Hextech Chests Returning to League of Legends Following Intense Community Backlash

Riot Games has announced the return of Hextech Chests to League of Legends after their removal earlier this year faced heavy criticism from the player community. This decision, revealed in the latest developer update, marks a significant reversal of one of the most controversial changes made to the game in 2025.

Hextech Chests Set to Return in Patch 25.05

Starting with Act 2 in early March, coinciding with the rollout of patch 25.05, players will once again be able to earn Hextech Chests. Riot confirmed that there will be 10 Hextech Chests available per act, amounting to 60 annually across six acts.

Players can obtain these chests through two primary methods:

• Eight chests will be included in the free version of the in-game event pass.
• Two additional chests can be earned via the Honor system.

The returning Hextech Chests will function similarly to how they did when tied to the Champion Mastery system before their removal. However, Riot emphasized that the new distribution method through the event pass will make them more accessible to all players.

Additional Changes to Improve Player Experience

In response to player concerns, Riot is implementing further adjustments to enhance the in-game economy:

• Champion Costs Reduced: The Blue Essence required to unlock champions will be reduced by 50%, easing the process of expanding champion pools.
• Increased Mythic Essence: The amount of Mythic Essence awarded through the pass system will also be increased, offering players better opportunities to obtain exclusive cosmetics.

Community Backlash Prompted Riot’s Decision

The initial removal of Hextech Chests at the beginning of 2025 triggered a strong negative response from the League of Legends community. Many players expressed frustration over losing a key method of earning cosmetic rewards, with some even threatening to boycott the game if the chests were not reinstated.

Acknowledging these concerns, Executive Producer Paul “Pabro” Bellezza and League head Andrei “Meddler” van Roon reassured players that they are committed to ongoing improvements.

In their statement, the duo emphasized that maintaining League of Legends requires continuous dialogue and iteration:

“We know getting League to the right place isn’t about just one set of changes. It’s about continually refining and improving the game. We believe these updates are a step in the right direction and will continue to monitor feedback and make adjustments as needed.”

Riot’s message also expressed gratitude to the community for their patience and involvement, affirming their dedication to shaping the game alongside its players.

Also Read: League of Legends Patch 25.S1.4: Buffs, Nerfs & Speculation

With these upcoming changes, Riot aims to rebuild trust and deliver a more rewarding experience for the League of Legends player base.