Legends of Runeterra Empires of the Ascended Expansion Changes the Meta With New Cards and Modes

Riot Games is just about to release its newest expansion, Legends of Runeterra Empires of the Ascended expansion, on March 3, 2021. With this new expansion, fans can expect new game modes, cards, and plenty of new ways to strategize victory.

We had the opportunity to go hands-on with the new cards and modes for a few hours, which left us wishing we could play all day. The 2v2 Social Lab is just an insane way to play the game, for starters, but it still leaves a lot to be addressed. There’s been so much buzz about the 2v2 mode, and I think the game has a lot of room to grow here, but if you have a friend handy, you’ll be much better equipped than those who play with strangers.

There’s just a lack of real communication between team members. I could strategize in my head all I want, but if I couldn’t let my teammate know what I was planning, it could end up feeling more like a match with just exceptionally long wait times.

The 2v2 Social Lab works with players choosing their deck and taking a turn. Then the enemy takes their turn, which is followed by your teammate’s turn. During the game, I would hand my teammates cards to use but couldn’t really explain to them what I had in mind. In proper execution, though, the mode is so much fun.

On top of 2v2, there are the additional cards, Renekton, Jarvan, Lissandra, Vasus, Kindred, Sivir, LeBlanc, and Azir. I only had enough time to really play as Kindred and Sivir, but let me tell you, Kindred has some amazing cards to build a deck with. I

can see this becoming a part of the meta moving forward, but there are a few ways to limit the rampage. I enjoy Sivir’s respective cards and felt that she brought a real balance to my hand overall. I wouldn’t consider myself the most well-versed Legend of Runeterra player, but these new cards will definitely allow the more casual fans to stand a chance to improve and build up some wins.

In this new expansion, there’s a ton of content that I couldn’t even touch in the few hours I was able to play it. However, the most important part is that I was having fun. The 2v2 Social Lab has plenty of room to grow, and playtesting from the community will only improve them over time. Still, I’m glad this was implemented because there are going to be interesting team combinations.

Legends of Runeterra Empires of the Ascended is an expansion for the community. It shows how the developers are paying attention to feedback and throwing in a few surprises along the way. I’m eager to see where this expansion takes the game because right now, there’s so much to look forward to.

In case you missed it, check out our review.

You can watch the 2v2 Social Lab trailer below, along with the new characters and their skills: