Riot Games dove deep into a Skarner rework and visual update months ago in a dev article. These are the changes to the Crystal Vanguard.
Skarner is among one of the earlier champions to be released in League of Legends. The "Crystal Vanguard" first appeared on the rift August 9, 2011 and is now getting a huge update that creates more exciting gameplay in line with the theme of his identity. Here is everything we know about Skarner's visual update and rework, with ability information via SkinSpotlights's video.
Skarner rework passive and abilities
Passive: Threads of Vibration
Skarner's attacks, Shattered Earth, Upheaval, and Impale apply Quaking to enemies.
Enemies with three stacks of Quaking take % Max HP damage over time.
Q: Shattered Earth/Upheaval
Skarner rips a rock out of the ground and uses it to empower his next three attacks with bonus damage, range, and attack speed.
His third attack slams the rock into his target, slowing and dealing significant bonus damage, ending the effect. Skarner may re-cast Upheaval to throw the rock as a projectile that explodes on the first enemy hit, dealing the same damage and slow, ending the effect.
W: Seismic Bastion
Skarner gains a shield and slams into the ground, releasing a shockwave that damages and slows nearby enemies.
E: Ixtal's Impact
Skarner charges forward, ignoring terrain, and grabs the first enemy champion or large monster he collides with. He may then carry them a short way, damaging and stunning them if they collide with terrain. The indicator will look similar to when Kayn travels through walls.
R: Impale
Same, but more deadly
Skarner impales up to three enemy champions, damaging and suppressing them.
Skarner gains bonus movement speed for a short time and carries them with him until the end of the effect.
You cannot cast Q, E, or Flash during the cast of the ultimate, but you can pull enemies over walls. The duration does not change depending on how many enemies you pull.
Reasons for Skarner rework
According to player surveys across all regions, Skarner had scored the lowest of all champions in:
- Visual appeal
- One of your favorite champions
- I like this champion's personal style
- Visual fit with character
- Clear understanding of the character
Skarner was also bottom four in:
- Emotions for the champion
- Enjoy his power fantasy
- Consistent champion story
- Hero or side character (most likely to be side character)
- Interest in overall theme
Essentially, Riot Games found that Skarner was the least popular champion globally and was in dire need of an update.
Monster champions are less popular than their humanoid counterparts and Skarner's scorpion identity is a bit lost. Many players and fans of League of Legends equate Skarner to one ability, his ultimate, Impale.
Crystal is generally regarded as beautiful, magical, and serene. Whereas scorpions are seen as badass, venomous and menacing.
Skarner is re-locating from Shurima to Ixtal and being given a venomous sting to boot with his rework and visual update that will hopefully making him a more exciting champion to play and watch, as well as improve upon the areas that he performed poorly in player surveys.
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