Somehow, a combination ofLeague of LegendsandVampire Survivorshas produced something strangely relaxing.

Lore is fun, but naturally the magic of course is in the gameplay with Swarm.

The basics work the same as any other roguelite wave survival game.

LoL Swarm mode official screenshot showing gameplay with Leona and a lot of heavy enemies and visual effects

Maps, for instance, require different strategies.

Much more variance comes from your own choice of champion.

Complete all of the maps and you’ll then be able to play them at a higher difficulty.

LoL Swarm mode official screenshot showing additional gameplay with Jinx

The mode is entirely free, with monetisation not a central goal, Riot said.

Regardless of the strategy behind it though, the point is that it’s just simply very good.

Riot Games, as it’s shown through the years, does not do new games or modes half-heartedly.

LoL Swarm mode official screenshot showing gameplay with Jinx

There is a signature obsession with canny design decisions here.

As if shaking my League habit wasn’t already hard enough.

LoL Swarm mode official screenshot showing a Rek’Sai boss fight moment in front of futuristic buildings

LoL Swarm mode official screenshot showing Leona in a boss fight with Rek’Sai

LoL Swarm mode official screenshot showing more hectic Seraphine gameplay

LoL Swarm mode official screenshot showing Seraphine gameplay

LoL Swarm mode official screenshot showing a Rek’Sai boss fight with Seraphine

LoL Swarm mode official screenshot showing an Aatrox bossfight