After 16 years of League, Riot Adds WASD to The Famous MOBA

One of the pain points for new players in League of Legends is the control scheme. Most players come from games that use the WASD control scheme. That makes it confusing for them to play League of Legends. Riot has been working in the background to add WASD controls to League, and it is coming soon to the PBE for players to test.

League of Legends: WASD and Point and Click Balance

Point-and-click controls remain in League of Legends, so a challenge for Riot is to ensure that both control schemes feel balanced. The system requires extensive testing to garner an ideal balance. As a result, the control scheme will remain on PBE for multiple patches, giving players time to become familiar with it and iron out the issues. The system has been tested by high-level playtesters. The list includes professional players at MSI this year.

After PBE testing, the team will begin rolling out the control scheme into non-ranked modes. Only once the Riot team is satisfied with the balance will it be added to Ranked modes.

Updated Keybinding Options

Some keybinds, like left click, required players to use their system files to change specific keybinds. With the system overhaul, Riot is adding an option to change previously hidden controls. Players can test the new controls on PBE along with WASD.

Dynamic Locked Camera

The locked camera for new players allowed them a chance to control their character without worrying about moving their camera. However, that led to many issues where they could not see incoming ganks. The new dynamic locked camera allows players the same feel of a locked camera while improving visibility of their surroundings.

Last Hit Indicators

The final addition to help newer players adapt to the demanding environment of League is Last Hit Indicators. Knowing when to auto-attack minions for last hits takes time to learn and differs based on champion and items purchased. The new feature added to unranked game modes will show players indicators for when they should auto-attack a minion to guarantee a last hit. Permanent damage sources are taken into account (Wit’s End damage), but dynamic sources like Sheen procs or empowered auto attacks from Jax will not factor into the calculation.