significantly differs from other PvE events previously developed by the company.
Inspired by games like Vampire Survivors, League of Legends' Swarm mode places players on new maps, facing successive and larger hordes of enemies. This requires players to pay close attention to the map details to dodge enemy projectiles and attacks. For a novice player unfamiliar with the genre, the PvE mode might seem a bit complicated initially, but there are several tips to ease the adventure.
10 Play With Friends
Better With Company
The Swarm experience is designed to be enjoyed by players both solo and accompanied by others. However, the experience becomes more fun when accompanied by friends. Moreover, there are several benefits that can make the game easier.
The number of characters present in each session is higher, so defeating enemies becomes easier. Additionally, players can try different champion compositions for the adventure. Matches also last longer because when an ally dies, another can revive them, something that doesn't happen in solo matches. Lastly, experience and gold are shared among players, so the evolution is faster.
9 Be Patient
The Mode Has A Learning Curve
Players accustomed to defeating their enemies in Summoner’s Rift but who have never experienced anything in the Bullet Hell genre or similar might find the mode a bit strange at first. Its gameplay is different from a typical League of Legends match, so patience is required for Swarm Mode.
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This style of play is designed for players to lose the first few times they try the stages to accumulate resources, such as gold, which can be exchanged for permanent buffs to attributes. Additionally, the more attempts made, the more accustomed players will become to enemy patterns and develop better strategies to advance.
8 Use Abilities Without Fear
They Work Differently Than In Summoner’s Rift
In a regular League of Legends match, it is common for players to save some abilities for more critical moments of teamfights. However, in Swarm mode, they work differently. Here, champions only have their E and R abilities, unlocked at levels 3 and 6, respectively.
The ideal approach is to use these abilities, especially the E, whenever possible, particularly when surrounded by enemies. Jinx, for instance, has an impactful ability on the map, allowing her to create space more easily. Briar, on the other hand, also has useful powers, but they require more player experience.
7 Avoid Chokepoints
Such Areas Limit Escape Routes
The main mechanic of League of Legends' Swarm mode is that players need to master character movement, which is crucial for long-term survival. Therefore, players should identify potential chokepoints where they could be cornered by enemies.
In these regions of each map, particularly in the late game when hordes are massive, champions can easily die by not being able to handle all the enemies. Thus, it's important to opt for staying in open areas where it's possible to plan a repositioning route.
6 Don't Be Afraid To Take Damage
Sometimes It’s Necessary To Reposition
The focus of League of Legends' Swarm mode is to stay alive for 15 minutes, summoning the boss of each stage. For this, players need to avoid enemies and bullets launched by them, but it is also crucial to understand that eventually, monsters will reach the champions.
At certain moments, especially when hordes are accumulating at a particular point on the map, choosing to jump into the middle of them and take some damage in exchange for better positioning can be important. Playing with friends, sacrifices to revive an ally can also be a useful strategy.
5 Explore The Map
It’s Possible To Find Useful Resources For Swarm
The initial moments of each challenge in League of Legends' Swarm mode are calm, with few enemies being summoned to challenge players, giving them the freedom to explore the ma p. Through this practice, it is possible to find useful resources in loot boxes, such as health recovery or gold.
It's also possible to find other items, some indicated on the mini-map and others not. Upgrade cards, offering players a free item without needing to level up the champion, or even Miss Fortune's Spires, providing temporary boosts to some attributes, are crucial throughout the game.
4 Check Equipment Synergy
And Combine Them With Attributes
There are many ways to build each character during League of Legends' Swarm matches. There is no correct way to build them, as the options are random, and sometimes the expected bonus might not appear for the player.
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However, there are some synergies between equipment and attributes that players should look out for to enhance performance in each match. This can be seen by pressing TAB on the left side of the screen, which will indicate which abilities benefit from the attributes that can be acquired during the game.
3 Invest Points In Ability Haste
Important Attribute For Various Skills
There are different passive abilities players can acquire throughout the game, such as increased armor, Health Points, or even the overall size of some abilities. However, Ability Haste is one of the most useful in League of Legends' Swarm mode.
This attribute is important in several ways, as attacking quickly and having abilities available as soon as possible is crucial for clearing enemy hordes. So, whenever it appears in the shop and there isn't a more interesting upgrade, such as the Master form of a Weapon, consider buying it. Additionally, it's also important to prioritize this attribute in the permanent upgrades shop.
2 Spend Gold Earned In Swarm Matches
Vital for Long-Term Survival In League of Legends
Completing some missions or collecting gold coins on the map will earn players gold not meant to be used during Swarm matches but rather after each one ends. These credits can be exchanged for permanent upgrades, turning League of Legends into a sort of roguelike.
There is no correct recommendation on what to prioritize, as this varies depending on each player's preferred style. So, it’s important to experiment with a bit of each permanent attribute and see which adapts best to the chosen champion's style and brings more long-term benefits. Jinx, for example, benefits from Ability Haste and higher damage.
1 Try A Bit Of Everything
Find What Best Fits Each Play Style
League of Legends' Swarm mode features nine champions to play, along with a wide combination of items. Initially, only a few options will be available, with others being unlocked as stages are survived, missions are completed, or bosses are defeated. The tip is to experiment and see the benefits of each one.
By experimenting, players can understand which champions and items best adapt to their favorite play style, as well as learn more about each one's mechanics. Sometimes, it might even be enjoyable to play a champion in Swarm mode that was never considered in League of Legends' Summoner’s Rift, like Yasuo.
League of Legends
- Released
- October 27, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Riot Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- MOBA
