WASD Controls Arrive in League of Legends: A Game-Changing Alternative
Introduction of WASD: A Fresh Option Without Sacrificing Legacy
Riot Games has unveiled WASD movement controls as an optional alternative to League's classic point-and-click mechanics—a landmark change aiming to ease gameplay for new entrants while honoring the traditional experience familiar to veterans. This update debuted in the August 11, 2025 Dev Blog titled “WASD Controls Are On the Way”
Why WASD? Enhancing Accessibility Without Compromise
Riot emphasized that for many players—especially newcomers—WASD is the most intuitive control scheme. By offering it alongside the legacy system, they aim to lower the entry barrier without compromising competitive integrity. Importantly, the classic point-and-click remains fully supported.
Phased Rollout: Careful Integration to Preserve Balance
The strategy for rolling out WASD exemplifies caution and player-first thinking:
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Extended Testing on PBE – Observing and refining the system through multiple patches.
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Progression to Unranked – Introducing to broader mode pools once refined.
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Full Live Release including Ranked and Pro Play – Only when Riot ensures no competitive advantage for either control method
Refinements from Internal Tests, Pro Feedback, and Technical Tuning
Riot has already conducted extensive internal testing, engaged pros during MSI, and relied on player labs. Specific adjustments from feedback include:
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Ensuring channeled abilities (e.g., Miss Fortune’s ultimate) won’t be unintentionally canceled by movement.
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Tweaking Ambessa’s passive to avoid minimal unintended dashes.
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Enhancing Flash targeting, allowing fluid directional alignment with movement or quick reversal.
Riot’s objective is clear: every champion, map, and mode should feel equally responsive under both control schemes. Early testing shows WASD performs well across most champs, but Riot remains vigilant in tuning for consistency.
QoL and Accessibility Enhancements Beyond Movement
This Dev Update brought more than just WASD:
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Expanded Keybinding System – Actions previously requiring manual file edits (like binding left-click to spells or interacting with Hexgates) are now rebindable directly via the in-game menu. )
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Dynamic Locked Camera – The camera subtly shifts based on mouse or champion movement, enhancing situational awareness.
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Last-Hit Indicators in Unranked – Visual cues help players learn minion timing by highlighting basic attack damage windows—excluding burst effects—to aid laning practice.
Broader Dev Updates: Beyond WASD
The WASD feature comes alongside other major announcements in the same Dev Blog:
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Doom Bots Returns – A revamped PvE mode featuring new bosses, missions, and rotating “Trials of Doom.”
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Xin Zhao Visual Update – Fresh model, animations, and skins, including gratuitous skin revamps in upcoming patches. (
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Anti-Smurfing Measures – Patch 25.18 introduces more severe penalties for boosting, hitchhiking, and account purchase—aligning with strengthened matchmaking integrity.
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Worlds 2025 Timeline – Anthem drops October 10, group stages start October 14 in Beijing, and Finals conclude November 9 in Chengdu