League of Legends: New Dawn replaces LoL Next, due in 2027

Riot Games has renamed its planned League of Legends overhaul from LoL Next to League of Legends: New Dawn. The project is scheduled for release in 2027, with a full reveal planned for January.

Riot introduced the new name during the 2026 League of Legends World Championship Grand Finals, when Gen.G and Bilibili Gaming were tied 1-1. The company showed a short preview and outlined changes to the game’s technology, visuals, gameplay systems and player experience.

League Studio head Andrei “Meddler” van Roon described the project as an effort to keep League of Legends active for many years. New Dawn will include upgrades to the core engine, a visual update for Summoner’s Rift and changes to how players interact with the game.

Riot also plans to release a modernized League of Legends client in 2027. Executive Producer Paul “Pabro” Bellezza identified the client as one of the project’s main areas of focus. The update will also add new ways for players to experience their champions.

The planned changes extend beyond Summoner’s Rift. Riot has previously outlined updates to runes, champion visuals, other maps and game modes, along with changes intended to improve the experience for new players. The company said the update will serve veteran players, newcomers, ranked players and those who mainly play modes such as ARAM.

“We want League to stand the test of time and be a game that’s here for many years to come,” Meddler said during the presentation.

Bellezza called New Dawn an “all-encompassing, large-scale update” and described it as the start of a new period for League of Legends. Riot provided few details about the planned mechanics and visual changes. More information is expected in January.

League of Legends: New Dawn is scheduled to arrive in 2027. Riot is accepting sign-ups for future announcements through its New Dawn webpage.

Reviewed and fact-checked by Vlad Kipran on November 15.