TL;DR
- Complete item system overhaul requires relearning all build paths and strategies
- New Mythic items fundamentally change champion progression and power spikes
- Revamped shop interface with adaptive recommendations and advanced filtering options
- Extensive patch notes provide detailed documentation of all changes
- Adaptation period expected with ongoing balance adjustments from Riot

The highly anticipated 2021 preseason update is nearly here, bringing transformative changes that will redefine how players approach League of Legends. To help navigate this extensive overhaul, Riot Games has released a comprehensive preseason spotlight video detailing the massive item system revamp. This visual guide serves as an essential primer for players preparing to adapt to the new meta.
Within the presentation, developers showcase the complete item system reconstruction that demands players abandon familiar build patterns. The introduction of Mythic-tier items represents the most significant gameplay shift since the game’s launch, fundamentally altering champion progression and strategic decision-making throughout matches. Riot’s design philosophy centers on expanding viable build diversity, enabling more distinct playstyles, and fostering innovative strategic approaches through the redesigned item ecosystem.
Mythic items introduce a new tier of power that shapes entire build paths from the first purchase. Each champion now has multiple Mythic options that define their core gameplay identity, creating branching strategic decisions rather than linear progression. Understanding these pivotal items is crucial for optimizing champion performance in the new season.
Critical strategic consideration: Mythic items provide unique passive effects that enhance all subsequent legendary items, making your first major purchase decision the most impactful of the game. This system encourages situational building rather than following static guides, rewarding players who adapt their Mythic choice to specific game conditions and team compositions.
Common mistake to avoid: Don’t default to the same Mythic item every game. Analyze enemy team composition, your team’s needs, and current game state before committing to your core build path. Advanced players should experiment with multiple Mythic options during the preseason to understand power spike timing variations.
Riot’s complete shop redesign prioritizes usability and accessibility while maintaining depth for experienced players. The interface features intuitive categorization and powerful filtering tools that streamline item discovery and purchase decisions.
The recommended tab now employs dynamic algorithms that adjust suggested items based on real-time game factors including lane matchups, team compositions, and current gold availability. This intelligent system provides personalized guidance that evolves throughout each match, offering different recommendations game-to-game based on contextual variables.
Within the comprehensive all-items section, players can utilize multiple filter categories including primary statistics, champion class specialization, community popularity metrics, and price ranges. These tools dramatically reduce the cognitive load of navigating the expanded item catalog while maintaining access to the full selection.
Time-saving feature: The quick-buy sidebar enables rapid purchases during critical moments when every second counts. Mastering this feature can provide tangible advantages during late-game teamfight preparation and objective contests.
Virtually all existing items have received visual refreshes with new icons that modernize the game’s aesthetic while maintaining recognizable silhouettes for veteran players. The visual overhaul necessitates careful attention to distinguish between updated familiar items and completely new additions to the arsenal.
Beyond the spotlight presentation, Riot has published one of the most extensive patch note collections in League of Legends history. This documentation encompasses all new items, updated icons, additional skins, and comprehensive champion balance adjustments. The sheer volume of changes requires dedicated reading time—expect to spend several hours thoroughly absorbing all modifications and their implications.
Pro tip: Prioritize reading sections relevant to your main champions and roles first, then expand to broader system changes. This approach ensures you’re prepared for your most played positions while gradually building comprehensive system knowledge.
The initial post-release period will involve significant learning and adjustment for all players regardless of skill level. During this phase, Riot will continuously monitor gameplay data to identify overpowered items, underperforming options, and systemic bugs requiring adjustment.
Strategic adaptation timeline: Allow approximately 2-3 weeks to develop comfort with the new systems. During this period, focus on understanding fundamental interactions rather than chasing optimal builds immediately.
Common pitfall: Avoid frustration during the initial adjustment period by recognizing that mastery requires experimentation and occasional failure. The most successful players will approach the preseason with curiosity and willingness to test unconventional builds.
The preseason update becomes available on live servers starting November 11, marking the beginning of this transformative period in League’s evolution. For comprehensive guidance on adapting to major game changes, consult our Complete Guide to systematic gameplay adaptation.
Advanced preparation: Review the new Weapons Unlock systems and Class Guide optimizations to accelerate your mastery curve during this critical learning phase.
Action Checklist
- Watch Riot’s preseason spotlight video to understand core changes
- Spend 30-45 minutes in Practice Tool testing Mythic items on your main champions
- Read patch notes for your primary role and champions
- Experiment with at least 3 different Mythic build paths in normal games
- Master quick-buy sidebar usage in high-pressure situations
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Biggest LoL Season 11 changes shown in Preseason 2021 Spotlight Essential guide to League's 2021 preseason overhaul with strategic tips for mastering new items and shop features
