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Concerns Rise Over League of Legends Monetization and Progression

As January has come to a close, the debate surrounding the monetization practices in League of Legends remains fervent among the game’s community. Players are actively voicing their frustrations on various social media platforms, particularly concerning Season 2025’s progression system, methods for acquiring in-game currency, and the absence of Hextech Chests.

In a Reddit post dated February 4, one player detailed their struggle, stating it would take them approximately two and a half weeks of gameplay to accumulate the 200 Blue Essence necessary to unlock a new champion. They lamented that the current leveling system made progression feel “literally pointless.” A fellow user echoed this sentiment by comparing League unfavorably to “gacha games” that are perceived as more forgiving regarding players’ time investments. This critique resonates particularly as Riot has integrated elements reminiscent of gacha mechanics into League, compelling players to invest substantial amounts of money for a chance to secure elusive new skins, many of which are merely reimaginings of existing ones.

Historically, League of Legends fostered a more rewarding atmosphere prior to the changes instituted in Season 2025. Players previously earned numerous Hextech Chests for achieving S ranks in matches, particularly in short game modes like ARAM. This structure enabled casual gamers to regularly acquire skins, champions, and both Blue and Orange Essence simply by participating in matches. However, many veteran players report having chests gathering dust in their Hextech Crafting tabs, as the system now defaults to a gacha-centric interface rather than one featuring chests and crafting materials.

The community’s dissatisfaction with the removal of Hextech Chests is palpable. Players are lamenting not only the decrease in available Blue and Orange Essences since Season 2025 but also the overall erosion of in-game rewards. Online discussions are replete with inquiries about the missing chests, particularly highlighted within a thread on the recent Patch 25.S1.3. Many participants bemoan that the absence of Hextech Chests has led to a notable decline in the accessibility of free skins and champions.

Despite Riot’s attempts to address player concerns with an update earlier in the month, many fans believe the new reward system falls short of the longstanding offerings that were available for nearly a decade. The nostalgia for past systems contrasts sharply with the current experience, prompting players to reflect on what was once considered one of the premier live service games.

As the conversation continues, players remain hopeful for a resolution that could restore the sense of reward and progression that has characterized League of Legends in the past. Dot Esports has reached out for comment from Riot Games regarding the ongoing issues surrounding the game’s monetization and progression framework.

Source
dotesports.com