When League of Legends overhauled its core stats in 2020, one of the most impactful changes was the introduction of Ability Haste—a new way to manage how quickly champions can use their spells. Replacing the old Cooldown Reduction (CDR) system, Ability Haste has become a cornerstone of modern builds and strategy, but its mechanics often leave players with questions.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Ability Haste?
Ability Haste is a stat that determines how often a champion can use their abilities.The higher your Ability Haste, the shorter your spell cooldowns, allowing you to cast more frequently.Unlike the old CDR system, which capped at 40%, Ability Haste has no hard cap—you can stack it as high as your build allows, though each additional point gives slightly less benefit than the last.
How Does Ability Haste Work?
The key difference between Ability Haste and Cooldown Reduction is how the stat scales. Ability Haste is linear and intuitive, making it easier for players to understand and plan around.
The formula is: Cooldown Reduction=100+Ability Haste
For example:
- 100 Ability Haste = 50% cooldown reduction
- 50 Ability Haste = 33% cooldown reduction
- 200 Ability Haste = 66% cooldown reduction
This system introduces diminishing returns: the more Ability Haste you stack, the less each additional point reduces your cooldowns. However, there’s no ceiling, so creative builds can push the stat very high—especially in special game modes or with certain champions.
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Why Was Ability Haste Introduced?
The previous CDR system was percentage-based and capped, which made balancing difficult and led to awkward build decisions. Ability Haste, by contrast, is designed to be more flexible and to scale similarly to other stats like Attack Speed or Ability Power or Armor, making it easier for players to compare and understand.
How Do You Get Ability Haste?
You can gain Ability Haste from:
- Items: Many popular items, such as Cosmic Drive, Black Cleaver, and Spear of Shojin, grant Ability Haste.
- Runes: Options like Transcendence and Ingenious Hunter add to your total.
- Champion kits: Some champions have built-in Ability Haste scaling or bonuses as they level up.
Strategic Impact and Limitations
Ability Haste is especially valuable for champions who rely on frequent spell casting—mages, supports, and some bruisers benefit most. For champions with long ultimate cooldowns, even a small boost can be game-changing, allowing for more frequent teamfight impact.
However, stacking Ability Haste isn’t always optimal. Champions who depend on auto attacks or burst damage may prioritize other stats. And, due to diminishing returns, each point of Ability Haste is slightly less valuable than the last, so balance is key.
The Bottom Line
Ability Haste has redefined how players approach cooldowns in League of Legends. By offering a linear, uncapped, and easily understood system, it encourages creative builds and more dynamic gameplay. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, mastering Ability Haste can give you a crucial edge on the Rift.
Written by:
Christian