May 02, 2025

League of Legends Patch 25.09 Kicks Off Season 2 with Big Changes

Riot Games has officially launched League of Legends Season 2 with the arrival of patch 25.09 — the first major update under the new seasonal structure. This marks a shift from the traditional once-a-year season model to a system featuring three shorter seasons throughout the year. While some longtime fans remain divided on the change, there’s no denying that this latest update brings a substantial wave of fresh content to the Rift.

Whether you’re climbing the ranked ladder or looking for that next strategic edge, patch 25.09 offers both visual flair and gameplay updates that are sure to shake up the meta.

LoL Spirit Blossom Map skin

A Spring Makeover: Spirit Blossom Returns

With Season 2 comes a fresh aesthetic shift. Runeterra is now in full bloom with the return of the Spirit Blossom Festival — a fan-favorite theme known for its serene, ethereal visuals. The Rift has received an Ionian remake with a vibrant springtime overhaul, trading in its previous dark and gritty look for something far more elegant and colorful.

This thematic update doesn’t just affect the map. Players can also expect a range of new Spirit Blossom cosmetics, including champion skins, icons, and emotes. If you're into customization or simply want to boost your in-game style, now's the perfect time to pick up some of the prettiest designs we've seen in recent memory.

Atakhan's New Form Shakes Up the Jungle

One of the most significant gameplay changes in 25.09 is the rework of Atakhan, the epic jungle monster introduced in a previous season. The former dual-form system has been replaced by a new Thornbound form, simplifying Atakhan’s role in the jungle while still making him a central objective.

Atakhan will continue to spawn on the side of the map where most action is happening, but now, taking him down rewards players with Spirit Petals. These grant 25% bonus XP and Adaptive Force, offering a powerful incentive for teams looking to snowball their lead or recover from a deficit. It’s a meaningful shift that could boost strategic depth, especially in coordinated team play.

Void Grubs and Rift Herald Adjustments

Another jungle tweak comes in the form of Void Grub changes. Only one of the two Grub spawns remains, and its rewards have been toned down. This is aimed at freeing up early-game decision-making for junglers and top laners, making the early map less predictable.

As a result of these changes, the Rift Herald now spawns once again at 15 minutes — slightly earlier than in some recent patches. The Herald has also been made easier to secure quickly, ensuring it remains a relevant objective without dragging out the fight for too long. These adjustments could significantly affect how teams prioritize objectives in the early and mid-game, especially for players trying to boost their macro play.

Bounty System Rework Brings Fairer Rewards

The bounty system is also getting a major overhaul. Riot is trying to strike a better balance between comeback mechanics and snowballing advantages.

Now, teams that are behind can earn greater rewards for securing bounties, providing a more meaningful path back into the game. However, there’s a catch: if a bot laner gets too far ahead too fast, their bounty won’t automatically be worth an outrageous amount — especially if the overall match is still relatively even. This fine-tuning helps prevent sudden gold swings that can feel unfair or unearned, particularly in closely contested games.

For solo queue players climbing the LoL rank ladder, this is a welcome change. It ensures that a strong early game isn’t completely invalidated by one mistake, but still allows comeback potential for coordinated underdog plays.

Champion Balance and Meta Updates

As expected with any new season launch, champion balance changes are a major part of the patch. Riot has rolled out a wide set of buffs, nerfs, and tweaks across various roles. While not every adjustment will shift the meta overnight, competitive and casual players alike should take the time to review these updates to stay ahead.

League of Legends Spirit Blossom champions

Whether you're pushing for a higher League of Legends rank or just trying to keep up with the evolving meta, understanding the nuances of these changes can give you a clear edge.

You can find the full details on all balance adjustments in Riot’s official patch notes — but if you're short on time, expect major shifts in jungle dynamics, top lane power picks, and mid-lane scaling champions.

Season 2 is Here!

Patch 25.09 delivers a strong start to League of Legends Season 2. From the lush visual overhaul of Spirit Blossom to major jungle and bounty system changes, this update offers more than just surface-level tweaks. It's a patch that feels meaningful — especially for players looking to boost their ranked performance or explore fresh gameplay opportunities.

While the new seasonal structure may take some getting used to, Riot seems committed to making each phase feel impactful. If 25.09 is any indication, we’re in for an exciting year of updates ahead.

Ready to dive in and climb the ladder? Season 2 is live — and the Rift is blooming with possibilities.

 

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