A couple of days ago there were a load of audio files datamined by Reddit user, PixelButtz. After patch 0.9.2 dropped he discovered around 5,000 new sound files for the game that have not been released yet. This discovery revealed Champions from two unreleased regions: Bilgewater and Targon. Nearly two months ago Out of Cards datamined information about a brand new region for LoR and these new files support our original speculation that Bilgewater could be the first expansion for the game.
Did We Predict This?
Quote From neonangel I don't know if the order of images has any significance here, because they were not named or numbered, but could Bilgewater be the first new region to be released?
The above image is from our original article about the unknown region. The reason Zaun appeared by itself instead of paired with Piltover is still a mystery. However, Targon is next after Bilgewater so it further gives validity to the notion that perhaps the order DOES matter and it could indicate when they'll appear in future expansions.
Champions
With each expansion Riot has already said they would add a new region and introduce new Champions to existing regions. Based on the new sound files, let's take a look at who we can look forward to being introduced to the game over the next couple of releases. The compiled Champion list below comes from Reddit user, LordMotas.
Bilgewater
Targon
Piltover & Zaun
Piltover OR Zaun (not combined on LoL site)
Noxus
Shadow Isles
Ionia
Demacia
Freljord
What to Expect
I believe the reason we're seeing six Champions for Bilgewater and Targon is because the first expansion will get five released initially and the existing regions will each get one (keeping with what Riot has already said). That will maintain the same number of Champions available across the board. Then, when the second expansion releases it will start with all six Champions and every other region will get the last remaining one from their list.
We're supposed to get multiple expansions this year, so I would say the latest we will see the first one will be in April. It's unknown if the Coronavirus pandemic will affect their release schedule, so it's really hard to predict when we'll get our taste of new cards.
Which Champions are you looking forward to playing? Are there any that are missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below!
Comments
As a big yordle fan, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Bandle City region, mainly because over the years, Riot have made it quite clear that yordles are just punching bags for everyone else, that and the potential placement of Lulu as an Ionian champion makes me want to rip my hair out. I really hope that doesn't end up being the case.
You're a yordle fan? I couldn't tell. That aside I too am a big yordle fan, and it wouldn't really make sense for Lulu to be Ionian since shes typically moving around doing things with Tristanna from what "The Whispering Doodad" said. However her short story did say shes been hanging out in Ionia recently so maybe that's where it comes from. I know for certain that Yuumi and Trist would be bandle city because it wouldn't make a lick of sense otherwise
Yeah you say that, but you saw what they did to Teemo. Arguably the only yordle as (if not more) enthusiastic about defending his homeland than Trist, and he's labelled Piltover & Zaun. I know the whole thing with puffcaps is they're popular amongst Zaunites but I don't think butchering his flavor and lore was really worth that.
A part of me hopes if/when a Bandle expansion drops, Teemo is relocated to Bandle and his spot in P&Z is replaced by a new champ, but it's probably too far-fetched.
Lulu is not an ionian champion, I mean.. They could go teemo on her and give her an elaborated back story, but it's more logical for Lee sin to be the pick.
Nocturne is not a shadow isles champion either, he has no links to the shadow isles in any way except he is "spooky" he is also kind of in need of a rework so I think they will wait on him at least a year.
Tham is a demon, not an iconic Blige water champion. Also IIRC fizz isn't either affiliated with the region anymore.
I think on blidgewater we will get the iconic ones first: gp, mf, tf, Graves, illaoi, Pyke.
On Taragon I think we might get all 6 but in 8 months..
So far Corona virus didn't affect Riot's release pipeline in league.. I guess most of them work from home.
I agree that some of the Champions don't exactly fit where they are being placed, but it's just where the Reddit user put them, for lack of a better location. It's not so much speculation of "IF" they'll appear, but more "WHEN" they'll appear. All of the Champions listed already have voice lines recorded that were discovered in the datamine. Unless they scrap what they've already finished they should all show up in the game eventually.
Really? Lulu in Ionia? Then bandle city won't be a region.. I mean.. They put all their iconic champions outside of it..
I don't think they've quite figured out how to deal with Bandle City, but it's fun to speculate!