For veterans of Riot Games’ colossal MOBA, League of Legends, the mention of “Season 6” immediately conjures images of significant upheaval and daring innovation. Spanning nearly ten months, from its official kick-off on January 20, 2016, to its conclusion on November 8, 2016, Season 6 wasn’t just another competitive year; it was a period where Riot fearlessly reshaped core gameplay mechanics, setting the stage for the game’s continued evolution and enduring global success.
A New Blueprint for Play
The defining characteristic of the 2016 season was Riot’s palpable willingness to experiment. Perhaps the most impactful change for individual players was the complete overhaul of the mastery system. Gone were the familiar talent trees, replaced by a more streamlined version featuring three distinct paths and the groundbreaking introduction of Keystone Masteries.
These potent, game-defining bonuses significantly broadened strategic diversity, encouraging players to tailor their masteries to specific champion builds and playstyles.
Elemental Forces and a Revitalized Jungle
The traditional dragon objective, a staple of League of Legends since its inception, underwent a radical transformation in Season 6. Instead of a single, static buff, four distinct elemental dragons – Infernal, Ocean, Mountain, and Cloud – were introduced.
Each elemental dragon offered unique, stacking advantages, elevating the strategic importance of dragon control and making it a central point of contention in every match. The late-game arrival of the Elder Dragon, bestowing a temporary but incredibly powerful buff, further intensified the stakes as games drew to a close.
The jungle itself was not immune to change, receiving new camps and mechanics designed to deepen strategic options and promote varied jungle paths. The introduction of the Rift Herald, a new objective on the top side of the map, provided teams with additional avenues to apply early-game pressure and secure advantages.
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The Dynamic Queue Debate
Season 6 also saw a bold but ultimately controversial experiment with the ranked system: Dynamic Queue. This system allowed players to queue in groups of up to five, a departure from the long-standing Solo/Duo and Team Ranked queues.
While the intention was to foster flexibility and social play, it drew significant criticism from solo players who often found themselves pitted against coordinated premade teams, raising concerns about matchmaking balance. In a testament to Riot’s responsiveness to community feedback, the classic Solo/Duo queue eventually made its return.
Expanding the Roster and Revitalizing Veterans
As always, the champion roster continued to grow throughout Season 6. Five new champions graced the Summoner’s Rift: the meticulous marksman Jhin, the cosmic dragon Aurelion Sol, the earth-bending Taliyah, the relentless Kled, and the nature-loving Ivern.
Each brought unique mechanics and thematic flair, adding fresh dimensions to the game. Beyond new releases, several existing champions, including Poppy, Graves, Shen, Malzahar, Taric, Ryze, and Yorick, received comprehensive reworks, modernizing their kits and visual designs to bring them in line with contemporary League standards.
A World Stage Defined by Dominance
The pinnacle of the Season 6 competitive calendar was the 2016 World Championship, which traversed multiple cities across North America before culminating in a thrilling finale at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The tournament showcased the enduring dominance of Korean teams, with SK Telecom T1, spearheaded by the legendary mid-laner Faker, securing their third World Championship title in a nail-biting 3-2 victory over fellow Korean powerhouse Samsung Galaxy. The event not only solidified Korea’s top-tier status but also highlighted the growing strength of Western teams on the global stage.
A Lasting Legacy
Season 6 is widely remembered as a period of significant experimentation and foundational change for League of Legends. The elemental dragon system, the mastery overhaul, and the continuous innovation in champion design introduced during this time continue to influence the game in profound ways today.
While not every change was met with universal acclaim, the season’s bold willingness to push boundaries ensured that League of Legends remained at the forefront of the rapidly evolving esports and gaming landscape.
As players reflect on the journey of League of Legends, Season 6 stands out as a pivotal year – a time when the game dared to reinvent itself, laying the groundwork for future growth and solidifying its position as a global phenomenon.
Written by:
Christian