Why Aren't All Summoners Unlocked From Level 1?

King Odin·Dec 1, 2016·150 votes·5,650 views

I'm actually really curious as to the logic behind it because currently we have a team who hasn't unlocked smite yet but they are being dominated by the other team who has a smite just because they're a couple of levels higher and naturally has a much greater advantage, same thing for flash, ignite and such.

I simply don't see a clear benefit of having the summoner spells locked until a particular level when those lower level are already going to be behind due to masteries, runes and such already. I just think it'll make the experience less oppressive for new players if the playing field is more leveled and they're not just going to lose because they're a lower level and have to be handicapped even more when facing higher leveled players.

85 Comments

TalisidDec 1, 201634 votes

Because its trying to introduce you to them one at a time in order to try not to overwhelm new players.

As somebody who's tried to explain how the shit in LoL works to a casual gamer trust me it is a necessary step. There is SO much shit to explain just to get a very basic understanding of how to lane phase.

StephenizgodDec 1, 20165 votes

Except its pointless... they will only ever use summoner 4 and then depending on their Role summoner 7 summoner 3 summoner 14 summoner 12 . Of course there a few cases where they will take summoner 6 .

General Esdeath Dec 1, 20166 votes

Shaco What's summoner 4 ?

TequilaZombieDec 1, 201629 votes

That thing people use to die 400 units away from you instead of dying at melee range.

Roadkill7466Dec 3, 20163 votes

I'm disappointed this doesn't have more up votes.

StephenizgodDec 2, 20161 votes

What's Shaco ?

TequilaZombieDec 3, 20162 votes

He's that guy who sucks when he's on your team, but it's amazing when played by the enemy

TalisidDec 1, 20164 votes

but a new player will not know any of this.

StephenizgodDec 2, 20161 votes

it doesn't change the fact that they will only every end up using those summoners... Why learn to use the other ones in the first place? That is why its pointless... you force them to use clarity only for them to never ever use it in a real match... It would be better to just let them pick their own Summoners and figure out for themselves what works.

gileskdDec 2, 20161 votes

they may or may not end up using those summoners I only use summoner 7 summoner 21 although there isn't many combinations, each player can customize their spells to fit their preference

StephenizgodDec 2, 20161 votes

"customize their spells to fit their preference" lmfao!!! Yea sometimes you get to choose between summoner 14 or summoner 12 but that is about as far as you get. 99% of the time you always take summoner 4 (unless you are shaco), if you are top its either or , mid takes summoner 3 depending on the champion, and bot always takes summoner 7 , support or depending on your champion.

FiddlesOnTheRoofDec 2, 20161 votes

eh, you're more or less right, but mid lane is actually very open. Ignite and TP are most common, but ghost is making a very strong comeback, and barrier is very viable with the assassin/ignite prominence in mid right now, since barrier is better than heal when you're against ignite. Cleanse is also very good against high cc mid or jungler. Essentially, every summoner except clarity is getting a lot of play in mid lane.

TheorcheroDec 2, 20161 votes

{quoted}

eh, you're more or less right, but mid lane is actually very open. Ignite and TP are most common, but ghost is making a very strong comeback, and barrier is very viable with the assassin/ignite prominence in mid right now, since barrier is better than heal when you're against ignite. Cleanse is also very good against high cc mid or jungler. Essentially, every summoner except clarity is getting a lot of play in mid lane.

Well clarity was removed. soo..

TheTrueQuarianDec 2, 20168 votes

New players dont know what all the items do. So we make them level up to unlock better items in the shop. [slayer-pantheon-thumbs]

JonxxDec 2, 20162 votes

Don't give Riot ideas mate.

Velzard of KozDec 1, 201613 votes

Well a tutorial which explains it and unlocks them would be better than several levels of the same inefficient summoners.

CyndercatDec 2, 20162 votes

I disagree. I remember when I was a new player, only having access to heal and ghost taught me some REALLY bad habits. I ended up relying on them way too much and when my friend tried to make me switch to other summoners when i unlocked them I couldn't manage without it.

