Client Beta Update #2: Replacing the Legacy Client

Riot·Feb 22, 2017·15 votes·132,876 views

We've told y'all about our goals for the client update beta and why we have to fully replace the legacy client.

Today, we're sharing specific plans for how and when we'll replace the legacy client for everyone. We'll also look back at how the beta has been going and how player feedback is affecting what we'll do AFTER replacing the client.

TOGETHER, WE'VE COME SO FAR

Since open beta launched we've focused on performance and stability while rebuilding legacy client features like spectator mode, rotating game mode queues, and custom game bots. We've also pushed out quality-of-life changes and new features for the client update: a separate news tab, better rune pages, pop-out chat windows, and the ability to hide all your mobile friends in a folder on the friends list—you can even change in-game settings without going into game. Oh, and both Replays and Practice Tool are now live exclusively on the updated client.

Each of these changes has brought us closer to our ultimate goal of fully replacing the legacy client—once that happens, we can start putting serious resources toward great new features for the updated client.

Regardless of how far we've come since open beta, we want to be very cautious as we complete the move to the updated client. While we’re confident the client update is ready for prime time, we want to make absolutely sure everything's working as intended before moving players off the legacy client for good. So, instead of just switching everyone over all at once, we're going to spread the update process across four phases, each of them a patch or two apart. It will likely be a couple patches before we begin.

THE LEGACY CLIENT REPLACEMENT PLAN

Phase 1 - A small group of randomly-selected players from Oceania, Russia, and the two Latin America servers will be automatically upgraded to the updated client, although they'll have the ability to launch the legacy client from the login screen.

Phase 2 - Assuming Phase 1 goes well, all players in Oceania, Russia, and Latin America will be automatically upgraded to the updated client, without access to legacy client. Some players in China and Garena regions will also get the update.

Phase 3 - Everyone else (all players, all regions) will be automatically upgraded to the updated client, and the legacy client will be officially retired. This will happen automatically when players launch League without requiring the download of additional files (beyond that of the regular patch for that week). HOWEVER we will temporarily keep the legacy client files on your computer in case of an emergency. Beginning with this patch, we'll replace the legacy client with the updated client on all publicly-hosted game download pages.

Phase 4 - We'll automatically remove legacy client files from your machine to free up space.

This gradual rollout will give us time to monitor player feedback and make adjustments in response. We'll alter these plans or delay the rollout if we find that more significant changes are necessary.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT?

Even after we replace the legacy client, we'll keep making the client better. The features below will take time to make, but we're committing now to deliver them after we finish replacing the legacy client.

BUY SKINS IN CHAMP SELECT in all queues.
UPDATED CHAT MODULE that lets you start new conversations with friends while in champ select.
EVEN MORE IMPROVED LOW-SPEC MODE which (if you didn't already know) speeds the client up by disabling costly animations and prevents the client from running in the background while you're in game. We've been pretty clear from the beginning that any machine that could run the legacy client should be able to run the updated one, and we intend to achieve that with both additional performance tweaks that affect all players and buffs specifically for Low-Spec Mode users.
ITEM SET CREATOR TOOL will return. Early in the client alpha we announced that we weren't planning to rebuild the legacy client's item set creator tool (although the updated client still supports custom item sets). Players passionately asked us to reconsider, so we did. We now intend to rebuild the item set creator tool, but haven't yet started development work on it, so it could take quite some time even after we replace the legacy client. But it is finally back on our to-do list. Of course, replacing the legacy client still comes first.

Looking even further ahead, we're interested in tackling more player-requested client features—especially things like a separate tab in the collection for owned skins and a more customizable profile page. We want to do these, but (you guessed it!) we can't start work on them until we replace the legacy client.

As always, keep an eye on the patch notes for the latest changes and improvements. We'll release another of these beta update posts just before the legacy client replacement process begins.

Hit us up in the comments if you've got any questions!

932 Comments

ÂpolloFeb 22, 2017336 votes

Thank you!! I was really hoping that item sets would make a return! [slayer-pantheon-thumbs]

edwsfhgjFeb 22, 201732 votes

logged in just to upvote this, woohoo!

QuickenedBladeFeb 22, 2017245 votes

#YESSSSSS DADDY FILL ME WITH UR ITEM GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK U RITO

RiotRiot CactopusFeb 22, 2017530 votes

jesus christ

LofiathanFeb 22, 2017115 votes

It's Jason Bourne!

