Zaahen Leak Reveals New Darkin Champion in League of Legends
League of Legends never stops evolving, and Riot Games seems ready to drop another surprise on Summoner’s Rift. According to reliable leaks from insider Big Bad Bear, a new champion named Zaahen is on the horizon. Early reports suggest he will be the latest Darkin to join the roster, wielding a massive glaive and potentially shaking up the meta in Season 3 later this year.
While Riot has yet to confirm the details, the growing excitement around Zaahen comes not only from his rumored role in the game but also from his place in the ongoing lore. With more than 170 champions already in the mix, every new addition has the potential to boost the variety and depth of gameplay. Zaahen looks set to continue that trend.
A Darkin Wielding a GlaiveThe Darkin are among the most iconic figures in LoL, and Zaahen will mark the arrival of the fifth one, following Aatrox, Varus, Naafiri, and Rhaast (Kayn’s Darkin form). The weapon of choice for this new champion is said to resemble a glaive, similar to the one tied to Atakhan, another mysterious figure in League’s expanding lore. Leaks point to changes on the PBE, where Atakhan’s model now features an arm shaped like a blade. |
![]() |
This design mirrors the glaive previously teased in Riot’s Spirit Blossom comic, suggesting a deliberate connection to Zaahen’s reveal. For lore fans, this link not only strengthens the Darkin narrative but also helps boost anticipation for how Riot plans to tie these characters into the unfolding story.
Role Speculation: Fighter, Jungler, or Support?
Zaahen’s exact role remains a mystery. Some players believe he could emerge as a bruiser in the top lane, while others suspect he may thrive in the jungle. A less likely but still possible twist would be for him to land in the support role, giving the Darkin a completely new angle in League of Legends.
Wherever Riot places him, his kit will likely be designed to boost both thematic flavor and gameplay diversity. Given the Darkin’s history of hybrid playstyles—Kayn’s duality, Varus’s AD/AP scaling, and Aatrox’s sustain-heavy kit—Zaahen could follow in that tradition with a versatile skillset.
Storyline and Season 3 Connection
The third thematic season of the year is set to dive deeper into Demacia’s lore, picking up threads from earlier story arcs. At the end of Season 1, Atakhan was captured by LeBlanc, and hints pointed to Ionia as the next stage of the Darkin storyline. Season 2 expanded on Zaahen’s history, revealing him as an ally of Yunara before both went into exile after a devastating war.
Now, Season 3—beginning with patch 25.17 on August 27—will continue these threads. Alongside Zaahen’s rumored debut, players can expect a visual update to Xin Zhao, who is slated to play a central role in the events. Although Riot has not locked in Zaahen’s release date, his appearance, face, and mask have already been teased in-game, keeping speculation alive.
![]() |
Expanding the Champion PoolWith Zaahen, League of Legends will inch closer to the 175-champion milestone. The roster currently sits at 171, with Ambessa, Mel, and Yunara being the most recent additions. Each new champion not only brings unique mechanics but also boosts strategic depth, creating new combos, synergies, and counterplays for players to explore. This constant evolution is one of the reasons LoL continues to rank among the top esports titles worldwide. Riot’s ability to balance fresh gameplay with ongoing narrative arcs ensures that each champion release feels meaningful, both mechanically and within the universe of Runeterra. |
Final Thoughts
Zaahen may still be wrapped in mystery, but the leaks suggest he’s set to become one of the standout releases of 2025. As a glaive-wielding Darkin, he promises to deepen both the lore and the gameplay variety of League of Legends. Whether he lands in the top lane, jungle, or an unexpected support role, his arrival will no doubt boost the energy of Season 3 and keep players engaged.
For now, fans will need to wait for Riot’s official confirmation. But if history is anything to go by, Zaahen’s release could be a game-changing moment that reshapes the meta and adds yet another layer of complexity to the world’s most iconic MOBA.
GG Boost, the Best Elo Boosting Experience!