Vel'Koz Gets a Visual Overhaul In League of Legends PBE Patch 12.3

Riot Games revealed that Vel’Koz will be getting a visual effects (VFX) update early on in Season 12. It also said that the update was aimed at adjusting some of his less accurate hitbox indicators. League of Legends players can try the new Vel’Koz on the Public Beta Environment (PBE) Patch 12.3. Older champions of late have been on the receiving end of similar VFX updates in an attempt to keep them on par with the new-age champion designs. Champions including Varus, Vayne, and Sona, were given a makeover by Riot to help their abilities look distinct and clear.

Vel’Koz’s rework aimed at improving clarity

Senior Visual Effects Artist Kevin “Sirhaian" Leroy in a Reddit post shared, “Similar to the previous VFX updates we’ve made in the past (Syndra, Zilean, Malzahar, etc), we're working on updates to the Visual Effects (VFX) of champions whose spell effects are in need of some love. Our aim is to get their VFXs to current League standards and improve gameplay clarity. This time, it's Vel'Koz's turn, for 12.3's PBE Patch!”

He clarified that these were smaller updates “geared toward sprucing up some of the oldest members of the roster” and are simply passion projects of the developers. So they are not in the same prioritization model as to how the next champion is decided for a visual and gameplay update.

The update includes changes to his E – Tectonic Disruption – making it more visible and also his recall animation to make it look “modern-void.” Vel’Koz’s ultimate R – Life From Disintegration Ray – now has a more defined center and a distinct outer hitbox.

The Reddit post included a video preview of the changes for Vel’Koz’s new VFX and Riot Sirhaian said that his Infernal and Blackfrost skins only received minor tweaks since they were relatively new.

The following are the Vel’koz skins that are getting some love, thanks to this update:

• Base

• Infernal

• Arclight

• Blackfrost

• Battlecast

Sirhaian wrote in the post, “We're looking for feedback on his changes, which should be up on the PBE now. Please try him out there —especially if you're a main— and leave us your feedback!.” He has been constantly making changes to the VFX updates with inputs from the community, as seen in the Reddit thread.

The initial reactions from the League of Legends community have been positive. In the same Reddit thread, one user wrote, “I'm just here to say I love how the ult looks on all skins now, feels a lot bigger and more powerful.”

When another user said that he felt like these changes were not needed for Vel’Koz, Sirhaian replied, “I didn't either, until I noticed his hitbox indicators were sliiiiiiiiiiightly inaccurate. :')”

With Riot rolling out VFX updates for older champions in every new patch, the community can expect to see many older champions get fancier and greatly refined visuals in the coming months. For now, players can test out Vel’Koz on the PBE and expect to see the updated champion on the rift on 2nd Feb, according to the official patch schedule.

Subscribe to AFK Gaming's Newsletter

Get a weekly recap of all the latest developments in the global esports industry with our esports business insights newsletter: AFK Weekly

Subscribe for free to receive insights, analysis and opinions on the biggest developments in esports business, provided by our team of experienced journalists in collaboration with thought leaders across the industry.