Fusion of gameplay with player-driven lore is arguably the central concept of Factions. Up until now, that’s mostly meant matches with faction-specific rosters, the results of which influence the storyline. Well, with the advent of our fifth arc, Hextech Revolution, we think it’s time to push the boundaries even further.
Starting today, April 1, we’re going to be exploring a new aspect of this lore/gameplay dynamic: item restrictions.
Zaunite chemistry is famous (and infamous) throughout Runeterra. Even before the discovery of pyrikhos in the Shurima Desert, Zaun was distilling the Void ooze from contaminated Noxian land into potent techmaturgic potions (nicknamed “NoxiToxis” in Zaunite slang) such as pharmakon, an arcano-elixir which bestows magical and psionic powers on the imbiber.
We really want to play up that in-universe strength through in-game mechanics. To start with, we’re going to try something a little radical: Zaunite Champions are restricted to consumables only. (After some debate, we’re leaving trinkets in as well.) While this might sound like a significant handicap, remember that a big part of Factions is developing counter-meta strategies. In the limited-roster (and now limited-item) context of Factions matches, lesser-known tactics such as potions-only builds, which may not be viable in the usual meta, can often be surprisingly successful.
Click here for the full details on this rule change.
So … how about a drink?
—CupcakeTrap
Did you know? I’m consumable!
Caitlyn, you monster.
FACTIONS 
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