Riot Games has been giving several Champions from "League of Legends" a rework over the years, but the latest development involving Gragas is different from what fans have been expecting. No, "League of Legends" is not reworking Gragas, but there is definitely an overhaul that centers on censoring the character's alcoholic lore.
However, it is important to note that this remained unchanged for around 15 years already, but the "League" and its developers have a reasonable explanation as to why this change is happening now.
'League of Legends' Lessens Gragas' Association with Alcohol
Riot Games' Head of "League of Legends" Studio, Andrei van Roon, has shared an update via X which details the latest changes to one of the game's old-time Champions, Gragas, also known as "The Rabble Rouser."
The main point of the update is to remove all alcohol references linked to the Champion and disassociating him to anything about being drunk despite this being what defined his character for almost 15 years already. Fans know very well that is known as a "brewmaster" whose lore has been to find the perfect pint of ale in his journey in the League.
The main changes center on renaming the abilities of Gragas that explicitly have the word "Drunken," referring to his second ability, "Drunken Range," which is best known as a boost to his magic damage, among other things.
It has been in Gragas' nature to be drunk as the League designed him similar to pop culture's view of a Viking, with a thick build and stature, as well as always holding a cask to drink out of. That being said, van Roon claimed that Gragas would still enjoy "his brews" but the League has to be "discreet" about it.
Does This Affect the Champ?
While many are sad that Gragas will no longer be who he's been in the past 15 years, this massive change will not affect the Champion significantly, particularly as the same abilities, features, and gameplay will still be enjoyed by players.
According to van Roon, the Champion's abilities will remain, and the same mechanics will be available, with this solely focusing on censoring the references to alcohol.
The studio head said that Riot Games' decision centers on adhering and complying with the age ratings of the game across various regions as the company opting to make the League still accessible to the younger audience.
According to ComicBook Gaming, players were initially frustrated about this change as it is the most iconic trait of Gragas over the years, and they have suggested that Riot should have only changed it in regions that restrict it.
