League of Legends Adds WASD Controls After 16 Years: What You Need to Know

After 16 years since its first release, Riot Games is making a historic change to League of Legends (LoL). For the first time, players will be able to control their champions using the WASD keyboard keys, instead of relying solely on mouse clicks.

This announcement came through a Dev Update video and Riot’s official blog post, confirming that a new control scheme is in development.

Why Riot Is Adding WASD Controls

For years, League of Legends has relied exclusively on point-and-click movement using the mouse. While this system has worked well for veterans, Riot revealed that many new players struggled with this mechanic, often quitting before fully experiencing the game.

By introducing WASD movement controls, Riot aims to:

• Make LoL more accessible for beginners.

• Provide an alternative for returning players.

• Expand options for those who find mouse-only controls difficult.

Importantly, Riot emphasized that WASD will not replace the classic control system. Both systems will be available and treated equally, giving players the freedom to choose.

Community Reaction: Pros and Cons

The announcement quickly sparked debate in the League of Legends community.

Positive Reactions

• Players believe it will attract new audiences.

• More accessibility for casual and returning players.

• Adds fresh gameplay variety without removing existing options.

Concerns and Criticism

• Some veterans fear WASD will change the game’s dynamics.

• Concerns that mechanics like kiting may become easier, reducing the skill ceiling.

• Worry that gameplay balance could shift in unexpected ways.

Testing on the Public Beta Environment (PBE)

Riot’s Design Director, Dean Ayala, confirmed that WASD controls have already undergone internal testing, including feedback from both new players and pro players.

Next, the feature will be rolled out on the Public Beta Environment (PBE) for wider testing in upcoming patches. Riot will use the feedback to refine WASD before potentially introducing it into ranked play and professional esports.

Why This Update Matters

League of Legends sits in a unique position. Despite the global success of the Runeterra universe through projects like Arcane, the game’s new player growth has stagnated.

By adding WASD controls, Riot hopes to:

• Lower the learning curve for new players.

• Reignite interest from those who found the old control system intimidating.

• Keep LoL relevant in an evolving gaming landscape.

Conclusion

The introduction of WASD controls in League of Legends marks one of the biggest gameplay changes in the game’s 16-year history. While some fear it may alter the game’s competitive balance, others see it as a bold step to keep LoL fresh and accessible.

With testing on the PBE servers just around the corner, all eyes will be on how this change plays out—and whether WASD becomes a permanent staple in the world’s most iconic MOBA.