Season 5 of League of Legends officially began on January 21, 2015, and concluded on November 11, 2015. These dates bookend one of the most transformative years in the game’s history — a season that marked a turning point in both gameplay evolution and competitive structure.
The Start of a Strategic Shift
Season 5 arrived at a time when League of Legends was solidifying its identity as not just a game, but a global esports platform. The game’s developers introduced sweeping changes to both Summoner’s Rift and champion dynamics, aiming to make matches more strategic, visually polished, and tactically rich.
This was the season that redefined the early game. The addition of the Rift Scuttler — a neutral, fast-moving creature that granted vision and movement speed near river objectives — incentivized jungle control and vision like never before. The dragon system also received a complete overhaul: instead of a flat gold reward, dragons now offered stackable, permanent team-wide buffs based on the number secured, making them more integral to long-term strategy.
Champions, Items, and Meta Shifts
Season 5 expanded the champion pool significantly. New champions like Kalista, Rek’Sai, Bard, Ekko, Tahm Kench, and Kindred were introduced during the year, each adding fresh mechanics and identities to the game’s evolving meta.
Support items were reworked, the jungle was made more punishing but rewarding, and vision mechanics continued to evolve — including further reliance on trinkets and a reduced role for traditional wards. The gameplay began to reward map control, team coordination, and objective-focused play more heavily than pure mechanical outplays.
A Defining Year for Esports
On the competitive side, Season 5 was a breakout year for League as a truly global spectacle. The 2015 World Championship spanned several European cities and culminated in a packed stadium final. SK Telecom T1, led by superstar midlaner Faker, claimed their second world title — a feat that cemented their place in League history.
It was a year defined by innovation, precision, and a clear widening of the skill ceiling. Teams with strong macro play began to dominate, highlighting the importance of vision, rotations, and coordinated objectives.
Season Legacy
Looking back, Season 5 wasn’t just another numbered chapter — it was the beginning of modern League of Legends. The mechanics introduced during this time still influence today’s gameplay. It was a year where strategy began to matter just as much as skillshots, and where League proved it could evolve without losing its core identity.
For long-time players, Season 5 stands out as a golden era — one that introduced bold changes while honoring the roots of the game. For newcomers, it represents the moment when League of Legends grew from a competitive game into a global phenomenon.
Written by:
Christian