Viktor mains are expressing strong dissatisfaction with his recent rework, particularly the visual updates that they feel stray too far from his original identity. While the rework aligns Viktor more closely with his portrayal in Arcane, many players feel this approach has alienated his core League of Legends fanbase by prioritizing visuals over meaningful gameplay changes.
A Clash of Identities: Arcane vs. Original Viktor
In Arcane, Viktor’s character is a far cry from his original depiction in League. Previously, his lore was inconsistent, portraying him as an anti-hero at times and a ruthless inventor at others. Despite this inconsistency, fans embraced the nuances and chose the aspects of his story they loved.
Riot’s decision to fully integrate Arcane‘s version of Viktor has created a divide, with many feeling the old version charm has been erased. While a more cohesive narrative for Viktor is a noble goal, the loss of his original lore has sparked widespread frustration.
Champion Changes
On top of these lore concerns, Viktor mains argue that the rework doesn’t justify itself mechanically. His gameplay remains largely untouched, leaving many questioning the need for a full update.
One Redditor summed it up, saying, “Not changing anything about his kit was a terrible decision. His W is outdated and arguably one of the weakest abilities in the game. At the very least, it needed a complete overhaul.”
Others have criticized the visual updates to his skins, with comments like, “The redesigned skins lack polish and detail. Deathsworn’s hood and mask feel off, and High Noon looks unfinished.”
The rework has drawn criticism for attempting to appeal to two different audiences—Viktor mains and Arcane fans—while failing to satisfy either. One fan lamented, “You’ve fundamentally changed the champion’s identity to something generic while ignoring long-standing gameplay issues. Viktor’s W has been bugged for years, and nothing was done about it.”
The frustration goes deeper, with some fans feeling as if their champion has been “erased.”
External Influences and Uncanny Similarities
According to Arcane’s official art book, Viktor’s redesign was heavily inspired by Fortiche’s vision of the character rather than Riot’s. This has left many fans feeling like League has lost a piece of its original identity in exchange for a version that doesn’t fill the void.
Moreover, sharp-eyed fans have pointed out an uncanny resemblance between his new Savior skin and artwork by Hwei. From facial structure to pose, the similarities are striking, adding another layer of contention.
The Call for a Revert-lution
Prominent Viktor mains, like Hancock, have been vocal about their disappointment, arguing that the rework fails to do justice to either his original lore or Arcane adaptation. They feel his old abilities remain ill-suited for his new persona and are rallying for a “revert-lution” to bring back the essence of their beloved champion.
As Patch 14.24 nears release, the controversy surrounding the rework continues to grow. Whether Riot will address these concerns remains to be seen, but for now, Viktor mains are steadfast in their demand for change—or a return to the champion they’ve always cherished.