Riot Games has released a new 2D-animated cinematic showcasing League of Legends’ new champion, Locke.
The ‘Back from the Brink’ cinematic reveals Locke as some sort of demon hunter, fitting perfectly into this season’s theme.
Locke will be the 173rd playable champion in the MOBA, following on from Zaahen who released back in November last year.
Riot Games has already confirmed that Locke will be the only champion released in League of Legends in 2026.
This is so that Riot could focus on VGUs for older champions like Shyvana and one other Demacian character, as well as preparing for the League Next update, which will overhaul the game in 2027.
Who is the new League of Legends champion?
Locke is a new Demacian champion, nicknamed the Ashen Exorcist by Riot, who is rumoured to be an AP Assassin.
The cinematic reveals him to be a blonde man who carries a coffin on his back full of giant nails, which he uses to fight.
The description of the video reads: “Locke has hunted demons his whole life, but a possessed Vayne will be his greatest challenge yet.”
Throughout the video, he fights against Vayne, who has been taken over by demonic spirits, just like her new Demoncursed Vayne skin.
Fighting Vayne one-on-one, Locke throws a skull onto the ground, which seems to swallow everything in sight, including the demons Vayne has been afflicted with.
Locke then reaches out to Vayne’s own consciousness and frees her to her usual self.
What is Locke and Vayne’s Relationship?
Riot Games has not confirmed any more of Locke’s lore, but it’s clear from the cinematic that he has some kind of connection to Vayne.
While trying to save her mid-fight, Locke refers to her by her real name, Shauna.
And once free, Vayne also recognises Locke and then tells him: “This doesn’t mean we’re even,” which suggests that perhaps she had previously saved him.
When Does Locke Release in LoL?
Riot Games has confirmed that Locke will release on Wednesday, June 24.
This will coincide with the release of LoL Patch 26.13, the same patch that the esports tournament MSI will be played on.
However, it’s unlikely that the new champion will be enabled for the pro-play event.
What are your first impressions of Locke? Share your thoughts with us on the Insider Gaming Discord.
Meanwhile, Senna and Thresh have been confirmed for LoL-based fighter 2XKO.
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