
Hextech Chests used to be the best way for free-to-play players could get skins in LoL, but Riot Games changed how players can get them in Season 1.
League of Legends is one of the most popular MOBA games of all time, and its popularity has increased again thanks to the popular Netflix animated show Arcane. The title’s gameplay loop of pitting teams of five players against each other is a successful formula that has stood the test of time. With over 150 playable champions available, players have no issues finding a character who fits their personal playing style.
To increase the game’s personalization, players can equip skins for their favorite champions. While Hextech Chests were formerly the best way for players to find free champion skins, that isn’t the case anymore. League of Legends Season 1 changed how players get Hextech Chests and now many fans are angry about it.
Riot Games changed how players get Hextech Chests with the introduction of LoL Season 1, removing any reliable way for free-to-play players to earn chests and the rewards contained within.
Hextech Chests are small treasure chests in LoL that contain various items players can make use of in the game. From ward skins to emotes and champion skin shards, players can open a Hextech Chest using a Hextech key in what is effectively a lootbox scenario.
While players could previously get Hextech Chests by increasing their mastery with individual champions, Riot Games has removed that feature. Now, the only reliable way players can get Hextech Chests in League of Legends is by buying them for Riot Points in the League of Legends store. Since RP is the game’s premium currency, players must pay real money to get these chests.
There’s a chance that some limited-time promotions could potentially reward players with Hextech Chests, though that would only present a temporary and unreliably free method. Since Hextech Keys were obtainable before through grinding, many players now have numerous keys in their inventory with no way to earn chests to open. It’s a disparity that only further emphasizes how LoL players are now faced with a game that’s a bit less free to play than it was just a short time ago.
The League of Legends community is usually divided on most topics regarding the popular MOBA, but almost every player believes developer Riot Games should allow players earn chests without spending real money. While some champion skins can still be earned through the battle pass and through playing ranked games, casual players will almost certainly see fewer opportunities to earn in-game champion skins after these Season 1 changes.
With Riot Games backtracking on some changes related to blue essence, many players hope to see changes to how they can earn Hextech Chests that will again make them more accessible as well. But there isn’t yet any indication that Riot plans to make such a change. This is clearly about better monetizing a game that already produces quite a bit of money for its publisher, and if Riot believes this tactic will increase revenues, the company is likely to stick to it even against the wishes of LoL players the world over.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.