Let's Talk Tutorials

Hello summoners, With the Summoner's Rift Update coming soon it's about time we had a serious discussion about the Tutorials that League should have. The game has been out for a few years now and the current tutorials just don't do a good enough job at introducing players to the many complex elements of MOBA. There will always be League content or existing players that will attempt to pull in new blood, so what better way to welcome them than with a bitchin set of tutorials? First impressions are important! So let's craft the best first impression we can.

As a side note, I personally feel that match restrictions should be imposed when accounts are created. All accounts that are listed as new to MOBA or only familiar with RTS should be forced into completing ALL the Basic Tutorials as well as achieving a coop vs ai match quota (i.e. minimum 10 CVAi games & 5 wins on Intermediate required). Advanced Tutorials are an opt-in and should only be recommended to players that have already completed all Basic Tutorials in addition to 1 CVAi game. Normal matchmaking should not be unlocked until you have fulfilled these requirements. Playing with friends is allowed immediately without going through tutorials as long as it is limited to CVAi games until they have reached their quota.

Veterans can circumvent the Tutorial requirements and jump straight into CVAi games. Normal matchmaking should also be made available to them for as long as they are accompanied by a friend that already has it unlocked.

Now, I won't go into detail about the currently available tutorials. There are aspects which both Basic and Battle Training accomplish. However, every friend I've introduced to this game over the years whom have not had any prior MOBA experience, have always struggled with the pacing of these tutorials due to the glossing over of many aspects. As such, I believe it is necessary to better utilize the Quest & Tips system available in Battle Training to provide a more well-paced and structured introduction to League.

The goal is to create a list of tutorials that teach and more importantly reinforce what's taught through semi-scripted scenarios much like the current Basic Tutorial. Given that these scenarios are semi-scripted, it also wouldn't be out of the question for lore to be included somewhere down the line if these actually make it into the client.

Without further ado, let's get to the example list.

Basic Tutorial Part 1 : Base Defense Player - Leona; Ally - Soraka; Enemy - Mordekaiser Goal - Defend the turret, defeat the minions, defeat Mordekaiser

Your ally is under attack! Go to their aid! Introduce Movement Player Character Highlight & Control

Have the player use right-clicks within vision and then navigate to the nearby turret

Help Soraka defend the turret! Slay the enemy minions! Introduce Basic Attacking & Melee Combat Ally Soraka L2; Enemy minions x 6-8

Simple intro to right-click attacking.

More enemies are approaching! Hold the line! Introduce Champion Ability (W) Enemy minion waves x 2

Simple introduction to abilities with reinforcement of right-click functions.

Good job, you defended the turret! Your ally was wounded and is returning to base. Lead our minions and press the attack! Introduce Level-Up Ally + enemy minions spawn

Brief introduction to XP and level-ups, simple explanation regarding level up impact (skill point + stats). Reinforce champion abilities, unlock E. Section is complete when 1 enemy wave is killed.

An enemy champion is approaching! Watch out! Introduce Enemy Champions & Abilities, Champion Combat, Death Enemy Mordekaiser L4

Introduction to champion combat and danger. When the player's HP reaches 30%, an audio warning is issued, e.g. "The enemy is too strong! Fall back!". The player is killed by Mordekaiser's next ability regardless of whether they began retreating or not. The player is given an explanation regarding death and respawns. The player is also given an explanation regarding the difference in champion power, reinforcing the importance of champion levels and ability strength. The player respawns as the explanation finishes.

Do not be discouraged! Your ally has recovered and will assist you in battle. Work together and repel the attack! Introduction to Allied Champions Ally Soraka L2; Enemy Mordekaiser L4

Turret falls to Mordekaiser and minions as the Player leaves spawn. Soraka follows the player. Once engaged in combat, remind the player about abilities. Once Mordekaiser's HP reaches 30%, give audio encouragement, "The enemy is weak! Defeat them!". The scenario ends when Mordekaiser and the minions are defeated.

The goal of this tutorial scenario is simple; introduce the player to the key controls and champion basics. Camera controls, resource management and the intricacies of gold are ignored in this tutorial to reduce information clutter. The importance of this lesson is that players begin to familiarize themselves with champion controls and the basics combat.

Basic Tutorial Part 2 - Counterattack Player - Graves; Ally - Leona, Soraka; Enemy - Mordekaiser, Thresh Goal - Defend the base, defeat Mordekaiser and Thresh, destroy the enemy turret, destroy the enemy inhibitor

An enemy assault is coming! Prepare to defend! Introduction to Gold & Shopping

The player is introduced to the concept of gold and gold sources. Then, the player is guided through their first use of gold. The player should be made to buy component items and then informed that they have insufficient gold for further purchases. When the shop tab is closed, pop a tip that reminds them how to access the shop. The enemies spawn when the player closes the shop and leaves spawn.

The enemy has returned! Defend the base! Introduction to Graves & Ranged Combat Ally Soraka L4, Leona L4; Enemy Mordekaiser L6

The player is now introduced to fighting from range and given a brief overview of Grave's abilities. The player is also given a brief a introduction to the relationship between purchased items and ability ratios. Allied champions do not wait for the player this time and rush toward Mordekaiser. Soraka is defeated by Mordekaiser's ultimate. When Mordekaiser reaches 25% HP, he takes a Thresh lantern to safety. The player is then prompted to clear the remaining minions.

