Riot Games Reveals New Champion Zeri: The First Addition to the 2022 League of Legends Ranked Season
Riot Games has announced exciting changes and additions to League of Legends just days before the start of the 2022 ranked season. One of the biggest reveals is the introduction of the game’s next champion, Zeri, the Spark of Zaun.
Last year, only four champions were released, but Riot is wasting no time in the new year, unveiling the first champion of 2022 in the first week. In the previous season, each champion release was tied to the Ruination event, with champions like Viego, Gwen, Viego, and Vex being connected to the Shadow Isles, the Sentinels of Light, and the Ruined King’s quest to change the world. While it’s unclear if Zeri’s arrival marks the beginning of a year focused on Zaun-related champions, it’s possible due to the attention the region has received since the release of Arcane last fall.
Although it may take some time before Zeri is available on the live servers, she is definitely on her way and will likely be released in early 2022. Since this year’s ranked season began on January 7, Zeri’s release will likely be after that date.
Zeri’s Abilities Focus on Electric Magic
Zeri’s kit revolves around the use of electric magic. Her official biography states that she possesses the power of electricity in both her body and her electric gun, which she uses in combat. Zeri’s lore reveals that her mother crafted a rifle for her when she was young, which could be powered by Zeri’s emotions. Riot explains that the rifle’s “conductive barrel amplifies her power directly from her hands.” Additionally, Zeri discovered a way to control her powers with her jacket, allowing her to shoot “somewhat precise electric bursts.”
Zeri’s abilities center around electric sparks and lasers, particularly through the use of skill shots. Her Q ability, Burst Fire, shoots a seven-round burst at the first target in her path, while her W ability, Ultrashock Laser, releases a targeted shot that can penetrate through walls and extend its range. One notable aspect of Zeri’s kit is her auto attacks, which deal magic damage and scale with her Ability Power.
Zeri’s Origin Lies in Zaun
Zeri hails from Zaun’s undercity, making her one of the newest champions with ties to the region. According to her biography, she grew up in a large working-class family and spent her entire childhood in Zaun.
Her lore story connects her deeply to the Chem-barons of Zaun, a group of opportunists seeking to exploit the city’s resources and energy. A mining accident caused by the Chem-barons endangered Zeri, her family, and friends. Nonetheless, Zeri used her electric magic to save numerous lives during the disaster. However, she realized it wasn’t enough and decided to confront the Chem-barons directly to protect Zaun. Zeri made it her goal to master her electrical abilities, making them more effective and reliable in combat situations.
While it’s uncertain whether Zeri has any links to Riot’s animated series Arcane, her official champion page reveals her connection to Ekko, another League character and Zaun descendant who appears in Arcane. Additionally, since the Chem-barons also appeared in the first season of Arcane, Zeri’s presence in the show is a possibility.
Release Date and Additional Skins
Zeri will be available on the live League of Legends servers starting January 20. The champion will be released with a skin called “Withered Rose Zeri.” Alongside Zeri’s release, Akshan, Janna, and Elise will also receive skins in the upcoming Withered and Crystal Rose skin line release.
League players have the opportunity to play two weeks’ worth of games before Zeri joins the ranked ladder, as the 2022 ranked season began on January 7.
This article will be continually updated as more details about Zeri are revealed.
League of Legends, Zeri, champion, Riot Games, electric magic, Zaun, Arcane, ranked season, skins