FN 2199Feb 23, 201718 votes

Yes finally, sometimes I go back to the legacy client to fix up item pages!

TSM ShurimaFeb 22, 201795 votes

Not just this, but in the old Client, I can see my stats from every ranked passed so far from 2014. with my characther stats, accomplishement, win stats, penta and quadra kill, etc. I wish this would being transfered aswell on the new client. Of course in a better and touchy way with better visual effect :) of course :). thx riot for the comprehension.

ziyou zhanshiFeb 23, 2017124 votes

Honestly, I find it very questionable to replace the old client while there are still features in the old one that do not exist in the new one yet. These days many things are changed just because of change, not because it's better, which is a very bad direction to head in. Getting rid of the old client and replacing it with a new one that is lacking features is not better, it's just different for the user. And to be real here, I don't give a poop about visuals etc., yeah they look cool when you first see them, but after a few days they have lost their excitement and you just wanna have the features available.

I've been using item sets since its release and I see no point in browsing a gazillion items everytime I open the shop hoping I find something useful to buy because I don't have my item set for that specific champion to look at.

I know that the item sets will still be there in the game, but what about when a patch comes along and items that were a must-buy are suddenly almost worthless and need to get removed from the item set? What about new champions? What about just adjusting your item set because you found a better build or you have to change items in 100+ item sets because Riot decides the internal ID of the pink ward has to be a different one than the control ward, even though the pink ward has been taken out of the game? (thanks for that...)

The #1 goal here has to be that the new client primarily has the full functionality of the old one - like you Rioters say is the case with the performance. That's absolutely correct, but it's not only about the performance, it's about the features as well. Features like the item set editor in the client or being able to check your detailed seasonal ranked stats (current and previous seasons) are essential parts of the client feature set and are not to be handled the Duke Nukem Forever "when it's done"-way but are to be in the new client when users get forced to use it. Because let's be honest here, your track record when it comes to bringing features into the client wasn't great in the past years.

I'd rather use the old client instead of the new one until full functionality is given, even though bugs in there haven't been fixed for ages - like the "after checking some profiles you can't click on your own or any other profile anymore and have to restart the client"-bug.

Soul of StoneFeb 23, 20173 votes

the thing is the new client is not just a visual update like you think, they said in their post that theyre switching the client for developmental reasons. so if they switch everyone over, they wont have to worry about the slow old client and put all their effort into giving you that functionality you want in the new one much faster. your wait time overall will be less

IHonkForYordlesFeb 24, 201721 votes

The old client isn't slow. It's faster, and for a significant number of us, flat-out better. The new client as it stands is a downgrade for some of us.

NaribelleFeb 24, 201710 votes

I can't even play on the new client, it is STILL lagged beyond belief, I can't even accept matches, so I can't even get to champ select. It was like this when it first came out, and I could understand it then, that it would bug out, but if they're already planning on getting everyone moved over, I don't know if I'll even be able to play anymore :/

IHonkForYordlesFeb 25, 20179 votes

I can only heartily encourage you to express your experiences and opinions freely everywhere you see a cue for it, to ensure Riot is aware of how many people they're disappointing and making the game measurably worse for. You have my sympathy, and I hope they'll slow down and take the time to TRULY get the new client up to snuff before seriously trying to replace the old one with it. It needs the item set creator, it needs to be able to run lighter so it doesn't take more CPU and RAM, etc. Don't forget to take the poll when it comes up and express your feelings there. If you don't feel you'll be able to play League after the new client takes over, make sure they know in no uncertain terms that it's extremely likely to cost them players. If they were to obsolete the legacy client today, I'd definitely quit League and never look back, personally, because the new client just isn't where it needs to be on features and performance.

GloriousDJFeb 22, 2017183 votes

What I would love to see is the ability to put tags onto owned champions that way if I get forced into a roll I do not play often I can type in jg in the search and it will show me all the champions I have tagged as jg so I can view what champions I play in jg easier to decide who would be best for that game.

ßlueshiftFeb 22, 201728 votes

I remember thinking of this years ago and forget to ever say anything. Please add this to a grocery list because I REALLY like the idea; it would come in handy SO often!

WatchThePowerFeb 23, 20172 votes

It's already implemented, you can sort your champions via the little icons at the top of the screen.

