Riot teases changes to URF to adjust to LoL’s new item system

Christian Vejvad • January 22, 12:47

When URF returns in 2021, it will be optimized with League of Legends’ new item system in mind.

It was recently teased by lead game mode designer Reina “Reinboom” Sweet that there will be quite a few changes made to URF that will “embrace the preseason item rework.” The main goal is to let players better engage with the item system in URF without falling into traps that can have an effect on gameplay. Riot is mainly looking to focus on items that involve mana and ability haste.

With this next run of URF, there will be quite a few changes to better embrace the preseason item rework. These changes are intended to let you engage with the item system more fully without hitting clear traps.

Changes include: (1/3)

— Reina Sweet (@ReinaSweet) January 21, 2021

One of the most common traps that newer players can fall into while playing URF is mana and ability haste items. In URF, there is no mana cost, which has up until now eliminated a lot of items from being viable. The same goes for ability haste, which was formerly known as cooldown reduction. This stat will become more useful in URF in 2021 to make sure that most items will still be viable purchases.

2021 URF changes involve items, ability haste, mana

The outlined changes to URF looks to solve several of the most common item traps when playing the game mode. Even for players who are already aware of the potential traps, these changes will likely make URF more enjoyable and give players an opportunity to explore new build paths.

Instead of 80% CDR players now get +300 ability haste
Lethal Tempo and Ultimate Hunter are no longer disabled
Bonus mana is converted to HP (40% rate)
Bonus mana regen is converted to HP (100% rate)

While mana and ability haste items will become viable in URF, there are a few items that will still remain disabled. According to Reinboom, gold per 10 items will remain disabled because of the minion gold penalty they give. Riot disabling the items completely will hopefully lead to a better experience for newcomers in URF.

The gold per 10 items will be disabled though. Their minion gold penalty they give is at such an extreme penalty that is difficult to perceive that not having them available would ultimately lead to better experiences, especially for newcomers to URF.
(3/3)

— Reina Sweet (@ReinaSweet) January 21, 2021

What is URF in League of Legends?

Ultra Rapid Fire, also known as URF, is a featured game mode in League of Legends that was originally introduced as an April Fools event. After its release, it was clear that players enjoyed the game mode and wanted it back. This was the start of URF, which has since then been featured during in-game events on several occasions. The game mode itself is a buffed up version of the regular Summoner’s Rift game mode in which everything is happening at a much more rapid pace. In URF, there are no mana costs, there are very low cooldowns on abilities, and there’s always a lot of fighting.

Is URF coming back in 2021?

URF is expected to make its return in 2021 but it’s still not confirmed when the popular game mode will actually arrive. URF is usually available during select in-game events, which means that it could potentially return for the upcoming Lunar New Year event. If not, Riot will still likely reintroduce it later in the year.