Hey guys! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit League of Legends in 2019. It was a pretty exciting year for the game, filled with updates, meta shifts, and some unforgettable moments. So, buckle up as we dive deep into the gameplay, dissect the changes, and remember what made LoL in 2019 so special.

The Meta in 2019: A Shifting Landscape

The meta in League of Legends 2019 was anything but static. We saw constant adjustments to champions, items, and even fundamental game mechanics. This kept players on their toes and forced them to adapt their strategies constantly. One of the defining characteristics of the 2019 meta was the rise of certain champion archetypes and the fall of others. For example, early in the year, we saw a dominance of tanky top laners who could soak up damage and provide crowd control for their teams. Champions like Ornn, Sion, and Maokai were frequently picked, and their impact on team fights was undeniable. However, as the year progressed, the meta shifted to favor more carry-oriented top laners who could split push and deal significant damage. Champions like Jax, Fiora, and Riven became popular choices, and players had to adjust their playstyles to counter these threats. In the jungle, we saw a similar evolution. Early in the year, more supportive junglers who focused on ganking and enabling their laners were favored. Champions like Sejuani, Zac, and Gragas were commonly picked. However, as the meta evolved, more aggressive, carry-oriented junglers started to emerge. Champions like Lee Sin, Elise, and Kha'Zix became popular choices, and junglers began to focus more on farming and scaling into the late game. The mid lane also saw its fair share of changes. Early in the year, control mages who could wave clear and provide utility for their teams were popular. Champions like Orianna, Azir, and Syndra were frequently picked. However, as the meta shifted, more assassins and burst mages started to rise in popularity. Champions like Zed, LeBlanc, and Akali became common choices, and mid laners began to focus more on roaming and creating pressure on the map. The bot lane was perhaps the most dynamic role in 2019. We saw a constant back-and-forth between different ADC and support pairings. Early in the year, more traditional ADC and support duos were favored. Champions like Caitlyn, Jinx, and Lucian were often paired with supports like Braum, Thresh, and Nami. However, as the meta evolved, more unconventional bot lane compositions started to emerge. Champions like Yasuo and Veigar were sometimes played as ADCs, and supports like Pyke and Senna became popular choices. These changes made the bot lane incredibly unpredictable and exciting to watch. Overall, the meta in League of Legends 2019 was constantly evolving, and players had to adapt their strategies to stay ahead of the curve. This made the game more dynamic and engaging, and it kept players coming back for more.

Key Champion Changes and Reworks

2019 was a year of significant champion updates. Riot Games didn't shy away from making major changes to some of the game's older or underperforming champions. These reworks aimed to bring these champions back into the meta and make them more fun and engaging to play. One of the most notable reworks of 2019 was that of Mordekaiser. The Iron Revenant received a complete overhaul, with a new kit and a fresh visual update. His ultimate ability, Realm of Death, was particularly impactful, allowing him to isolate an enemy champion and duel them in a separate dimension. This ability opened up new strategic possibilities and made Mordekaiser a formidable threat in both 1v1 and team fight scenarios. Another significant rework in 2019 was that of Pantheon. The Unbreakable Spear received a visual and gameplay update, transforming him from a simple point-and-click champion into a more dynamic and engaging fighter. His new ultimate ability, Grand Starfall, allowed him to leap across the map and deliver a devastating blow to his enemies. This ability made Pantheon a powerful roaming champion who could quickly impact different lanes. In addition to these full reworks, several champions received smaller but still impactful changes. For example, Akali received several adjustments to her kit, aimed at reducing her mobility and making her less oppressive in lane. Similarly, Aatrox received changes to his healing and damage, aimed at making him more balanced and less feast-or-famine. These champion changes had a ripple effect throughout the game, influencing the meta and changing the way players approached different matchups. Some champions became more popular and powerful, while others fell out of favor. Overall, the champion changes in 2019 were a positive step for the game, as they helped to keep the champion pool fresh and exciting. They also demonstrated Riot Games' commitment to balancing the game and ensuring that all champions are viable options.

