After nearly 16 years of relying solely on point-and-click movement, League of Legends is about to get one of its biggest gameplay updates in history.
Riot Games has confirmed that a WASD-based movement system is coming to the Rift.
This update signals a major departure for one of the most-played competitive titles, especially considering its original RTS-style controls have been a fixture since day one.
Why Did League of Legends Add WASD Movement?
For many seasoned League players, the traditional mouse-click movement is second nature.
Click-to-move can seem outdated, cumbersome, and unresponsive to anyone raised on shooters, direct-control MOBAs, or other modern PC titles.
Riot says it’s no secret to them that some potential players give up early when the controls don’t match their expectations. The WASD option is meant to bridge that gap.
By letting players move with one hand on the keyboard and control skills and aiming with the mouse, Riot hopes to make early gameplay feel more approachable without altering the heart of League’s mechanics.
Importantly, the point-and-click system isn’t going anywhere (both styles will coexist), and Riot is making a point to balance them so no one is forced to switch.
How Will the Rollout Work?
WASD’s live debut will come later, after an extended multi-patch test phase on the PBE.
This phase will refine controls, fix bugs, and gather feedback from players of all levels, including pros who tested early builds at events like MSI.
Once Riot is confident in its balance, the controls will roll out to unranked modes first. Only after thorough data analysis and player input will they reach ranked and professional play.
Riot is especially watching areas like kiting, chasing, and precision movement to ensure WASD doesn’t create a measurable competitive advantage.
Riot frames WASD as one step in an overall plan to modernize and future-proof League of Legends.
The control overhaul aims to make the game more accessible to new players while keeping veteran players satisfied.
If the test goes well, it could inspire broader accessibility improvements and help prepare League for possible console releases.
Riot wants players to join the PBE, try WASD firsthand, and guide its future before it goes live.
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