Skarner Rework delayed, more Updates and Changes on the Crystal Vanguard

Skarner’s rework hasn’t been completely unveiled yet, but Riot has finally provided League of Legends fans with some extra information regarding the champion’s new approach.

Skarner won the Season 12 VGU poll with more than a third of the vote, and now the Crystal Vanguard has a lot to look forward to over the next year. Skarner’s makeover will include a complete reworking of his abilities, as well as a visual improvement and new narrative. However, it was recently revealed that he will not be released until early 2024.

Skarner Rework not coming in 2023

Image via Riot Games

In a recent dev blog, it was revealed that Skarner’s rework has been considerably delayed, to the point that it won’t even be released until 2024.

“It hasn’t been too long since we dove into Skarner and the multitude of paths we tried, iterated, and refined. While we have a direction that we are excited about, it will be awhile till we get to see our favorite Ixtali scorpion skittering across the Rift. We’re currently anticipating he will release sometime early next year, but we’re not 100% sure on the date yet.”

Furthermore, up until now, Riot hasn’t revealed anything about Skarner’s revamped powers in League of Legends, except for his ultimate ability.

Impale’s presence was already revealed in a previous blog post by Riot devs, and we now know that it will allow him to capture a group rather than just one.

Image via Riot Games

However, because it now has two stages of damage, it will be possible to miss this ability, and it will do half the damage if someone cleanses out of it. There are certain advantages and disadvantages in contrast to the original, but it has a far greater impact on the game today than it did earlier.

Riot has also entirely removed his crystal theming and transformed him into a big-ol scorpion, replete with three stingers!

Images via Riot Games

We have yet to see his entire in-game model, but some concept images for something similar to what is expected to be his final shape have been shown.

According to the concept picture, he will remain a tanky champion, most likely placed in the jungle with the same snappy clear speed he was renowned for.