Im pretty sure I used heal on every role up until level 15 or so, even in the jungle. I couldnt understand how the game could be played without it, as I was too used to having it as a crux to save me when I messed up, or even for sustain in lane (lol) instead of learning how to back at the proper times.

I think all sums should be unlocked, but have 2 as default (not sure which 2), which most new players can stick to until they feel comfortable enough to try more advanced sums.

Ha1manDec 3, 20161 votes

No it isn't.

There are limits in catering to new players. At some point, it jeopardizes the gameplay.

Oh, and while we are at it, why not fix the real issues new players are suffering from, like outrageous costs of champions and runes, rune pages (WTF why is this not free), and crappy matchmaking plagued by smurfs? Oh and the lack of ingame tutorial that goes beyond 'right click to move' as well. Smite can do it, surely lol can as well.

RabblerouserDec 1, 20169 votes

Because they don't want to overwhelm new players with too many choices. They've actually talked about this before, I think. Or at least it was one of the redposts I saw on a comment or forum post.

That said, I do believe summs need rethinking. summoner 4 is something that should be level 1, in my opinion.

serenity7Dec 1, 20162 votes

Definitely. summoner 4 is so widely used, it should be available level 1.

LeetriDec 1, 20162 votes

They save Flash for last because it's the most difficult summoner spell to use properly. Lv 1 players have no idea what to even use it for, other than to maybe flash away if enemies get close.

AeszarckDec 1, 20162 votes

{quoted}

They save Flash for last because it's the most difficult summoner spell to use properly. Lv 1 players have no idea what to even use it for, other than to maybe flash away if enemies get close.

It's also a skillshot, which may be a hard concept for new players to grasp. Heal (1), Ghost (1), Clarity (1), Cleanse (6) and Barrier (4) are all non-target spells (Heal sort of is a target spell but can be used non-target), Exhaust (4), Teleport (6), Ignite (10), and Smite (10) are target, and Flash (8) is the only skillshot aside from Mark and Poro Toss. I think it's okay that it's gated behind some levels. Let players learn the easiest spells first, then introduce them to skillshots.

MrWasjigDec 2, 20162 votes

Defining Flash as a skillshot is a misnomer. You don't need to aim it. But you are right in saying it's the easiest Summoner Spell to screw up, given it requires good positioning, timing and risk assessment to use effectively (i'd say more so than other Summs).

XilixerDec 1, 20167 votes

honestly there is no real answer for this. the best guess i could make is that they expect lower leveled people to go duo top kinda like how it is in co-op vs ai.

NickssaaDec 1, 20167 votes

There is no good reason, Riot just abandoned anything related to the new player experience because its not worth looking at. There is so many problems with the new player experience, but Riot, being the dumb company as they are, won't do anything.

RabblerouserDec 1, 201614 votes

{quoted}

There is no good reason, Riot just abandoned anything related to the new player experience because its not worth looking at. There is so many problems with the new player experience, but Riot, being the dumb company as they are, won't do anything.

They've actually done tons for the new user experience. And Practice Mode should help that immensely as well, instead of the buggy, glitchy, freeze-on-window-popup Battle Training.

However, yeah... they're main focus is the gamer that's been playing.

OelykDec 1, 20161 votes

Riot does much much better than other games... Say like 98% of all IOS games... (if you argue with me that blah and blah IOS game is balanced, Ill just say thats in the 2%... unless your wrong, then your wrong.)

NickssaaDec 2, 20161 votes

Riot does much much better than other games... Say like 98% of all IOS games... (if you argue with me that blah and blah IOS game is >balanced, Ill just say thats in the 2%... unless your wrong, then your wrong.)