HentaiCandyGirlFeb 23, 201710 votes

He means for more than just the icon. That icon only really shows someone's primary role, but not a champion's meta role or the role you really play them in. Example, if you wanted a support, you won't see alistar, karma, leona, lux, morgana, or even zyra when you click the support icon. I listed the secondary supports that are still used, but one that isn't in either would be blitztrank since they have him under a tank/fighter.

When they were talking about "jg" most junglers are either tank, fighter or even assassin, some even marksman. Which means you're still starting at a hefty champion list when it's your turn to lock in a champion within 30 seconds.

SonofaTROLLFeb 22, 201784 votes

I can barely run the new client... i have so 3 or 4 que dodges just from the client not responding. At least with the legacy client i didnt have a 10-15 second delay between when i click and when it accepts my decision. Not to mention it still crashes like davinci's aerial screw. Well at least it's consistent.

RiotRiot GrumblesFeb 22, 201732 votes

Ouch. Are you using low-spec mode? This patch has some major improvements to client performance in low-spec machines which should mean you'll see a noticeable improvement in performance.

deoje299Feb 22, 201715 votes

I still almost exclusively use the legacy client because whenever i try to use the new one, it crashes in champ select, says i dodged for not pick/banning when i did lock in, and crashes when attempting to load into the game. This happens almost every game and has not changed with the latest patch. I have low spec mode on and all animations off or on the lowest setting, the legacy client and league in game run fine on high settings, just the new client has these issues.

SolusFeb 22, 201717 votes

I have a friend with a low spec pc and he cant use the new client very well because even when he is in low spec mode champ select is super laggy for him and it ends up dodging the game.

MKG OperaVanJavaFeb 22, 201731 votes

Rioters,please use toaster simulation PC spec to fix this problem ( before you delete legacy client). Here recommended toaster for testing new client:

(any) dual core 2.6 Ghz
RAM DDR2 4 GB
GPU/VGA : (any) 128 bit, 1GB , support directx 11

happy freezing in champ select -- :)

Gear KittyFeb 22, 201726 votes

You need to go lower, I run League super sleek on a weaker PC than that and the new client has me worried that soon I just won't get to play League anymore.

RiotRiot GrumblesFeb 22, 201741 votes

We're actively testing on min-spec machines and working hard to make sure it's (at least) consistently playable.

MINIMUM SPECS 2 GHz processor (supporting SSE2 instruction set or higher) 1 GB RAM (2 GB of RAM for Windows Vista and newer) 8 GB available hard disk space Shader version 2.0 capable video card Screen resolutions up to 1920x1200 Support for DirectX v9.0c or better Windows XP (Service Pack 3 ONLY), Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10

Gear KittyFeb 23, 201718 votes

Alright, you got us, that is a crumb filled toaster. Might want to make sure if gets some dust build up on the inside for that authentic player experience. I used to run League on a pc that IIRC barely met those specs, and dust was the true game killer (aside from like, being anywhere near Leblanc when she dashes or in the same game as a Wildefire Zyra, crash to desktop those were). And I mean like, less than a year ago was my upgrade, to something a short step north of those specs....

That said, while I totally agree the AIR Client is preeeeetty bad, it is still entirely functional. When I watch streams or chat with friends, all I see and hear is how un funtional the Updated Client is. Yes, it's shiny. Yes, it's got room to grow. But that doesn't fill some of us with faith.

The (or any) game client is like the front lobby of a movie theater. If it's in shambles, that sticks with you when you go in to enjoy your entertainment. The mushy wads of popcorn in the corners and underfoot, someone's barf behind a table, a baby diaper discarded in a trashcan that catches the sunlight in just the right way as too heat up and fill the space with desolate funk....

Everyone has to use the lobby/client. It's the "front door" and face of League and Riot.

.... basically what I'm getting at is the chat boxes look too small, everywhere. Your UI / UX teams must have great eyesight. It's like it was decided Steam friend messenger chatbox size was the way to go, but at least with those they're automatically their own window and resizable. I let it slide in the updated Champ Select because there was promises of a new Client on the horizon. Bigger chatbox, everywhere. Please. Especially in Party, Lobby, and Post Game. Everything fits just fine in the AIR Client, I don't understand how chat lost so much ground.

