League of Legends enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the summer event each year, and 2023 is no exception. Known for its imaginative themes and engaging gameplay additions, past events like Soul Fighter, Spirit Blossom, and Star Guardian have left a lasting impression on players. This year, the spotlight shines on the Anima Squad skin line, accompanied by an all-new survival-style game mode that promises thrilling co-op or solo play experiences.
Anima Squad: A Cybernetic Evolution
Introduced in 2022, the Anima Squad skin line transforms League champions into cybernetic warriors with animal-themed aesthetics. These champions are humanity’s last line of defense against the relentless onslaught of Primordials—kaiju-like creatures emerging from the oceans. In this year’s event, new members join the squad, including Battle Bunny Aurora and Battle Bear Illaoi, alongside Cyber Cat Yuumi. Clad in repurposed Primordial technology, these champions fight to protect humanity’s dwindling strongholds.
Operation: Anima Squad—Survive the Swarm
The centerpiece of this year’s event is Operation: Anima Squad, also known as Swarm. Unlike traditional League of Legends gameplay, Swarm adopts a survivalist approach reminiscent of bullet hell games, enhanced with a cooperative or solo mode option. Set in Final City, players navigate using a WASD control scheme, battling waves of Primordials. Each match offers rewards that contribute to long-term progression, ensuring that every effort—successful or not—builds toward greater power, resilience against the Primordials, and increased rewards over time.
An Array of New Skins
Accompanying the Anima Squad theme, a slew of new skins is set to debut during the event. Champions like Seraphine, Yuumi, Leona, Xayah, Illaoi, Aurora, and Yasuo will receive Anima Squad-themed skins, reflecting their cybernetic warrior personas. On the opposing side, Briar, Rek’Sai, and Bel’Veth take on the roles of antagonistic Primordials, with Briar intriguingly defecting to join the ranks of the Anima Squad, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
Event Details and Duration
The League of Legends summer event kicks off on July 17 and will run until August 19, offering ample time for players to immerse themselves in the Anima Squad experience. As with previous events, the introduction of Operation: Anima Squad marks a bold departure from traditional game modes, and its future availability will likely hinge on player feedback and reception.
Stay tuned for updates and announcements from Riot Games regarding the event and the potential return of Operation: Anima Squad in future iterations of League of Legends.
