In a recent dev update, Riot Games has revealed that the popular MOBA League of Legends will be expanding its gameplay offerings with a brand-new PvE game mode inspired by the hit indie title Vampire Survivors.
The upcoming “bullet heaven” mode, as it’s been described by the developers, will task players with battling endless waves of enemies, using a constant stream of projectiles to mow down the hordes. This fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay is a marked departure from League of Legends’ traditional team-based competitive format, but one that the developers believe will offer a refreshing and “chill” experience for both solo and co-op play.
“After months of work, it’s time to let you all know that we are currently working on our first bullet heaven survivor PvE game mode,” said Selina Liu, a developer on the project. She explained that the new mode will provide “a little different take on League’s core gameplay,” but one that is intended to be more relaxed and accessible compared to the high-stakes action of the game’s Arena mode.
The team also teased that this new PvE experience will be “markedly different” from previous League of Legends forays into the genre, such as the Odyssey: Extraction and Star Guardian event modes. A single screenshot shared during the update showcases the game mode’s early visual style, which bears a striking resemblance to the pixelated aesthetics of Vampire Survivors.
“In this mode, you’ll be able to fight against hordes of enemies by yourself or with friends,” said developer Eduardo Cortejoso. “So whether you’re looking for a challenge, or you just want to have some fun with friends, we want this to be something everyone can enjoy.”
The decision to incorporate a Vampire Survivors-inspired “bullet heaven” mode into League of Legends comes as no surprise, given the massive popularity and influence of the indie title. The genre, sometimes referred to as “autoshooters,” has seen a surge in popularity, with numerous franchises attempting to capitalize on the formula’s addictive gameplay loop of constant upgrading and enemy elimination.
While details on the new mode’s specific mechanics, progression systems, and roster of playable champions remain scarce, Riot has promised to share more information in the coming weeks, likely as part of a larger dev blog or preview leading up to the mode’s release later this year.
Fans of both League of Legends and the Vampire Survivors genre will no doubt be eager to experience this new PvE offering, which promises to bring a fresh and engaging twist to the long-running MOBA’s gameplay. With the promise of solo and co-op options, the new “bullet heaven” mode could become a summer staple for League of Legends players looking to take a break from the competitive grind.
