Want to dominate the Howling Abyss in a more structured setting? The burning question on every ARAM enthusiast's mind is: when is Clash returning with its ARAM mode? Knowing the schedule lets you rally your team, practice your champion pool (or lack thereof!), and strategize for those sweet rewards.
At a glance:
- Understand the ARAM Clash schedule and how it differs from standard Clash.
- Learn how to register your team and the lock-in process.
- Discover the reward structure and how to maximize your winnings.
- Debunk common misconceptions about ARAM Clash eligibility.
- Get practical tips for ARAM Clash success, even with random champions.
Understanding the ARAM Clash Schedule
Unlike regular Clash, which aims for a monthly cadence, ARAM Clash appearances are less frequent. This makes knowing when is Clash particularly crucial for ARAM aficionados. Riot Games typically announces the ARAM Clash schedule through the League of Legends client and official social media channels. Because of the mode’s popularity, these announcements generate significant buzz, so keeping a close eye on official channels will give you the best head start.
Currently, the announced schedule for upcoming Clash Cups includes:
- ARAM Cup 3 Registration: August 26, 2024. Tournament Date: August 31 and September 1, 2024.
- ARAM Cup 4 Registration: December 9, 2024. Tournament Date: December 14 and 15, 2024.
Key Differences from Standard Clash Schedules
The shift to one Clash tournament per month means ARAM Clash will appear even less often than before. This makes each ARAM Clash event more of an "event," increasing its importance. Think of it like a limited-time game mode – you need to be ready when it drops.
Team Formation and Registration: Getting Ready for Battle
Team formation is the first step to ARAM Clash glory, and it opens on the Monday of Clash Week. This early start gives you ample time to assemble your dream team of five ARAM warriors. Coordinate with your friends, recruit skilled players from your community, and decide on roles and strategies.
Then, register your team. Here’s how:
- Log In: Open the League of Legends client.
- Navigate to Clash: Find the "Clash" tab on the left-hand side of the client. This tab becomes visible during Clash weeks.
- Create or Join a Team: If you're creating a team, designate a captain who will handle the registration process. If you're joining, get the team invite from your captain.
- Verify Requirements: Make sure all team members are at least level 30 and have SMS verification enabled. While ranked placements aren’t required for ARAM Clash, these basic requirements still apply.
- Choose Your Ticket: Each player must select either a Basic or Premium Ticket. This choice affects the rewards you can potentially earn.
- Lock In: During the lock-in window on Saturday or Sunday, the team captain must lock in the team. The lock-in time depends on your team's tier (more on that later).
Staggered Lock-In: A Tier-Based System
The lock-in process isn't a free-for-all. It's staggered based on your team's tier:
- Tier IV: Can lock in at any time during the two-hour lock-in window.
- Tier III: Can lock in 30 minutes after the lock-in window opens.
- Tier II: Can lock in one hour after the lock-in window opens.
- Tier I: Can lock in for the last half-hour of the lock-in window.
This system aims to provide a fairer matchmaking experience by grouping teams of similar skill levels together. Your team's tier is determined by the individual Flex or Solo/Duo ranking of its members, as well as the team's past Clash performance. If your team doesn’t lock in during your tier's window, you won't participate, and your tickets will be refunded.
ARAM Clash: Gameplay and Strategy
ARAM Clash maintains the core All Random, All Mid gameplay that makes ARAM so unique. Each player receives two rerolls per game to mitigate truly unfortunate champion assignments. All champions are unlocked, so you don’t have to worry about trading or owning specific characters.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Scouting, which is a feature of the regular clash, has had its time window reduced. This is because the mode randomizes champions, which means that there is much less to be gained from scouting.
- The ARAM map was updated in patch 12.22 to include additional bushes and hexgates.
But how do you actually win?
Winning in the Abyss: Adaptability is Key
ARAM Clash throws strategy out the window, and adaptability becomes paramount. Can you effectively play a champion you've never touched before? Can you quickly assess your team composition and devise a strategy on the fly?
Mini-Case: The Unexpected Sona
Imagine being assigned Sona, a champion known for her supportive role, in an ARAM Clash match where your team desperately needs damage. Instead of defaulting to a passive playstyle, you build an AP-heavy damage hybrid, maximizing her Q and ultimate for surprising burst damage. This kind of creative adaptation can turn a seemingly disadvantageous situation into a victory.