Itemization Trends and Strategies

In League of Legends 2019, itemization played a crucial role in shaping champion power and team compositions. The choices players made in terms of item builds could significantly impact their ability to carry games, support their teammates, or control objectives. One of the key itemization trends in 2019 was the rise of specific item builds for different champion archetypes. For example, marksmen often built items like Infinity Edge, Rapid Firecannon, and Essence Reaver to maximize their damage output and critical strike chance. Mages often built items like Luden's Echo, Morellonomicon, and Rabadon's Deathcap to enhance their ability power and burst damage. Tanks often built items like Sunfire Cape, Spirit Visage, and Thornmail to increase their durability and provide crowd control for their teams. Another important aspect of itemization in 2019 was the ability to adapt item builds to specific matchups and game situations. Players had to be flexible and willing to deviate from standard item builds in order to counter their opponents or take advantage of opportunities. For example, if a team was facing a lot of magic damage, they might build items like Adaptive Helm or Wit's End to increase their magic resistance. If a team was facing a lot of physical damage, they might build items like Randuin's Omen or Dead Man's Plate to increase their armor. In addition to these general itemization trends, there were also some specific items that were particularly impactful in 2019. For example, Spear of Shojin was a popular item for fighters and bruisers, as it provided a significant amount of cooldown reduction and damage. Guinsoo's Rageblade was a popular item for hybrid damage champions, as it allowed them to scale their damage with both attack damage and ability power. Overall, itemization in League of Legends 2019 was a complex and nuanced topic. Players had to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different items, as well as the specific needs of their champions and team compositions, in order to make effective item choices. The ability to itemize effectively was a key skill that separated good players from great players.

Map Objectives and Strategic Plays

Map objectives and strategic plays were incredibly important in League of Legends 2019. Controlling key objectives like dragons, Baron Nashor, and turrets could provide significant advantages for a team and help them secure victory. Dragons, in particular, were a major focus in 2019. The elemental dragon system, which was introduced in previous seasons, continued to play a significant role in shaping the game. Each elemental dragon provided a different buff to the team that killed it, and these buffs could significantly impact the game. For example, the Infernal Dragon increased a team's damage output, the Ocean Dragon increased a team's sustain, the Cloud Dragon increased a team's mobility, and the Mountain Dragon increased a team's tankiness. Teams often prioritized securing dragons in order to gain these powerful buffs. Baron Nashor was another key objective in 2019. Killing Baron Nashor provided a team with a significant damage and sustain buff, as well as empowered minions. This buff could help a team push down turrets and destroy the enemy base. Teams often coordinated their efforts to secure Baron Nashor, and these plays could be incredibly exciting and game-changing. Turrets were also important objectives in 2019. Destroying turrets provided a team with gold and map control. Map control allowed a team to move more freely around the map and secure other objectives. Teams often focused on pushing down turrets in order to open up the map and create opportunities for ganks and roams. In addition to these specific objectives, there were also many other strategic plays that teams could make in order to gain an advantage. For example, teams could coordinate ganks to surprise enemy laners and secure kills. They could also rotate to different lanes to apply pressure and force the enemy team to react. Overall, map objectives and strategic plays were a crucial part of League of Legends 2019. Teams that were able to control key objectives and execute effective strategic plays were often the most successful.

Memorable Moments and Esports Highlights

League of Legends 2019 delivered a plethora of memorable moments and esports highlights that left fans on the edge of their seats. From incredible outplays to unexpected upsets, there was no shortage of excitement throughout the year. One of the most memorable moments of 2019 was the League of Legends World Championship. The tournament featured some of the best teams from around the world, and the competition was fierce. The finals, which pitted FunPlus Phoenix against G2 Esports, was a thrilling match that saw FunPlus Phoenix emerge victorious. The team's dominant performance throughout the tournament solidified their place as one of the greatest teams in League of Legends history. Another memorable moment of 2019 was the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). The tournament featured the best teams from each region, and the competition was fierce. The finals, which pitted Team Liquid against Invictus Gaming, was a thrilling match that saw Team Liquid emerge victorious. The team's victory was a major upset, as Invictus Gaming was the reigning World Champion. In addition to these major tournaments, there were also many other memorable moments throughout the year. For example, there were countless incredible outplays by individual players, as well as unexpected upsets by underdog teams. These moments helped to make League of Legends 2019 a truly special year. The esports scene in League of Legends continued to grow in 2019. The viewership numbers for major tournaments continued to increase, and the level of competition continued to rise. The esports scene provided a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and compete for fame and fortune. Overall, League of Legends 2019 was a year of memorable moments and esports highlights. The incredible plays, unexpected upsets, and growing esports scene helped to make the game more popular and exciting than ever before.

So there you have it, guys! A look back at League of Legends in 2019. It was a year of constant change, exciting gameplay, and unforgettable moments. What were some of your favorite memories from LoL in 2019? Let me know in the comments below!