Riot Games has released a gameplay trailer showcasing the upcoming Empyrean skins forLeague of Legends. While the skins were previously leaked, fans can now get a clearer look at the official Empyrean skin splash art and watch champions equipped with the skin in action.In July, known leaker Big Bad Bear posted avideoon their YouTube channel claiming Riot Games would release a mythic skin set dubbed “Neon Inferno.” It was rumored that one of the recipients would be the upcoming Top Lane tank,K’Sante: The Pride of Nazumah. K’Sante will also receive a prestige skin designed in collaboration with rap and hip hop artist Lil Nas X.RELATED:Riot Games Releases Star Guardian-Themed “Sessions” AlbumThe Empyrean skins will be available with Patch 12.21 on November 3, two days before theLeague of Legends World Championshipfinals. Eight select champions will receive the skin: Pyke, Jax, Vex, Zac, Zed, Jhin, Lux, and K’Sante. The skins feature vibrant, neon colors that pop on a dark background.
In atweetfeaturing the skin splash art, Riot Games shared a tidbit of the lore behind the Empyrean skins. The lore centers around Support champion Pyke: The Bloodharbor Ripper and introduces a source of power called the “Foreglow.” With this power, and consumed by lust for revenge, Pyke travels across realms to find and eliminate other versions of himself. When a version is killed, the realm collapses, and an Empyrean is created. The Empyreans can use the Foreglow for their own aims.
The Empyrean skins have received mixed reactions from players, some more critical than others. In online threads and comments, players joked about how the trailer primarily highlights Pyke. On a more serious note, concerns regarding the clarity of the champion skins were also expressed. Some players criticized the similar masks and color palettes across the skins. Champion abilities and the champions themselves may be difficult to discern, causing frustration for ranked players.
However, other fans claim that a silhouette is enough to recognize a champion. The neon colors, reminiscent of previous skins likeK/DA Akali, highlight the most recognizable parts of a champion. Many League of Legends enthusiasts are also excited to purchase a new skin for Zac and Vex.