Are you seriously comparing Riot to mobile game companies? If Riot wants lol to be considered a high ranking esport, then don't compare it to mobile games, compare it to other top esports companies like Blizzard and Valve. Riot is far from perfect, especially when compared to Blizzard and Valve, but if we want Riot to improve, we have to stop defending Riot with everything, and saying that they're better than iOS companies.

OelykDec 2, 20162 votes

But what I say is truth no? I don't play Blizzard or valve because I am a crab... why so much hate? They are professionals, and we are only feedback, not gods... Riot is a company, and a quite good one! stop hating them for the little things and be grateful for the great game they created and shared FOR FREE(unless your a skinslut, like me.)

Mistress MadokaDec 2, 20161 votes

[{quoted}](name=Lazy cat,realm=NA,application-id=3ErqAdtq,discussion-id=2d3yffm8,comment-id=0001000100000000,timestamp=1016-12-02T16:18:01.772+0000)

I am a crab.

W-what

OelykDec 2, 20162 votes

Shhhh

https://m.popkey.co/f741ba/gKJOZ.gif

ThePartyLeaderDec 1, 20164 votes

Progression of burden of knowledge on new players. The less access you give them the less they need to know to play the game and the more they can focus on the basics.

When teaching math you teach numbers then counting forwards then backwards then addition then subtraction. Not here's math good luck.

Laustin SpaceDec 1, 20163 votes

Have you ever tried Jungling at lvl 1? Your clear is so weak that even if you manage to survive you will only be like lvl 4 by the time everyone else is lvl 7 or higher. Executing to jungle camps and feeling useless all game because you're starved of steady farm and exp could be very disheartening to any new players and discourage them from ever wanting to try the jungle role again or to even quit League entirely without giving it a proper chance due to frustration.

DarkwindwalkerApr 10, 20171 votes

Also its not a steady farm if your duo top... one of you becomes the carry, the other basically becomes a support and you both get less XP or you fight with your other top laner for gold.

Laustin SpaceApr 12, 20171 votes

Still better then it being a literal 4v5 if not worse because the enemy jungle could abuse it and get fed enough to be worth 2 or more champs so 4v6. If your top had half a mind they would understand.

Sir FuzziDec 2, 20163 votes

It's because there's a lot of casuals who enter League and MOBAs are one of the more aggressive playstyles-- it's not glamorous or exciting but you have to be aware of a lot of shit and while that might not translate as well on-screen when it is happening-- trust me, the disasters come about when it isn't and that's pretty wholly the difference. I've brought two casual gamers into League and one hardcore. The experiences were staggeringly different because the hardcore didn't need to be warned about skillshots, avoiding things, what was so bad about things, etc. because the logic was there-- Brand spells do extra damage after, Ezreal gets faster cooldowns on Q hits, Sona's auras activate on touch... the way roles are supposed to be (assassin vs support in playstyle). The way melee and ranged differ. The presence of CC in a fight. A hardcore gamer will understand certain things better than a casual, who does not process the logic like an experienced gamer might. The rest of League, after the logic, is knowing who can do what and when. Again-- an experienced gamer advances and learns far quicker. Ahri's damage is almost entirely directional and she has her ult to score positioning. Darius flourishes in a prolonged exposure to melee combat. There is a time and a place for defensive buys and defensive builds (and a difference). Spellblades work on champions who basic attack or create opportunities for it. Hybridizing can be important for teams with polarized damage. Knowing who can, and can't, could make or break a composition.

Convincing my experienced gamer to land Brand stuns while trying to convince a casual gamer to do so are very different things. The former realize that it must be a combo of E/W + Q, in that order, while the casual will be trying to fit this into dumping all their skills forward at once. Mana conservation is a skill the experienced gamer brings inherently and learns as they learn champions; the casual gamer may know the champ well enough, but might not understand in the same logic why mana conservation is important.

This isn't a bad thing and I'm not smearing casual gamers. They are welcome to enjoy video games at their own pace. It is worth noting that there is a difference and that they bring a certain play pattern to the game as opposed to players who learn more dynamically and understand the game's rulings a bit more inherently.

