TL;DR
- Three core items receiving visual updates: B.F Sword, Rabadon’s Deathcap, and Bramble Vest
- All changes part of comprehensive 2021 preseason item system overhaul
- Initial rollout through Teamfight Tactics before full League implementation
- Design improvements focus on modern aesthetics while maintaining item recognition
- Community feedback will influence final designs before preseason launch
![]()
Lead gameplay designer Mark “Scuffy” Yetter has unveiled preliminary designs for League of Legends’ upcoming item icon revisions. These visual enhancements represent the initial phase of Riot Games’ comprehensive item system rework scheduled for the 2021 preseason period.
The icon modernization initiative targets fundamental equipment including B.F Sword, Rabadon’s Deathcap, and Bramble Vest. Yetter emphasized these designs remain developmental prototypes subject to modification based on player community input and internal testing feedback.
As you know we’re upgrading our item icons this preseason. You’re going to see a slice of that work in progress coming a bit early with TFT: Fates.
Current plan is to keep everything the same on SR until preseason and do the full update all at once.
(BF, Bramble, Deathcap) pic.twitter.com/Xm6nAvhcOS
— Mark Yetter (@MarkYetter) September 2, 2020
B.F Sword

B.F Sword stands as the inaugural item receiving visual modernization, maintaining its foundational presence since League’s alpha development phase. This basic attack damage component serves as construction material for numerous critical AD items, ensuring consistent high demand across matchmaking tiers and competitive play.
The original iconography has persisted for more than a decade, presenting Riot with optimal timing to implement contemporary visual design standards while preserving item recognition integrity.
Rabadon’s Deathcap

Rabadon’s Deathcap represents another universally recognized magical item purchased extensively by ability power-focused champions. The equipment consistently delivers substantial AP amplification, establishing itself as essential inventory for most spellcasting champions and cornerstone of burst damage configurations.
Visual modifications include complete chromatic restructuring of the headpiece alongside replacement of the dual frontal ocular features with a singular prominent orange spherical element.
Bramble Vest

Though relatively recent in League’s item ecosystem, Bramble Vest already warrants visual refinement. Initially introduced during season seven as Thornmail’s constituent component, this defensive item primarily serves damage-absorbing champions in top lane matchups, particularly effective against basic attack-reliant opponents.
The current visual presentation appears comparatively simplistic and lacks inspirational qualities, making the impending redesign crucial for achieving more engaging aesthetics that better complement Thornmail’s thematic identity.
These icon previews follow Riot’s recent preseason planning announcement, highlighting extensive item system modifications. The visual updates appropriately preview the comprehensive changes players should anticipate throughout the coming months leading to preseason deployment.
Season ten’s concluding update is projected for live server implementation on December 9, establishing the timeline for subsequent preseason developments. Players seeking comprehensive strategic preparation should consult our Complete Guide for thorough understanding of impending meta shifts.
Action Checklist
- Monitor PBE updates for additional item icon previews and system changes
- Experiment with alternative itemization paths in normal games
- Study updated Weapons Unlock strategies for new item combinations
- Adapt champion mastery approaches using our Class Guide for optimized preseason performance
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Riot gives a first look at the new upcoming item icon updates League of Legends 2021 preseason item icon updates revealed with B.F Sword, Rabadon's Deathcap, and Bramble Vest visual overhauls
