LoL’s popular ward mechanic got removed and Riot Games received instant backlash

LoL devs have made the controversial decision to remove a mechanic that awarded players XP for destroying enemy wards, causing widespread dissatisfaction among the game’s community.

In the recent Patch 14.19, which marks the first major update of the third split for 2024, Riot Games introduced a series of significant changes to the game.

This patch includes various nerfs to several items, reducing their power and, in turn, altering how champions perform in team fights. These adjustments are expected to extend team fights and set the stage for the upcoming preseason changes later in the year.

However, alongside these major item changes, one of the more subtle updates focused on the way wards function in the game, and it has sparked considerable backlash from players. According to the patch notes for 14.19, both Stealth Wards and Farsight Alteration Wards will no longer grant XP to the champions who destroy them. Specifically, the former had 40 XP removed, while the latter had 20 XP removed.

The developers explained their reasoning behind this decision, stating that “this was a minor and invisible mechanic that still had the potential to put the ward user at a significant disadvantage, as it allowed their enemies to reach level breakpoints earlier.”

In other words, players who placed wards could potentially fall behind in levels compared to their opponents, simply because the enemy team was gaining XP from destroying them.

Despite this explanation, many players are upset about the change, feeling that it removes a mechanic that rewarded deeper game knowledge and strategy. Some members of the community have expressed their disappointment, accusing Riot of oversimplifying the game.

This mechanic was one that many experienced players had come to rely on, particularly those who play support roles. Supports often miss out on XP by giving it to their AD Carry in the lane, and clearing it provided a small but meaningful way for them to make up for this lost XP.

Despite the backlash, it seems unlikely that Riot will reverse this decision, as it is part of a broader set of changes introduced for the new split.