League of Legends’ roster of champions is ever-growing, and Naafiri is next in line. She’s going to bring more details to the Darkin lore.
Naafiri was first revealed alongside Milio by Riot Games back on Jan. 9, and the latter has already joined the game. While Milio was described as an adorable enchanter, Naafiri’s light side has long gone as she’s been corrupted and become a dark assassin.
While the Darkin assassin was officially revealed earlier this year, the first hint was dropped on Aug. 12, 2022. I can tell the champion is highly anticipated after the many hints and considering the enthusiasm surrounding her latest video teaser.
The developer had revealed that a Darkin champion and assassin trapped in a dagger was in the works, which turned out to be Naafiri. Here’s what we know about that upcoming character.
Who is Naafiri in League of Legends?
Naafiri is a character from the Shurima region, which is home to other champions like Azir, Xerath, Akshan, and Amumu. She’s a hunter who uses her Darkin assassin abilities to track down her tribe members after being awoken.
Darkin are ferocious god-warriors from Shurima who have been irremediably corrupted when fighting in the Void War. They brought destruction to the world after the war and were then stopped by mages, who imprisoned them into weapons. They were Ascended before heading to war and falling to corruption, similar to Azir.
There aren’t many Darkin champions in League: They consist of Aatrox and Varus, as well as Rhaast, who is used by Kayn. Vladimir, although he isn’t one, has been also taught how to use blood magic by a Darkin. With the release of Naafiri, more details on these characters might be unveiled as well.
What is Naafiri’s playstyle?
The upcoming Darkin assassin was designed to be played in the mid lane. She’ll feature assassin abilities and wield a dagger dealing AD to decimate enemies.
But instead of complex mechanics, she’ll be focused on macro play, which hints at her providing some utility for her allies.
She will “lower the burden of [the Assassin’s] execution and allow much more concentration on the macro plays,” according to a Champion Roadmap from April 28.
Her background is still mainly shrouded in mystery, though. Her character design has yet to be revealed and fans are likely to get more information on that matter in the coming months.
When does Naafiri release in League of Legends?
Riot Games has yet to confirm an official release date for Naafiri, although she was announced for later this year.
But now that her official cinematic dropped on June 21, her introduction on the PBE servers can be expected at any moment.
Meanwhile, the next update, Patch 13.13, will release on June 28. While it’s more on a lighter note, a more significant update is planned to release later this summer.
Naafiri could be a part of that next major patch. It’s still uncertain, but from our experience, champion cinematics are revealed not very long before their official release.
This article will be updated when more information is provided about Naafiri.
