What is Ascension in League of legends?

Ascension is a rotating game mode in League of Legends played on the Crystal Scar map, where teams compete to capture relics, fight for a powerful Ascended buff by defeating Xerath, and earn points through kills and objectives. The first team to reach the score limit wins in this fast-paced, objective-focused mode.

How the Relic Mechanic Worked in Ascension

In the Ascension game mode of League of Legends, the Relic Mechanic was a key objective system that added depth and strategy to the chaotic battles on the Crystal Scar map. Three relics were strategically placed in a circular pattern at top-left, top-right, and lower-center locations of the map. Each relic provided a small vision reveal (~300 range) and sat over a speed-boosting aura, making them highly contested zones.

Capturing a Relic:

• To capture a relic, players had to stand within 200 range of it, right-click the relic, and remain stationary while the progress bar depleted.
• Disruptions: If a capturing champion moved voluntarily, was displaced, or took any non-DOT damage, the relic’s capture progress would reset.
• Multiple champions could work together to capture a relic faster.
• Once captured, the area around the relic became concealed by fog of war for ~30 seconds until it respawned.

The Ancient Ascendant and Ascension Buff:

At the center of the map, Xerath, also known as the Ancient Ascendant, served as a major objective. Teams battled to defeat Xerath, and upon his death, a circle appeared at his location. After 3 seconds, the Ascension Buff was granted to one champion standing within the circle. If champions from both teams were present, the buff could not be claimed until only one team controlled the area.

Ascension Buff Details:

The champion who ascended gained powerful bonuses:
• 100% reduction in mana and energy costs.
• 50% reduction in health costs.
• Bonus health: +50 to 900 (scaling by level).
• Bonus attack damage and ability power: +60 to 264 (scaling by level).
• +15% armor and magic penetration.
• +25% cooldown reduction.

These buffs made the Ascended champion significantly stronger and harder to kill, turning them into a dominant force on the battlefield. Teams had to carefully choose which champion would receive the buff to maximize its impact, typically prioritizing champions who could survive longer and deal high damage.

Why Ascension Was Fun:

The mode blended the thrill of constant skirmishes with strategic macro play. Capturing relics, battling for the Ascended buff, and fighting over objectives added layers of excitement to fast-paced matches. Though matches were shorter than traditional modes, they were packed with action and intensity.

While Ascension was originally introduced as a temporary mode and later became part of the rotating game modes, it is no longer available in League of Legends. Its unique mechanics and use of the old Dominion map made it a memorable and beloved mode for many players. Perhaps one day, Riot will bring back this interactive and exciting game mode.

When will Ascension Return to league of legends?

Riot Games has not announced any plans to reintroduce the Ascension game mode in League of Legends. In a 2021 update, Hannah Lee, the Modes Product Lead, confirmed that Ascension, in its previous form, would not be returning. While Ascension was once part of the rotating game mode schedule, it has been absent in recent years. Players interested in its return should monitor official League of Legends channels for any future updates.

Conclusion

Ascension was a thrilling and fast-paced game mode in League of Legends that brought unique mechanics, intense skirmishes, and strategic objectives to the Crystal Scar map. With its focus on capturing relics, defeating Xerath for the powerful Ascension buff, and earning points through kills and objectives, Ascension offered a refreshing break from standard gameplay. While it is no longer part of the current game rotation, its memorable mechanics and chaotic battles left a lasting impression on players. If Riot ever decides to bring it back, it would surely be welcomed as a nostalgic and exciting addition to the rotating game modes.