TL;DR
- Shen and Karma join Wild Rift on March 24 with unique playstyles for top lane and support roles
- Elemental Drake mode introduces Ocean, Mountain, and Infernal terrain changes with strategic implications
- Fifth ranked season begins March 26 featuring Glorious Crimson Evelynn and returning Glorious Jinx skins
- Protectors of Ionia event and new Wild Pass season provide additional progression opportunities
- Balance changes and new accessories enhance overall gameplay experience across all modes
League of Legends: Wild Rift receives its substantial 3.1 update, marking a significant milestone for the mobile MOBA. This comprehensive patch introduces two iconic Ionian champions alongside revolutionary gameplay mechanics that will reshape competitive strategies.
The mobile adaptation continues expanding its roster systematically, having launched with a curated selection of characters. Shen and Karma represent strategic additions that fill crucial roles in team compositions, bringing unique mechanics that veteran PC players will recognize while remaining accessible to newcomers.

The centerpiece of this substantial update remains the debut of both Shen and Karma, champions renowned for their distinctive playstyles and teamfight impact.
Shen establishes himself as a formidable top lane tank with exceptional crowd control capabilities and unparalleled team protection mechanics. His global ultimate ability enables cross-map presence that can turn skirmishes, while his defensive toolkit makes him exceptionally durable in extended engagements.
Karma embodies the classic enchanter archetype, specializing in consistent poke damage alongside powerful shielding utilities with supplementary crowd control. Her mantra-enhanced abilities provide versatility that adapts to various combat situations, making her equally effective in both aggressive and defensive playstyles.
Shen thrives in auto-attack-centric matchups where his ki barrier and taunt mechanics create favorable trades. Karma dominates against tankier supports and less mobile marksmen, transitioning into a substantial utility asset during teamfight phases. Understanding their ability rotations and power spikes is crucial for maximizing effectiveness.
Donuts, Dragons, and Divine new items. Patch 3.1 is here and it’s a big one! Karma, Shen, Elemental Rift game mode, a new Wild Pass, new Ranked Season, new items, and a whole host of balance changes are making their way to Wild Rift. Welcome to 3.1!
🐲: https://t.co/STnrhzPiPn pic.twitter.com/UvzKCdr8rJ
— League of Legends: Wild Rift (@wildrift) March 23, 2022
Common mistakes include mismanaging Shen’s energy resource or improperly timing his ultimate intervention. With Karma, players often misuse mantra charges or position too aggressively given her limited mobility. Optimal play requires careful ability sequencing and situational awareness.
Wild Rift now incorporates the transformative terrain modifications associated with elemental drakes, bringing strategic depth previously exclusive to its PC counterpart. This implementation represents a major step in bridging the gameplay experience between platforms.
Riot Games has strategically limited the elemental options to Ocean, Mountain, and Infernal drakes exclusively. The development team deliberately excluded both Hextech and Chemtech variants from this iteration, while removing Cloud drake to enhance the optional mode’s excitement factor and strategic diversity.
Each elemental drake introduces permanent map alterations that fundamentally change gameplay dynamics. Ocean drake creates additional brush and healing zones, Mountain drake generates new terrain obstacles, while Infernal drake removes existing terrain and brush. Understanding these environmental changes is essential for advanced jungle pathing and objective control.
Strategic priorities shift dramatically based on which elemental drake spawns. Teams should adapt their composition and strategy accordingly—Ocean favors sustained engagements, Mountain benefits area control champions, and Infernal advantages burst compositions. Prioritizing the correct drake for your team’s strengths can determine match outcomes.
Substantial balance adjustments accompany this patch alongside the Protectors of Ionia limited-time event and a fresh Wild Pass season. Both Shen and Karma become available in Wild Rift starting March 24, giving players immediate access to master these complex champions.
The fifth competitive ranked season commences on March 26, offering the exclusive Glorious Crimson Evelynn skin as the primary reward for achieving high placements. For players preferring alternative options, Glorious Jinx makes her return to the Ranked Store, providing flexibility in reward selection.
Additional cosmetic items and accessories arrive with this update, expanding customization options for dedicated players. The Protectors of Ionia event features thematic missions and exclusive rewards celebrating the Ionian champions’ arrival.
Optimizing your gameplay during this period requires understanding the new meta shifts. The balance changes will likely impact champion viability across all roles, requiring adaptation in both draft strategy and in-game decision making.
Action Checklist
- Practice Shen and Karma in custom games before ranked play to master their mechanics
- Study elemental drake terrain changes and adapt jungle pathing accordingly
- Complete Protectors of Ionia event missions within the first week for optimal reward progression
- Adjust champion selections based on balance changes and new meta developments
- Plan ranked climb strategy around new season start to maximize placement rewards
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Shen and Karma joining LoL Wild Rift with patch 3.1 Complete guide to Wild Rift Patch 3.1 featuring Shen, Karma, elemental drakes and ranked rewards
