League of Legends Swarm mode: Release Date, Gameplay, Champions & More

League of Legends is soon to release a new PvE bullet hell game mode called Swarm, featuring a full Anima Squad theme. We have already gathered a lot of information about the gameplay and the champions that will be playable.

After a gap of 5 years, LoL is finally introducing its first PvE mode. This has sparked excitement among longtime LoL players who cannot wait to jump into the game once it is released.

Swarm mode will be a unique addition to the traditional LoL gameplay that fans are familiar with, such as Ranked or Arena modes. This PvE game mode will draw inspiration from the popular indie game Vampire Survivors, challenging players to fight against the formidable Primordians in a fight for their survival.

All the information we have regarding League of Legends Swarm mode, including its release window, playable champions, and gameplay details, can be found here.

Swarm: Operation Anima Squad release window

The release of the PvE mode for League of Legends is scheduled to coincide with the mid-year Summer event in mid-July 2024. According to developers, the mode will be available on the PBE before the end of June as stated in this tweet by Spideraxe30: https://x.com/Spideraxe30/status/1804199916069114133.

This indicates that players can anticipate joining the game mode in the near future.

How does LoL’s Swarm mode work?

The unconventional control scheme of Swarm mode is abandoning the traditional League of Legends control layout and implementing a WASD system, making it more reminiscent of Vampire Survivors rather than the usual League of Legends gameplay.

Anima Squad reporting for duty🫡 pic.twitter.com/LG6jBLIrhy

— League of Legends (@LeagueOfLegends) June 21, 2024

As the game progresses, the player will face increasingly challenging enemies, including powerful boss characters that may require players to work together in order to defeat them.

In addition, the game mode features a progression system that allows players to level up their characters outside of gameplay and enhance their abilities from one playthrough to another. The specific workings of this system have not yet been disclosed.

How many playable champions are in Swarm mode?

According to Riot August’s announcement, Swarm will feature 9 distinct playable champions, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.

While the full list has not been disclosed yet, the trailer featured these 9 champions, aligning with August’s description.

Jinx
Leona
Yumi
Xayah
Seraphine
Yasuo
Illaoi
Miss Fortune
Aurora

Furthermore, the champions receiving Primordian skins are scheduled to appear as boss battles.

These are the four known Primordian champions that will present a challenge to players in the mode:

Aatrox
Bel’Veth
Briar
Rek’Sai

Will Swarm Mode Be Permanent in League of Legends?

The developers have confirmed that the mode in League of Legends will not remain permanent and will eventually be removed from the game.

Although the mode is being sustainably developed, it will not be a permanent fixture in League. Instead, it will periodically return for players to experience on a temporary basis.

The name Swarm: Operation Anima Squad suggests that there could be potential for other Swarm variations in the future, featuring different skin line universes.

According to Riot developer H28_G_Evo, the initial release of this mode is intended to gauge interest. If it is unsuccessful, it will not be brought back. However, the team is currently exploring ways to establish a stable foundation for Swarm, with the possibility of incorporating new playable champions, bosses, and other adjustments in the future.