LoL: Ambessa Medarda from Arcane set to go live on November 6

The last champion of 2024 in League of Legends has just been officially announced by Riot Games on Tuesday. It is the character from Arcane, Ambessa Medarda, who has long been expected to join the Summoner's Rift. She is set to be released on November 6 on the live servers with patch 14.22 but is already playable on the PBE server. She will also be released on other games like Wild Rift, Legends of Runeterra, and Teamfight Tactics.

With development starting in 2022, she is designed as a fighter, initially planned for the toplane, but could also be seen in the jungle and midlane according to some Rioters. Here is her short in-game biography:

"All who know the name Medarda respect and fear the family's leader, Ambessa. As a Noxian general, she embodies a deadly combination of ruthless strength and fearless resolve in battle. Her role as matriarch is no different, requiring great cunning to empower the Medardas while leaving no room for failure or compassion. Embracing the merciless ways of the Wolf, Ambessa will do whatever it takes to protect her family legacy, even at the cost of her own children's love."

Introduced in Episode 7 of the first season of Arcane, Ambessa Medarda is a general from the region of Noxus. Although her motivations remain mysterious, she appears as a very ambitious conqueror who will not hesitate to use violence and her military skills. She is also the mother of Mel Medarda, a member of the Piltover council who is also present since Episode 1 of the first season, and a future playable character set to be released in early 2025 in League of Legends.

When Ambessa uses an ability, giving her a move or attack command allows her to dash once the ability is cast. Casting an ability also grants her a charge, which increases the range of her attacks and her speed. Attacks consume a charge to deal bonus damage and restore energy.

Ambessa swings her blades in a half-circle in front of her, dealing bonus damage to enemies at the edges. Hitting an enemy readies Sundering Slam.

Recast: Sundering Slam – Ambessa slams her blades into the ground, dealing bonus damage to the first enemy hit.

Ambessa gains a shield, briefly guards herself, then strikes the ground. If she successfully blocks damage from an enemy champion, a large monster, or a structure, her strike deals increased damage.

Ambessa swings her chains around her, damaging and briefly slowing enemies. Using her passive ability, Drakehound's Step triggers an additional strike.

Passive: Ambessa gains armor penetration, and her abilities restore health.

Active: Ambessa becomes unstoppable and teleports to the farthest enemy in a straight line. She immobilizes the target before slamming them to deal damage and stun them.

Ambessa’s release coincides with the highly anticipated arrival of Arcane Season 2 on Netflix, set to premiere on November 9. This event marks a significant highlight for Riot Games in 2024, coming just a week after the conclusion of the Worlds at the O2 Arena in London on November 2. This year, Riot Games has undergone restructuring to create a cohesive experience across all its events and releases, whether in games, series, music, esports, or other projects within the League of Legends universe. Launching this champion alongside the series aligns perfectly with the company's commitment to a unified approach.