League of LegendsThe newest champion is Smolder, and he's a little baby dragon. Despite being only a few days old, Smolder has already received a Sonic the Hedgehog-style glow from Riot Games. The trouble started when Riot revealed the champion on social media with a short teaser trailer introducing the dragon (and its mother, who appears in Smolder's gear as his ultimate ability).
Fans immediately had some concerns about Smolder. He fits the cute archetype of previous champions like Zoe and Yuumi. At first glance, he seems more at home in a Dreamworks film than in League of Legends. It's especially strange when you think about it League of Legends and the spin-off games are full of dragons, most of which look beastly and intimidating. Smolder's large eyes, round cheeks, short snout and facial proportions felt off, leading to comparisons with the original live-action Sonic. Fans took to social media to share their thoughts and even create new designs for the champion.
On Friday, champion producer Alexia Gao tweeted that the team had seen the feedback about Smolder's face and that they had already adjusted the champion. Now he looks considerably more dragon-like. These are texture updates, so the shape of Smolder's skull and snout remains largely the same, but blending his human face with the dragon features on the rest of his body did wonders to get him out of the uncanny valley.
Hey guys! We've heard your feedback about Smolder's face and are making some adjustments to emphasize his dragon features. Many thanks for Gem, @O0_Y_0O And @White_Leyth for making this possible! The splash team is also working on some adjustments! pic.twitter.com/6CWfVYwQjY
— Riot Lexicale (Lexi) (@neolexical) January 5, 2024
Not every fan is satisfied; some people still wish the dragon champion who came to the Rift was much more monstrous and deadly. But Smolder has its own charms; There's a lot to like about a baby dragon whining for his mother to come protect him in the middle of a team fight. Smolder is absolutely precious, and his design veers into the saccharine… but he feels unique in a roster full of grim soldiers, serial killers and rampaging warlords.