League of Legends is getting free Hextech Chests back

After weeks of constant backlash from the League of Legends community, Riot Games has officially announced the return of Hextech Chests. The decision seems like a direct response to frustration from players and content creators after the loot system was removed on January 9, 2025, with the launch of Season 1. 

Hextech Chests have been a beloved feature since their introduction, offering players a chance to earn skins, champions, and other in-game items through gameplay.

Riot acknowledges its mistakes

Riot addressed the community in a statement released on February 26 ^[1], admitting they “didn’t fully grasp how much this mattered” to players. The removal of Hextech Chests was part of broader changes to the game’s reward system, but the entire community was critical of the decision. Fans expressed their disappointment through social media, memes, and creating chest-focused mods and content to mock Riot.

Riot acknowledged the misstep in a recent Dev Update, saying, “We know that some of you are frustrated—even questioning if Riot is still the company you’ve always known. We aspire to put players first, and when our decisions don’t land how we intended, it can damage your trust.”

How Hextech Chests will work now

Patch 25.05 will be released next week, after which players can earn Hextech Chests and keys. The new system allows players to earn up to 10 Chests and Keys per Act. Eight will be available through the free battle pass and will replace the offered seasonal skin. Two extra chests will be tied to the Honor system, rewarding players with positive in-game behavior. Although the new system isn’t the same as before, it shows Riot’s attempts at restoring player trust.

The return of Hextech Chests highlights the power of the League of Legends community in the game’s future. Riot’s decision to reverse their decision shows their commitment to listening to player feedback and aligning with the community’s expectations. 

References

1. [1] "League of Legends X post". x.com. Retrieved February 26, 2025