Rewards: Victory Points, Trophies, and More
Winning ARAM Clash is about more than just bragging rights. It's about the sweet, sweet loot! Rewards are dished out based on your team's final placement in the tournament bracket and the type of ticket you used (Basic or Premium).
Victory Points: Level Up Your Profile
Winning matches earns you Victory Points (VP), which unlock banners and trophies for your Summoner's Rift profile. These banners and trophies serve as a visual testament to your ARAM Clash prowess, letting you show off your achievements to other players.
Earning Victory Points (VP) is essential for unlocking exclusive rewards that showcase your Clash achievements. Here’s how you can accumulate VP and the rewards you can obtain:
- Banner Level 1: Requires 400 Victory Points (VP).
- Theme Logo 1: Requires 600 VP.
- Banner Level 2: Requires 1000 VP.
- Banner Level 3: Requires 1400 VP.
- Theme Logo 2: Requires 2000 VP.
Clash Orbs and Capsules: Raining Loot
Every player who participates in ARAM Clash receives either a Clash Orb or a Clash Capsule after exiting the bracket. The specific orb or capsule you receive depends on your team's performance:
Clash Orb Rewards
| Wins | Loses | Rewards |
| :--- | :---- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| 0 | 3 | 3 Win XP Boost, 1 Clash Logo, 1 Mystery Icon |
| 1 | 2 | 1 Mystery Emote, 1 Clash Logo, 640 Ward Skin Shard |
| 2 | 1 | 1 Mystery Emote, 1 Mystery Icon, 1 Clash Logo, 640 Ward Skin Shard, 975 Skin Shard, 1 Basic Ticket |
| 3 | 0 | 1 Mystery Emote, 1 Mystery Icon, 1 Clash Logo, 1 Chibi Icon, 640 Ward Skin Shard, 975 Skin Shard, 1350 Skin Shard, 1 Basic Ticket |
Clash Capsule Rewards
| Wins | Loses | Rewards |
| :--- | :---- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| 0 | 3 | 1 Basic Ticket, 500 OE, 750 Skin Shard, 1 Logo |
| 1 | 2 | 1 Basic Ticket, 500 OE, 750 Skin Shard, 975 Skin Shard, 1350 Skin Shard, 1 Logo |
| 2 | 1 | 1 Basic Ticket, 750 OE, 750 Skin Shard, 975 Skin Shard, 1350 Skin Shard, 1820 Skin Shard, 1 Logo |
| 3 | 0 | 1 Basic Ticket, 750 OE, 750 Skin Shard, 975 Skin Shard, 1350 Skin Shard, 1820 Skin Shard, 1 Chibi Icon, 10 Mythic Essence, 1350 Skin, 1 Logo |
Premium tickets significantly boost the rewards, making them worthwhile for serious competitors.
Read about ARAM Clash changes.
Common Questions About ARAM Clash
Still have questions about ARAM Clash? Let's tackle some of the most common ones:
Q: Do I need to be ranked to participate in ARAM Clash?
A: No! While your Flex or Solo/Duo ranking influences your team's tier placement, you don't need to be ranked to participate. You do, however, need to be account level 30 and have SMS verification enabled.
Q: Can my team participate on both Saturday and Sunday?
A: Yes! Your team can join an 8-team bracket on either day (or both!). If things don't go well on Saturday, you can regroup and try again on Sunday.
Q: What happens if a player disconnects during an ARAM Clash match?
A: The standard League of Legends disconnection rules apply. If a player disconnects, their team can pause the game for a limited time. Hopefully, that player can reconnect quickly!
ARAM Clash: Your Path to Victory
Ready to dominate the Howling Abyss? Here’s your quick-start guide:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the League of Legends client and official Riot Games announcements for upcoming ARAM Clash dates.
- Assemble Your Team: Start forming your team of five ARAM champions early.
- Register and Lock In: Follow the registration process carefully, and make sure your team locks in during the designated window.
- Adapt and Conquer: Embrace the random nature of ARAM, adapt to your assigned champions, and communicate effectively with your team.
- Claim Your Rewards: Win matches, earn Victory Points, and unlock those sweet Clash Orbs or Capsules!
ARAM Clash is more than just a tournament; it's a celebration of the chaotic, unpredictable fun that ARAM offers. Prepare yourself, rally your friends, and get ready to battle for glory in the Howling Abyss. Good luck, summoners!