ALGS Year 5 has arrived with massive rule changes, especially the addition of Legend Bans that fans have wanted for ages. Teams can't just pick the same characters over and over anymore. This exciting new feature starts in the Pro League and continues through Open competitions, Midseason Playoffs, and LCQ/PLQ events.
The ban system works simply but smartly. Every Legend belongs to a specific class with unique perks. The rules make sure at least one Legend from each class stays available. If every character from a class would end up banned during a series, the one that's been out of play the longest comes back. This rule might become very important during Match Point situations.
These changes make teams learn many different characters instead of relying on favorites. We've seen certain Legends picked by almost every team in past tournaments. Caustic, Valkyrie, and Bangalore became almost mandatory picks recently. The ban system creates a whole new strategic layer to the game.
Less popular characters will finally see tournament play as teams rethink their strategies. Players face an interesting choice - should they practice with widely-used Legends, knowing they might get banned? Or should they master unusual combinations that opponents won't expect? Nobody knows exactly how everything will play out yet, but we're seeing these Legend Bans happening right as the ALGS returns to action.
The ban system works simply but smartly. Every Legend belongs to a specific class with unique perks. The rules make sure at least one Legend from each class stays available. If every character from a class would end up banned during a series, the one that's been out of play the longest comes back. This rule might become very important during Match Point situations.
These changes make teams learn many different characters instead of relying on favorites. We've seen certain Legends picked by almost every team in past tournaments. Caustic, Valkyrie, and Bangalore became almost mandatory picks recently. The ban system creates a whole new strategic layer to the game.
Less popular characters will finally see tournament play as teams rethink their strategies. Players face an interesting choice - should they practice with widely-used Legends, knowing they might get banned? Or should they master unusual combinations that opponents won't expect? Nobody knows exactly how everything will play out yet, but we're seeing these Legend Bans happening right as the ALGS returns to action.