In this case, they learned a lesson in your case. Smite is an invaluable tool for junglers because it helps to push through the jungle and secure an advantage. It might not function as well in lane but hey-- lessons for another day.

We all screwed up and made basic mistakes. Not having a jungler with Smite just happened to be the flavour this time.

Casuals require the game in steps because they might miss the lesson, otherwise-- they might not understand that it was smite that turned the tables without the limitation in the first place.

BIackfoxDec 1, 20162 votes

Because they didn't want people jging @ lvl 1

SlythionDec 1, 20162 votes

can you imagine a fresh new player trying to learn how to jungle? shudders

BunnymapDec 1, 20162 votes

Edit: I made a comment which sounded really dumb and I can't delete it because I'm on mobile

TheHappyReaperzDec 1, 20162 votes

Jungle. If smite is locked you can't jungle, making the game more simple for beginning players. I believe that is the reason, but I believe it also is supposed to an accomplishment thing, were you unlock summoners as you level.

NoblewindDec 1, 20162 votes

They mentioned not long ago that Smite in particular makes no sense to not have at an early level, because new players are stuck in these random games with 2 duo lanes that league isn't even designed for. Basically learn our game by not playing our game, hopefully they make the change soon.

ChaosThiefDec 1, 20161 votes

Well technically, they never really designed it for jungle, it kind of just became something that happens because players noticed that it worked.

Players shape the game, not the other way around.

TalisidDec 1, 20163 votes

Well the game wasn't designed for a designated jungler back in the alpha days but basically the entire game has been fully redesigned since then to include it.

That said, 2 duo lanes does have some advantages. Honestly a lot of meta top laners can't 1v2 at all and once top turret is gone the 2nd top laner can revert to jungling. Its generally just not worth the risk or the loss of map pressure that a jungler gives you.

flibitydooDec 1, 20162 votes

it's to minimize the number of factors a new player must take into account when starting out

the burden of having to figure out 100+ champions who each have 4 abilities and a passive is already a huge consideration. Factoring 2 additional abilities in the form of summoner spells makes things even more complicated. Bear in mind that most champions combo abilities together and near everyone can combo their abilities with summoner spells for added effect (e.g. Mordekaiser usually will ignite with his ult which does like 20% max health at level 6)

However, the one issue is matchmaking- if you are new to the game, it's entirely possible to have a team of level 11s be matchmade with a team of level 12s- which is problematic because one team has access to flash (and an additional rune/mastery point) which are sizeable advantages. A simple fix would be to gate matchmaking to certain level checkpoints such as players below level 12 not being put against players 12 and higher because flash ignite exist, or at other points like level 18 which is when you unlock your first keystone

Leo1024Dec 1, 20162 votes

I think it's so players learn the different spells so that they don't go into their first ranked game not knowing what flash or smite is because they never bothered to change the default Ghost and Heal

AtheosisXDec 2, 20162 votes

Why are there even levels? Just cuz...

SukishooDec 2, 20162 votes

yeah, then why not just let everyone in to ranked the second they make an account!....greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeat idea XD

Trias000Dec 2, 20162 votes

Because we want to make the game as hard as possible for new players. Hence the runes, masteries and summoner spells unlocked with levels.

Sincerely, Rito Games

Tentacle LoveDec 2, 20162 votes

Introducing players to new things over time is fine, but summoners like Flash are 100% mandatory unlocks for players. Doesn't matter if you can go without it on some characters, you need access to it, period.

That one should have been the first unlock and should be the default starter. Players should be taught how important it is from a very early part of their lol careers. And by that I mean the first tutorial. which should start with "Oh no, Cho'Gath is going to click on you and instantly kill you. Flash over that wall!"

Summoners that are required for roles are next. Smite's the only one right now, but if they ever add more maps, they need to give mandatory summoners the poro toss treatment and make the spells unlocked for everyone for free.