The MOBA League of Legends is known for its tough matches. But there is also a mode in LoL where things are friendly and cozy: the co-op mode. Here, 5 people beat up dumb, simple-minded AI bots and feel like absolute pros. This might soon come to an end. By the end of 2023, Riot plans to introduce “better bots” to the test servers.
What kind of mode is that?
- In the “Co-op vs. AI” mode, human players play against dumb bots that play nicely and are actually led to the slaughter like lambs.
- Good players gank and harass the poor bots from level 1, as the AI guys and gals always make the same mistakes, can be easily outsmarted and farmed. The bots play without a jungler and with 2 top laners, which is not how you actually play LoL.
- The co-op mode allows human players to try out new characters without the pressure of completing missions or just playing casually. “Ambitious” players, who only know ranked, often look down on players of the co-op mode.
At this point, I would like to make a confession. I am biased on the topic, I play LoL exclusively in co-op mode and have had to endure a lot from so-called “pros” throughout my life about how much I love the “lucky bear” mode.
Co-op mode should be like a proper LoL match
This is supposed to change: On April 28, the developers of LoL announced in a video message far-reaching changes for the mode. The mode is to become much more similar to a “normal LoL game”. The goal is:
- Bots should do things like jungling, ganking, and fighting dragons – they should behave like real players.
- The AI should then play as a team, not like 5 individual players – this sounds like “fantasy LoL”, not even real players act as a team together.
- The bots should even respond to changes in the meta.
- Additionally, they want to expand the champion pool of the bots.
Mode should be a stress-free way to git gud
Why is this being done? The mode should serve as a way to become “good” at LoL without being constantly yelled at by other players (via lol/blog).
When is this supposed to happen? In the second half of 2023, “beta bots” are supposed to hit the test servers, then feedback will be collected via Reddit. It will still take a while until the bots are really in the game.
