Riot Games Reverses Hextech Chest Removal Amid Player Outcry

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27, 2025 – Riot Games announced today that it will restore the popular Hextech chests to League of Legends following player backlash over their recent removal. The move, part of a planned patch next week, aims to rebuild trust with the gaming community after a series of unpopular decisions.

Riot’s Senior Vice President Andrei Van Roon and League of Legends executive producer Paul Bellezza addressed the controversy in a video posted on social media. Bellezza acknowledged that the previous changes had diminished player trust, stating, “We recognize that our recent choices have not met your expectations, and we are committed to making it right.”

The return of Hextech chests will allow players to earn a total of 10 chests and keys each act, equating to 60 chests annually. Additionally, eight of these chests will be available through the free seasonal pass, while players can unlock two more through the Honor system, which is designed to reward positive player behavior.

In another significant update, the company announced a 50% reduction in the Blue Essence cost of all champions. This change aims to enhance accessibility for new players seeking to expand their character roster. Riot’s adjustments come in response to widespread criticism regarding the high pricing of champions and cosmetics since the commencement of Season 15.

Earlier this month, Riot also revealed that the highly anticipated League of Legends fighting game would scale back its planned playtesting from March to ensure improved infrastructure for a broader test later this year. This aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to respond to community feedback.

Furthermore, the development of new Exalted skins, including Sahn Uzal Mordekaiser, will be delayed to allow designers more time to meet player expectations for high-quality cosmetic items, after initial releases were met with dissatisfaction.

In a statement, Riot concluded, “We’ll keep tracking how these changes feel and engage with you about how things are landing. We look forward to continuing the journey together to ensure League is the best it can be.” These latest updates signify Riot’s commitment to listening and adapting to player feedback as it strives to enhance the game experience.