Runes changes: "If it isn't broken, don't break it."

But the current Rune system is broken.

How so? Haven't had a problem with it myself in...8 years.

well it isn't broken, but not healthy either.

usually there isn't really much room for changes, usually you just take the same runes on a champion. they might as well just add that to the base stats.

also, Runes are way too expensive, especially for new players.

the whole pregame system needed a rework like this for a long time, even if it will cause a shitfest of balance in preseason.

I won't say it's entirely broken, but for the runes it's a bunch of stats that are isolated and unbalanced. You have very little obvious routing for optimal gameplay. Masteries have definitely gotten to the "This is broken." point though, where they keep trying to keep them even against each other. You end up with a tank outhealing dps dealt to them in some cases.

With the new system, they simplify the need to path to a specific keystone by taking a few things you don't want. They also eliminate the complex need to have all the runes for the ability to customize for anything. I for one embrace that above all else. Suppose I'm level 30 and never bought Armor Seals... maybe not the most optimal for most people, but it certainly has places where it will detract from my competitive ability for no reason.

The current Runes system isn't broken; it's underwhelming. There's really no need for it, and if Riot just removed runes right now and gave certain champs (udyr, etc.) buffs based on their common builds then I don't think anyone would really care. Removing masteries would create more of a fuss, but it still ultimately wouldn't change the game that much.

I appreciate what Riot's trying to do; make Runes more dynamic and more impactful. I'm a bit skeptical on some of their current Rune ideas (particularly Summoner Specialist -- I don't think it will be healthy), but I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt here.

Also, this'll screw with the meta, which I love. I hate it when things are static and certain champions that don't need a VGU are just not viable.

Ech. I don't agree that the current state of rune-play is stale, boring or broken.

Couple examples from my own experience: experimenting with movement speed vs flat AP with Brand, or hybrid pen vs attack speed on Shyvana. In the Brand example, the trade off is between gross early game poke and the ability to kite enemy skill shots. If you're up against a Lux, you probably want movement speed. In most other matchups, I like the flat AP. With Shyvana, hybrid pen is just straight up superior...but I far prefer taking attack speed. It just meshes with my play style and my results are better with AS.

There is plenty of room for experimentation with runes, and I don't buy that there is a definitive page for each champion. I see the rune shakeup as a hit to diversity that will potentially throw balance out with the bath water.