Project L is one of Riot Games' next big projects. We've got all the info for you that we know so far, including a few deets about the gameplay, and even some confirmed champions.
With the end of Riot Forge, we can at least stay excited about another game made by Riot Games: Project L. This 2v2 fighting game could become one of the best fighting games in a while now. And on top of that? The game is going to be free-to-play!
Project L: Gameplay Details
In one of the trailers for Project L, Shaun 'Unconkable' Rivera, game director, and gameplay design lead for the fighting game, gave us the lowdown on some key mechanics.
He emphasized that the game aims to be fun for both beginners and experienced fighting game enthusiasts, boasting fast, powerful abilities, sick visuals, and added power when paired with flexible systems.
Our dream is making sure our champions have fast, powerful abilities, look really sick while doing them, and are even more powerful when paired with flexible systems.
Smooth Movement System
The Project L crew is all about bringing dynamic gameplay to the table, and they've nailed it by introducing a bunch of movement systems. It's not just about champions casually strolling or throwing in a regular dash. They're spicing things up with various dashes and jumps seamlessly woven into their combos for that extra power!
Some champs will also have their own unique mobility tricks, just like in League of Legends. Take Ekko, for instance, he can literally rewind time and dash back to where he was, pulling off a slick escape maneuver in the midst of a heated battle.
Strategic Synergy With Tag Team Assists
Initially set to be a 1-vs-1 fighting game, Project L decided to switch things up about two years back, evolving into a tag team fighter. Now, let's dig into some of the mechanics they dropped in the recent Project L showcase.
Assist Actions
So, here's the lowdown on the basics: you can summon your assist champion into the battle. You've got two assist moves coming in from off-screen, and if you hold that button down, you get a charged assist for an extra punch – or at least, that's what we've spotted in the footage.
Handshake Tag
Now, there's the Handshake Tag, an absolute game-changer. If both your champs are on the screen, you can smoothly switch between them. Mix this up with Assist Actions, and you've got the recipe for some jaw-dropping combo plays, seamlessly involving both of your champions.
Dynamic Save
Now, let's talk about the Dynamic Save – basically, the game's combo breaker. You kick things off with your Dynamic Save and can deploy it to attempt a rescue mission for your main champ by bringing in your assist champ.
If you pull it off, you break free from a combo and can swing back into the fight. But, be cautious – enemy teams can counter with their combo. It's all about nailing that timing for a perfect Dynamic Save.
Confirmed Project L Champions
One blade, one purpose. Yet this steel doesn't get any lighter. Play Yasuo, the Unforgiven, along with Darius, Ekko, and Ahri at #Evo2023. pic.twitter.com/Tasgf0TqQm
— Riot Games (@riotgames) August 4, 2023
Through X/Twitter, Riot announced all the confirmed champions we know so far. Check out the list below:
- Yasuo
- Darius
- Ekko
- Ahri
- Jinx
- Illaoi
- Katarina
First up, we got Yasuo, Darius, Ekko, and Ahri. They've given us a sneak peek at their gameplay. Each champion has a unique style, and we've got all the juicy details!
Yasuo – The Unforgiven
Yasuo, the wind-manipulating swordsman from LoL, is making a versatile entrance. He's not just offense; he's got the defense game too. Expect some wild combos and flashy moves – will we witness the legendary 0/10 powerspike?
Darius – The Hand of Noxus
Darius, the heavyweight from the top lane, is here to crush. He may not be the fastest, but his giant axe packs a punch. Going all-out is his style, just like in League of Legends - it's do or die!
Ekko – The Boy Who Shattered Time
Confirmed during the Riot X Arcane event, Ekko brings time-twisting powers to Project L. Brace yourself for chronostrikes and tricky escapes!
Ahri – The Nine-Tailed Fox
Ahri, the iconic mage and Riot's poster girl, is ready for action. Her foxfire will keep you on your toes until she decides to finish the game.
Jinx – The Loose Cannon
So, Jinx, Illaoi, and Katarina are still in the shadows without a fresh gameplay trailer. But fear not, we've caught glimpses of them in past gameplay teasers from Riot Games for Project L.
Jinx, a star in Netflix's Arcane, totally deserves a spot in Riot's new fighting game. Just like Ahri, she's a major face for Riot right now.
Unlike Yasuo or Darius, Jinx is all about long-range combat, hurling her flame chompers as deadly projectiles. She's speedy but on the fragile side, keeping things interesting.
Illaoi – The Kraken Priestess
We've already glimpsed Illaoi in earlier gameplay trailers.
She's a powerhouse, much like Darius, crushing her foes with those eerie tentacles of hers.
Katarina – The Sinister Blade
Unfortunately, we're still in the dark about Katarina. We got a quick peek at her gameplay in Riot's 10th-anniversary video.
There, she showed off her 'Blink' ability, a swift dash teleporting towards her opponent.
However, we're crossing our fingers for more gameplay footage of her and other champions in upcoming trailers by Riot Games.
When Will Project L Release?
As of now, no release date has hit the scene, but the game is looking pretty darn good. We're rolling with the knowledge of the same six champions for now, but with every tick of the clock, the game is becoming more real. Rumor has it we might be looking at a release in summer 2025, but let's keep our ears to the ground for the official word.