The enemy has withdrawn! Tend to your wounds and regroup with your allies. Introduction to Ultimates, Item Combination

The player should hit level 6 and be given an introduction to ultimate abilities upon clearing the minions. The difference in power from the previous battle is also explained to make the player aware of the impact an ultimate ability can have. Once briefed, the player is prompted to return to the shop to heal and spend gold. The player is guided through item combination at the shop. Once done, the player is reminded of the importance of itemization and is allowed 1 additional purchase of their choice from a small pool of starting items. Soraka respawns and the next section begins when the purchase is complete and the shop is closed.

It's time to launch a counterattack! Use the strength you've gained from items and press the attack! Introduction to Pushing, Reinforce Enemy Champions & Ultimates Ally Soraka L5, Leona L5; Enemy Mordekaiser L6, Thresh L6; Ally + enemy minions spawn

Allied champions now follow and support the player. The player is prompted to push forward with the minions in order to defeat Mordekaiser and Thresh. When the player gets close to the enemy champions, they are reminded about the impact of ultimates and advised that since Mordekaiser used his recently, they need not fear its use for the time being. The player and company should beat both enemies and minions. The player is then prompted to press on and destroy the enemy turret. Mordekaiser and Thresh do not respawn until the first turret is taken.

Use this momentum and breach the enemy base! Reinforce Pushing, Introduction to Inhibitors Ally Soraka L5, Leona L5; Enemy Mordekaiser L7, Thresh L7

The player is prompted to continue pushing until they destroy an inhibitor. Another turret lies before the inhibitor, allowing the player to immediately reinforce pushing. However, this next turret is defended by Mordekaiser and Thresh. The player is also given reinforcement to ultimates in the form of allied ultimate usage. This explanation should pop-up when allies hit level 6 from minions dying. If the player dies during the encounter at the second turret, allies retreat and wait for the player to respawn. Additionally, the player is given a reminder explanation regarding death and its impact. The scenario ends with the enemy inhibitor is destroyed.

This scenario serves primarily as an introduction to ranged champions, itemization and ultimates. Everything else is reinforcement of previously learned skills. Camera controls are still ignored to prevent clutter. Resource Management is still circumvented by the presence of Soraka. The importance of the lesson is realizing the impact of ultimates and itemization. Gold is also briefly introduced in this tutorial but not focused on.

Basic Tutorial Part 3 - A Duel Player - Free week; Enemy - Random Beginner Bot x 1 OR Intermediate Bot x 1 Win condition - Destroy 2 enemy turrets Sidequests Beginner - Slay the enemy champion, Kill 5 minions using Abilities, Kill 30 minions, Buy 1 upgrade item Sidequests Intermediate - Destroy the first turret within 10 minutes, slay the enemy champion, Kill 10 minions using Abilities, Kill 50 minions, Buy 2 upgraded items Lose condition - Lose 2 turrets

The player is allowed to select from the free week champions. and to pick 1 Summoner Spell; the other spell is Summoner Heal. The player is given a brief reminder about Shopping, earning XP and Gold at the beginning of the game. The camera is unlocked for this scenario and the player is given an introduction to Camera Controls and the Minimap as they leave spawn. Once done, a tip remains visible to remind the player of how to lock/unlock and move the camera about freely. The player is then prompted to leave the base to start the scenario. As the player leaves the base, minions should start spawning normally for both sides.

As the player uses abilities, give an introduction to Resource Management. As the player takes damage, give an introduction to Heal and Summoner Spells. Follow up explanation for the other Summoner Spell should appear when appropriate e.g. If Clarity was taken, show explanation when low on mana; If Ghost was taken, show explanation when moving to and from base or after being engaged in combat with enemy champion. Give introduction to Recall when HP is low, some gold is accumulated, or when the enemy champion uses it. Give introduction to Brush when the player approaches a patch. A persistent tip regarding purchasing items that work with a champion's ratio scaling should be present whenever the shop is opened.

The goal of this scenario is to allow new players some freedom and repitition. Players are given freedom because the lessons included in this tutorial are aspects that take time to learn and get used to. Each additional aspect of the game is introduced and explained as they become relevant to the game situation. The sidequests act as reminders and milestones for players.

Alright, that's quite a bit already so we'll stop here for now.

What do you think of the proposed tutorials?

• Do they make sense?
• Do they flow well?
• General comments

Is there something missing?

• If yes, what is it; should be it included somewhere above; or in another separate tutorial?
• If no, what do you think are useful tips OR features that can be included in Coop Vs Ai games (as an effort to help improve the Intro Bots)?

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Extra Tutorial - Summoner Spells (Through client, not in-game) The tutorial instructor helps the player navigate to their Summoner Profile and then the Spell Tab. The player is prompted to click a Spell to receive an explanation and short demo clip. Similarities and differences between spells will be addressed by the tutorial instructor (Heal & Barrier, Flash & Ghost).