LoL 2016: A Look Back At The Champions That Defined The Year

Hey there, fellow League of Legends enthusiasts! Ever feel a nostalgic twinge when you think back to the good ol' days of Summoner's Rift? Well, grab your favorite skin, and let's take a trip down memory lane! We're diving deep into the League of Legends 2016 champion releases. This was a pivotal year, packed with fresh faces and exciting gameplay shifts that left a lasting impact on the game we all know and love. We're going to break down each champion, their impact, and what made them so unique in the bustling world of Runeterra. Get ready for a blast from the past, as we revisit the champions who helped shape the meta and keep us glued to our screens. Ready? Let's go!

The Champions of 2016: A Year of Innovation and Impact

2016 was a busy year for Riot Games, with a handful of new champions making their debut. Each champion brought a unique playstyle, innovative mechanics, and a fresh perspective to the game. These new champions not only added variety to the champion pool but also shifted the meta and influenced how the game was played. Let's take a closer look at each champion released in 2016 and discuss their impact on the game. We'll explore their abilities, their roles, and what made them stand out from the existing roster.

Jhin, the Virtuoso

Let's kick things off with Jhin, the Virtuoso, a champion that truly defined precision and artistry in the game. Released in February 2016, Jhin is a marksman unlike any other, relying on calculated shots and meticulously planned plays. His passive, Whisper, limits him to only four shots before needing to reload. However, each shot is devastating, and his critical strikes deal bonus damage. This unique mechanic made him a high-skill-cap champion, rewarding players who could master his rhythm and timing. Jhin's abilities, like Dancing Grenade and Deadly Flourish, further emphasize his emphasis on precise damage and crowd control. His ultimate, Curtain Call, provides long-range, area-of-effect damage, allowing him to snipe enemies from afar. Jhin's impact was immediate, shaping the bot lane meta with his high damage output and strategic playstyle. He quickly became a favorite of marksman players and has remained a popular choice in the years since his release. He brought a fresh perspective to the marksman role, emphasizing skill and strategic gameplay over pure attack speed. Jhin's unique playstyle and visually stunning abilities made him an instant hit. The way he could control fights with his ultimate and set up plays with his traps made him a constant threat. He added a layer of strategic depth to the bot lane, with players needing to consider positioning and timing more than ever before. Jhin's success highlights Riot's ability to introduce champions that break the mold while still fitting into the game's overall design. His unique kit and high skill ceiling made him a favorite among players who appreciated calculated play. Jhin also had a fascinating backstory as a psychopathic killer, adding a dark element to his character. His release was a testament to the fact that League of Legends was still evolving, and new champions could have a lasting impact. Jhin's popularity led to a resurgence of creative team compositions and bot lane strategies. He showed that champions didn't need to fit into predefined molds to be successful and that innovation was still a key factor in keeping the game fresh.

Tahm Kench, the River King

Next up, we have Tahm Kench, the River King, who made his splashy debut in July 2015. Although technically released in late 2015, his impact truly took hold in 2016. Tahm Kench is a unique tank support champion with a powerful kit centered around protecting his allies and swallowing his enemies. His abilities, such as Tongue Lash and Devour, provided excellent crowd control and utility, enabling him to disrupt enemy strategies and save his teammates from dangerous situations. His ultimate, Abyssal Voyage, allowed him to teleport across the map, making him a formidable presence in team fights. Tahm Kench wasn't just about protection; he could also be a surprisingly effective laner. His ability to swallow enemies and spit them out behind him allowed for aggressive plays and counter-ganks. He added a new dimension to support gameplay. Tahm Kench's unique kit allowed him to be versatile, filling multiple roles in a team composition. His ability to save allies from danger and disrupt enemy plans made him a valuable asset. Tahm Kench's playstyle encouraged teamwork and coordination, as players had to work together to maximize his potential. His release helped redefine how supports could impact the game, showing they weren't just healers or damage dealers but also strategic playmakers. His design also helped highlight the importance of communication and teamwork in League of Legends. Tahm Kench’s distinctive personality, with his love for stories and sly demeanor, also made him an unforgettable character. His impact on the game shows Riot’s ongoing commitment to adding new and unique champions.

Kindred, the Eternal Hunters

Kindred, the Eternal Hunters, a unique duo champion, was released in October 2015. Again, while technically released at the end of 2015, their influence was most felt in 2016. Kindred is a marksman jungle champion that combines the aspects of Lamb and Wolf. Lamb provides ranged attacks, while Wolf hunts down enemies, creating a dynamic playstyle that rewards aggression and calculated risk-taking. Kindred's passive, Mark of the Kindred, allowed them to mark enemy jungle camps and champions for increased damage, making them a threat throughout the game. Their ultimate, Lamb's Respite, created an area of invulnerability, saving allies from deadly attacks and enabling them to turn the tide in team fights. Kindred offered a unique playstyle that combined strategic decision-making and mechanical skill. They required players to make calculated decisions about when and where to engage, rewarding those who could predict enemy movements and capitalize on opportunities. Kindred’s innovative design, gameplay, and strategic depth set them apart. Kindred showed that Riot was not afraid to experiment with new champion designs. Their release added a new layer of complexity to the jungle role, challenging players to master their strengths. Kindred's presence also changed the way teams approached the jungle. Kindred became a popular pick for players looking for a high-risk, high-reward champion, and their impact on the meta was immediately felt. Kindred's unique character design and gameplay created a lasting impression on the game. Kindred's ability to influence team fights and secure objectives made them a valuable asset to any team, highlighting the importance of strategic gameplay.

Aurelion Sol, the Star Forger

Coming in at the top of 2016's releases, we have Aurelion Sol, the Star Forger, who made his celestial debut in March 2016. Aurelion Sol is a mage champion with an unconventional playstyle, focusing on zoning and area-of-effect damage. His abilities, such as Starsurge and Celestial Expansion, revolve around manipulating stars and controlling the battlefield. His ultimate, Voice of Light, allowed him to blast enemies with a beam of energy, creating devastating team-fight potential. Aurelion Sol's unique playstyle was centered around controlling the battlefield and positioning. His kit demanded players to think strategically and predict enemy movements. Aurelion Sol's release demonstrated Riot’s ability to create champions with unique mechanics and strategic depth. Aurelion Sol was a refreshing addition to the mid-lane roster. His abilities rewarded precise positioning and strategic decision-making. His design brought a fresh perspective to the game, and his playstyle challenged players to master new skills. Aurelion Sol's strategic depth added a new level of complexity to the mid lane, rewarding players who could control the flow of the game. Aurelion Sol's addition to the game expanded the diversity of the mid-lane role. His strategic gameplay encouraged players to focus on zoning and team play. Aurelion Sol's unique design and impact on the meta highlighted the evolving nature of League of Legends.

Ivern, the Green Father

Last, but not least, we have Ivern, the Green Father, who brought nature's embrace to Summoner's Rift in October 2016. Ivern is a unique support/jungle champion with a kit centered around enabling his allies and controlling objectives. His passive, Friend of the Forest, allowed him to