What is Howling Abyss? What does ARAM stand for?
Howling Abyss is the battlefield where ARAM battles unfold. ARAM means All Random All Mid, a game mode where two teams of five face off in a single, nonstop lane. Every player gets a random champion, setting the stage for quick, intense team fights with no room for strategy around lane-switching – just pure, chaotic action.
What makes Howling Abyss different from other League modes?
ARAM has some unique features that set it apart:
Hexgates: These portals let you zip from your Nexus Fountain straight to the frontline, specifically to the outermost turret. Once that turret falls, Hexgates shift forward to the next turret tier, keeping you in the thick of the battle.
Collapsing Turrets: When outer turrets crumble, they leave behind rubble on either side of the map, permanently changing the battlefield’s layout for the rest of the match.
Little Legend Companions: Fans of Teamfight Tactics will recognize their beloved Little Legends hanging out with their champions on the bridge. These adorable NPC sidekicks add charm but don’t affect gameplay. (Chibi Champion Little Legends? Those are a no-go here- multiverse chaos avoided!)
Which champions are in the ARAM pool?
ARAM thrives on randomness and excitement, so the champion pool is packed with 65 champions plus the current week’s free-to-play lineup, making every game unpredictable. Here’s a quick look:
Aatrox, Ahri, Akali, Amumu, Annie, Ashe, Brand, Braum, Caitlyn, Cho’Gath, Darius, Draven, Ekko, Ezreal, Fiora, Fizz, Garen, Graves, Irelia, Janna, Jarvan IV, Jax, Jhin, Jinx, Karma, Karthus, Katarina, Kayle, Kha’Zix, LeBlanc, Lee Sin, Leona, Lucian, Lulu, Lux, Malphite, Maokai, Master Yi, Miss Fortune, Mordekaiser, Morgana, Nautilus, Nidalee, Pantheon, Pyke, Quinn, Renekton, Riven, Ryze, Sivir, Sona, Soraka, Thresh, Tristana, Tryndamere, Twisted Fate, Twitch, Varus, Vayne, Veigar, Vel’Koz, Vladimir, Wukong, Xayah, Zed.
How did ARAM start?
Originally, ARAM was a player-made custom game on Summoner’s Rift. Because that map has three lanes, players agreed to meet and fight exclusively in the middle lane, following self-imposed rules on items, summoner spells, and no returning to base. Its popularity soared, and Riot made ARAM an official game mode.
What happened to the original ARAM map?
The original bridge couldn’t handle the countless battles and collapsed under pressure. RIP to that iconic battleground.
Is the tutorial now on Howling Abyss?
Nope, tutorials still happen on Summoner’s Rift.
Matchmaking Questions
Can I earn XP from ARAM?
Absolutely, playing ARAM earns you experience!
Are Quickplay or Draft Pick options available in Howling Abyss matchmaking?
No, these modes are only accessible in custom games, not in matchmaking.
Why no Quickplay or Draft Pick for ARAM matchmaking?
Past tests showed that fewer players chose these over random champion selection, which keeps the chaos alive. Still, custom games let you try those modes if you want.
Can I see my opponents’ champions during champion select?
Nope. Your opponents’ picks stay hidden until loading screens, and the same goes for your team’s champions.
What if I dodge during champion select?
You’ll face a timer penalty and lose any reroll points used in that selection.
What happens if I leave an ARAM matchmaking game?
You’ll be penalized just like leaving any other ranked or matchmade game. The LeaverBuster system is active here.
Rerolls Explained
What’s a reroll and what’s this bench thing?
During champion select, if you don’t like your random champion, you can spend reroll points to get a new random pick. Rerolled champions go to the bench – a pool where teammates can trade champions with each other.
Can rerolling give me the same champion again?
No, you’re guaranteed a fresh champion with each reroll.
How do I earn reroll points?
Playing ARAM matchmaking games rewards you reroll points, win or lose.
How many points per game?
You get a base amount per game plus bonus points depending on how many champions you own.
What if someone dodges? Do I lose reroll points?
No, if the match disbands because of a dodge, your reroll points are refunded. Same if a premade ally dodges.
Skin Boosts Details
What are Skin Boosts?
For 95 RP, you can unlock a random champion skin for everyone on your team for just that game. Plus, you get 200 bonus Blue Essence, and your teammates get 100 BE each.
How do I buy a Skin Boost?
Hit the “Boost” button above your Runes and Summoner Spells.
Which skins can I get with Skin Boosts?
Any currently purchasable skin in the store – legacy or limited skins are excluded, and chromas don’t count. Of course, if you already own skins for that champion, you can use those instead.
What if I reroll or trade champions after buying a Skin Boost?
You’ll get a new random skin matching your new champion. If you pick back a champion you traded or rerolled away, you keep the original Skin Boost skin.
What if someone dodges after I buy a Skin Boost?
Don’t worry! You won’t be charged, and your RP stays safe.
What if two players try to buy Skin Boosts in the same game?
Only one Skin Boost can be active per game. The first purchase goes through; others are blocked.
Are Skin Boosts refundable?
Nope. Check the Global Refund Policy for details.
