If you are new to League of Legends or simply need a deep dive into this game mode, hop in and get all the information on ARAM in League of Legends in the article below!
ARAM in League of Legends stands for ‘All Random, All Mid’, a 5v5 League of Legends game mode played on a single-lane map – the Howling Abyss. The fast-paced combat and emphasis on team fights can make ARAM in LoL more thrilling and adrenaline-packed than the classic League of Legends experience.
You might opt for this mode if you wish to have some hectic fun, as it is regarded as a more relaxed and casual experience than what you might get involved with on the Summoner’s Rift (also read: League of Legends map explained).
ARAM was introduced as an official game mode on June 29, 2012, and quickly gained popularity making it one of the most-played custom League of Legends game modes today. While it doesn’t receive as many updates as the Classic game mode, Riot Games refreshes the gaming experience of ARAM in LoL every once in a while to keep players interested.
Credit: League of Legends (In-Game Screenshot)
Once you start the game, you do not get to pick your champion – the game does it for you (hence the ‘All Random’ part of the acronym). This is one of the two main gimmicks of ARAM, as you might get to play your most-played champion or get a completely new one.
You get a random champion from your champion pool and the free champion rotation pool. If you don’t like what you get you can re-roll into a completely new champion, but use the re-rolls wisely as they are limited and are replenished as you play the game.
You can also swap your champion with the ones your team re-rolled, provided you own the champion you wish to pick from the bench.
The ‘All Mid’ part of the abbreviation stands for the ARAM map design. Howling Abyss is played on a single lane, representing the mid lane from Summoner’s Rift. This means more fights and less strategizing, as both teams clash 5v5 from minute one!
There are no jungle camps making the jungle role redundant. There is no Smite or Teleport, but there is a new summoner spell exclusive to ARAM in League of Legends – Mark/Dash. It throws a snowball that deals damage, and once it hits a champion there is a small window when you can recast Dash to, as the name suggests, dash to the target.
Credit: League of Legends (In-Game Screenshot)
Another novelty is health relics – objects placed on the map that can heal the entire team. Once picked up, a circle appears around it that heals and restores mana to all champions within (friendly or not) after a few seconds.
The map layout consists of two turrets protecting the inhibitor, and two more turrets protecting the nexus, with health relics in between. There are also teleporters leading from your base to your farthest turret.
The goal of ARAM in LoL is simple – destroy the opposing team’s nexus. While ARAM is considered casual, a good strategy is still a crucial part of winning.
There is no healing or recalling in ARAM, making health relics a valuable asset if used correctly. Ping your team before using them to get their attention, as your teammates can easily miss the heal if they are too far!
Also, as there is no recall, deaths do happen often. If, however, you happen to sit on a lot of gold for a long time, you can run it down and reset (and maybe pick up a kill or two along the way), allowing you to buy an item in base and get stronger.
You do get extra experience and gold over time, and each champion starts at level 3. Since ARAM is fast-paced and fight-oriented, champion mechanics are crucial if you wish to get better in this game mode, so learn your champs before starting the game (also read: how to get better at League of Legends).
Credit: League of Legends (Screenshot of Client)
Champions are random but a good team comp is the bread and butter of winning games. While luck is an essential part of ARAM, you can use your re-rolls to get a better team composition. Don’t forget to communicate with your team about this!
Before starting the game make sure to check the current ARAM tier list to know what champions to re-roll for. Ranged champions and high-damage mages tend to have a slight advantage due to the map layout, but bruiser/fighter champions can also excel. Keep in mind that playing your low-tier main can sometimes be better than playing a high-tier champion you haven’t played before.
Item builds in this game mode tend to be a little different than classic LoL builds, with ARAM builds focusing more on team fights. Bruisers and tanks should focus on building sustain and maximizing their area damage, while the best mage builds tend to be ones that allow high burst damage output and poke potential.
Now that you have all the information needed on ARAM in League of Legends, it’s time to head into the Howling Abyss. Jump in and try out some new champs, but most importantly have fun! See you there!
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