In the sprawling, strategic battlefield of League of Legends, not all victories come from champion kills or turret takedowns. Often, a single monster can turn the tide of an entire match—and that monster is the dragon. Since its introduction in 2009 and subsequent reworks, the dragon has evolved from a modest early-game objective into a game-defining force. But what exactly does killing the dragon do, and why do teams so fiercely contest it?
A Game-Changing Objective
Located in the bottom half of the river, the dragon is one of League of Legends’ most crucial neutral objectives. Killing it grants powerful, stacking buffs known as Elemental Drake Bonuses. These buffs apply to the entire team, offering advantages that can significantly alter the flow of the game.
Each game features a random combination of the four elemental drakes—Infernal, Ocean, Mountain, and Cloud—each bringing a unique reward:
- Infernal Drake: Increases attack damage and ability power.
- Ocean Drake: Grants missing health regeneration.
- Mountain Drake: Adds bonus armor and magic resistance.
- Cloud Drake: Grants slow resistance and out-of-combat movement speed.
The Dragon Soul: A Permanent Power Spike
After one team slays four elemental drakes, they receive the Dragon Soul, a permanent and often game-breaking buff. The type of soul matches the elemental rift spawned during the match:
- Infernal Soul: Bonus area damage on attacks and abilities.
- Ocean Soul: Regeneration after dealing damage.
- Mountain Soul: Temporary shields after not taking damage.
- Cloud Soul: Burst of movement speed after casting an ultimate.
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The Elder Dragon: The Game-Ender
Once Dragon Soul is claimed, the Elder Dragon spawns. This powerful late-game monster doesn’t give elemental buffs, but something arguably more potent: the Execution Effect. After slaying the Elder, your team gains a buff that executes low-health enemies, instantly killing opponents under a certain health threshold—regardless of how many shields or heals they stack. Fights under Elder buff are incredibly risky for the opposing team, often leading to decisive victories or base-ending pushes.
Strategic Importance Beyond Stats
Beyond the raw power boosts, dragons influence macro play and team coordination:
- Map Pressure: Controlling the dragon area forces enemy movement and vision control.
- Bot Lane Priority: Since dragons spawn near bot lane, early dominance in that part of the map becomes more valuable.
- Tempo Control: Teams that secure early dragons often force the enemy to react, shifting momentum and dictating the pace.
Final Thoughts
Killing the dragon in League of Legends (LoL) is about much more than bragging rights—it’s a gateway to stacking buffs, shifting power dynamics, and achieving a late-game edge. As Riot continues to fine-tune objectives in each season, dragons remain one of the game’s most impactful mechanics. So the next time your team debates whether to rotate for drake, remember: it might just be the difference between victory and defeat.
Written by:
Christian