Riot announces major cross game event, Sentinels of Light, with Akshan as new champion

Riot Games has announced a new major event, Sentinels of Light featuring Akshan, through a web puzzle previously released. Sentinels of Light begins on July 8, with Patch 11.14, and it introduces new experiences for players across all Riot titles. So, players of League of Legends, Wild Rift, Legends of Runeterra, Teamfight Tactics and VALORANT can all get involved. Sentinels of Light continues Riot’s multi-month story arc which began in January, with Viego’s return in the Ruination cinematic.

The flames of Ruin ignite in Rise of the Sentinels, coming July 8. pic.twitter.com/2uof8PcvfU

— League of Legends (@LeagueOfLegends) June 21, 2021

The art Riot released showed Viego, Gwen, Lucian, Senna and Thresh, as well as a new champion known as Akshan. Akshan stands at the bottom-right of the artwork, holding a weapon in each hand. His name was also the password to access the final page of the puzzle, leading players to some Sentinels of Light art.

Moreover, Graves and Vayne feature in the art too, wearing new outfits. As a result, both Vayne and Graves will most likely receive new skins and lore additions. The event will also include opportunities for players in various regions to make an impact in their local communities, through the Riot Games Social Impact Fund.

Sentinels of Light

According to League of Legends lore, Sentinels of Light are an ancient sacred order of hunters that originated from the Blessed Isles. The Blessed Isles are also where the Black Mist originated. They defend Runeterra from the undying spirits of the Shadow Isles, which spawn from the Black Mist.

Anabal, Daowan, Lucian, Senna and Urias are the notable Sentinels of Light. However, the only Sentinels still living are Lucian, Senna and Daowan. But, Daowan’s whereabouts remain unknown after he used Anabal’s relic pistol to help Senna and Lucian fight off the Black Mist.

Akshan – A mid lane marksman and a former street rat

While Riot has teased the arrival of this new League champion, his specific abilities and powers are still unknown. However, they did state that this year would revolve around Viego, with three champions released after him. With Gwen, Viego’s lover’s doll already released, two champions remain. These two champions include a mage Yordle and the Sentinels of Light – Akshan.

Akshan is said to be a mid-lane marksman with duelling focus and intentionally designed roaming patterns. Although not much is known about Ashkan’s past, he appears to have been poor, and a ‘Lost Sentinel’. He will also play a crucial role in the fight against Viego and acts as a new source of hope for the Sentinels of Light.

Riot will release more information on the Sentinels of Light event and Akshan in the coming weeks. The event will be live on July 8, which doubles as the release date for League of Legends Patch 11.14.