(I am an ARAM/RGM only player, so these Blood Moon weekends have been my only time really interacting with the new Party and Lobby screens, and I don't think I have ever missed UI customization in a game more than I did trying to power through it.... by the grace of all the fluffy kittens in the world and by all the demons in Hell, put UI Customization on your To-do List)

And with all THAT said I really, really suggest getting a video or series of videos out about the new client as you're releasing it to show what's changed and where to find things and hopefully WHY certain things where changed in position and layout. Get Phreak to voice it, everyone loves Phreak. I trust Phreak. I even trust Phreak to be able to catch me from falling off a ladder or roof. And then I'd trust him to make a pun about it. So, pretty much like Tom Hanks in the Simpson's movie. Use the playerbase's familiarity with him as a bridge for getting us onboard for the new client.

Big LincolnFeb 22, 201774 votes

nooo

legacy is so much better

Trans Rights DKFeb 22, 2017107 votes

Legacy is total garbage... I hope these rose-tinted glasses people go away quickly when we finally get rid of that Adobe AIR garbage [slayer-jinx-unamused]

Big LincolnFeb 22, 201749 votes

new client looks like shit and half the new stuff is harder to navigate

drop down menus are trash

TyrekGoldenspearFeb 22, 2017142 votes

Sounds like someone's gonna have trouble adapting.

Don't worry, change is goooood. Khazix

And Embrace Progress Viktor

Big LincolnFeb 22, 201733 votes

I've been using it for a month

so aesthetically hideous

TyrekGoldenspearFeb 22, 2017121 votes

The world shall move on without you then.

For the Future! Jayce

ÁrYaNFeb 22, 201738 votes

Things like this restore my faith in the league community

RiotRiot CactopusFeb 22, 2017152 votes

http://imgur.com/a/WlB8j

guys pls help me understand why magic resist glyphs are conch shells

WHY IS ARMOR A BUNCH OF LITTLE CUPS

freight train722Feb 22, 2017243 votes

[deleted]

RiotRiot CactopusFeb 22, 2017294 votes

lore team hire this man

CoupDetateFeb 23, 201719 votes

Marks are arrows cause nothing hurts worse then an arrow in the knee.

SoraxorFeb 22, 201719 votes

Hello meme Rito member, a humble question: Will the classic kills, cs count, and aram stats badges eventually be added back onto the profile of the new client? It's honestly the only aspect of the new client holding me back from saying "perfection."

SkV ShadoAnnaruFeb 22, 2017118 votes

Legacy runs better on my computer and doesn't cause framerate drops like the new client does. Until that's fixed, I'm sticking to Legacy. The low-spec mode right now is not enough.

deoje299Feb 22, 201726 votes

I agree.

PopRox217Feb 22, 201731 votes

yeah well too bad riot is making us use the new client soon. Rip us with toasters gg no re

deoje299Feb 22, 201739 votes

LimmieFeb 23, 201713 votes

How can they have rose tinted glasses on something they're still using? And why do you think they're going away when the flaws of the current client are forgotten? If anything they're gonna grow in numbers.

La BelloFeb 22, 201768 votes

dont forget to modify updated client to allow us to spectate high ranked games. Right now you can only do it in legacy :/

NoPancakesFeb 22, 201719 votes

I miss this so much

Rose ValentineFeb 22, 201728 votes

will we get our classic kills, creep score, and aram wins back in new client theres such a big space i think we can fit it back i want my stats back feels empty without them and i worked hard for those numbers.

LuhckaFeb 22, 201725 votes

Will you be adding the option to look at other champion masteries that are not just your top 3 through your profile?

RiotRiot CactopusFeb 22, 201731 votes

You can look and all your champs sorted by mastery in the collection. We'll definitely be adding some more stuff to Profiles and Collection, but the main idea is that Profiles is a small overview of your standing in the game and Collection shows everything you've unlocked (including champs)

RagamffinFeb 22, 201746 votes

Please Please Please riot make the new client able to look at skills while in champ select like the older version of client! i love the new legacy client but ive messed up so many time cause i cant remember if they were ap or ad...Please do this for me and all the other leaguers who are forgetful! [slayer-jinx-catface]

BeventhebossFeb 22, 201718 votes

whenever i go into the game loading screen before it starts the match it makes the sound when you have a champion picked and it gets banned. not sure if this matters though

RiotRiot CactopusFeb 22, 201729 votes

fixed with 7.4

Legalize NekosFeb 22, 201715 votes

I hope you're able to optimize the new client much, much better before forcing the "upgrade." As it stands, it runs rather poorly, even on low spec mode and even cuts my fps in-game down to like 10, thanks to all the background processes. It even crashes on my friend's $1000 gaming rig. Just food for thought.