League of Legends is Testing WASD Movement

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11 August 2025 16:14

Riot Games is testing a major change to one of the game's most fundamental mechanics: champion movement. Traditionally reliant on mouse-based point-and-click controls, the popular MOBA is now exploring the use of WASD keys for movement—an input scheme more common in other genres like shooters or action RPGs.

Currently being tested on the Public Beta Environment (PBE), the new control option is aimed at making movement more intuitive, particularly for newcomers or returning players unfamiliar with the classic setup. Riot has stated that this feature will roll out to non-Ranked queues first, and only if feedback is positive and the system proves stable will it eventually be introduced into the Ranked environment.

Despite the potential for such a massive shift, Riot Games is committed to giving players flexibility. The company confirmed that the WASD control scheme will exist alongside the traditional mouse movement. “Both WASD and traditional point-and-click controls will remain available for everyone,” Riot explained, adding that each system will be monitored carefully to avoid one gaining a competitive edge over the other. “Allowing players to choose the control style that best suits their comfort and playstyle” is a priority, they emphasized.

For those wondering whether this might disrupt the professional scene—don’t expect any immediate impact. The esports side of League is likely to stick with the established point-and-click method. Precision, rapid reaction times, and years of muscle memory make changing input styles a nonstarter for most pros.

Still, integrating WASD into a game as fast-paced and mechanically dense as League of Legends raises fascinating questions. Champions like Kalista, for example, rely on precise mouse inputs to dash following auto-attacks. Her high mobility could pose unique challenges—or advantages—under a keyboard-based movement system. Similarly, high-APM players known for their rapid-fire clicks to dodge skillshots may find that WASD changes how they approach combat.

Given that League already involves significant keyboard input—from abilities and summoner spells to quick camera toggles—WASD may feel more like an expansion of the existing control framework rather than a radical overhaul. It could even lower the barrier for players coming from other genres.

Tags: League of Legends

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League of Legends is Testing WASD Movement

More

11 August 2025 16:14

Tags: League of Legends

Riot Games is testing a major change to one of the game's most fundamental mechanics: champion movement. Traditionally reliant on mouse-based point-and-click controls, the popular MOBA is now exploring the use of WASD keys for movement—an input scheme more common in other genres like shooters or action RPGs.

Currently being tested on the Public Beta Environment (PBE), the new control option is aimed at making movement more intuitive, particularly for newcomers or returning players unfamiliar with the classic setup. Riot has stated that this feature will roll out to non-Ranked queues first, and only if feedback is positive and the system proves stable will it eventually be introduced into the Ranked environment.

Despite the potential for such a massive shift, Riot Games is committed to giving players flexibility. The company confirmed that the WASD control scheme will exist alongside the traditional mouse movement. “Both WASD and traditional point-and-click controls will remain available for everyone,” Riot explained, adding that each system will be monitored carefully to avoid one gaining a competitive edge over the other. “Allowing players to choose the control style that best suits their comfort and playstyle” is a priority, they emphasized.

For those wondering whether this might disrupt the professional scene—don’t expect any immediate impact. The esports side of League is likely to stick with the established point-and-click method. Precision, rapid reaction times, and years of muscle memory make changing input styles a nonstarter for most pros.

Still, integrating WASD into a game as fast-paced and mechanically dense as League of Legends raises fascinating questions. Champions like Kalista, for example, rely on precise mouse inputs to dash following auto-attacks. Her high mobility could pose unique challenges—or advantages—under a keyboard-based movement system. Similarly, high-APM players known for their rapid-fire clicks to dodge skillshots may find that WASD changes how they approach combat.

Given that League already involves significant keyboard input—from abilities and summoner spells to quick camera toggles—WASD may feel more like an expansion of the existing control framework rather than a radical overhaul. It could even lower the barrier for players coming from other genres.

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