TL;DR
- URF 2021 features +300 ability haste replacing 80% CDR and mana-to-HP conversion systems
- Lethal Tempo and Ultimate Hunter runes are now enabled for expanded build diversity
- Gold per 10 items remain disabled to prevent new player frustration and balance issues
- The game mode optimizes League’s new item system while eliminating common build traps
- Expected to return during 2021 seasonal events with improved itemization strategies
When URF makes its anticipated 2021 comeback, it will be fundamentally redesigned to integrate seamlessly with League of Legends’ revolutionary new item ecosystem.
Lead game mode architect Reina “Reinboom” Sweet has previewed extensive modifications that will “fully incorporate the preseason item overhaul.” The primary objective centers on enabling players to strategically navigate the item system without encountering the frustrating build pitfalls that previously compromised gameplay effectiveness. Riot’s development team is specifically targeting enhancements for items containing mana and ability haste attributes to transform their utility.
With this next run of URF, there will be quite a few changes to better embrace the preseason item rework. These changes are intended to let you engage with the item system more fully without hitting clear traps.
Changes include: (1/3)
— Reina Sweet (@ReinaSweet)January 21, 2021
One of the most frequent strategic errors that inexperienced URF participants commit involves incorrectly valuing mana and ability haste items. Since URF eliminates all mana expenditures, this has historically rendered numerous item choices completely non-viable. The same principle applies to ability haste, previously designated as cooldown reduction. This critical statistic will undergo substantial enhancement in the 2021 iteration to ensure the majority of items maintain competitive purchase value.
2021 URF System Overhaul: Items, Ability Haste, and Mana Transformations
The comprehensive URF modifications aim to resolve multiple prevalent item selection mistakes within the game mode. Even for veteran players who understand potential strategic errors, these innovations will significantly enhance URF enjoyment and provide opportunities to discover novel build configurations.
- Instead of 80% CDR players now get +300 ability haste
- Lethal Tempo and Ultimate Hunter are no longer disabled
- Bonus mana is converted to HP (40% rate)
- Bonus mana regen is converted to HP (100% rate)
While mana and ability haste items will achieve viability in URF, certain equipment categories will persist in disabled status. According to Reinboom’s design notes, gold generation items will remain prohibited due to the severe minion gold penalties they impose. Riot’s decision to completely exclude these items should result in substantially improved experiences for URF newcomers and casual players.
The gold per 10 items will be disabled though. Their minion gold penalty they give is at such an extreme penalty that is difficult to perceive that not having them available would ultimately lead to better experiences, especially for newcomers to URF.
(3/3)— Reina Sweet (@ReinaSweet)January 21, 2021
Strategic build optimization now requires understanding the nuanced interactions between ability haste stacking and the new mana conversion mechanics. Advanced players should prioritize items that provide multiple stat benefits rather than focusing exclusively on cooldown reduction, as the +300 base ability haste dramatically alters traditional item valuation frameworks.
What is URF in League of Legends?
Ultra Rapid Fire, commonly abbreviated as URF, represents a featured game mode within League of Legends that debuted originally as an April Fools celebration. Following its initial release, player reception demonstrated overwhelming enthusiasm for the game mode, creating persistent demand for its return. This marked the genesis of URF, which has subsequently appeared during various in-game events on multiple occasions. The game mode itself constitutes an enhanced iteration of standard Summoner’s Rift gameplay where all actions occur at dramatically accelerated pacing. Within URF parameters, mana costs are eliminated entirely, ability cooldowns approach minimal durations, and combat engagement remains consistently intense.
Is URF Coming Back in 2021?
URF is projected to return during 2021, though specific release timing remains officially unconfirmed. URF typically becomes accessible during designated in-game celebrations, suggesting potential availability for the imminent Lunar New Year festivities. Should this timeframe prove inaccurate, Riot will almost certainly reintroduce the popular game mode later in the calendar year, potentially aligning with summer or anniversary events.
Action Checklist
- Master ability haste stacking with the new +300 base, focusing on items that provide additional combat stats beyond cooldown reduction
- Experiment with mana-to-HP conversion builds using items like Archangel’s Staff and Frozen Heart
- Test re-enabled Lethal Tempo and Ultimate Hunter runes in diverse champion configurations
- Avoid gold per 10 items completely and focus on combat-effective alternatives
- Analyze champion performance with optimized build paths versus traditional URF strategies
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Riot teases changes to URF to adjust to LoL’s new item system Complete guide to 2021 URF changes, item system optimization, and strategic gameplay improvements