The League of Legends rune system is a significant change to the game. It offers new ways to play characters instead of the old talent system. Some runes are received with joy across the game. However, changes like the Omnistone were met with indifference. With the massive 9.24 update, League of Legends will change the Omnistone to have a smart logic system.

Omnipotence? No, Just Omnistone

The Omnistone originally picked a rune at random for you to use. In specific circumstances, this can do incredibly OP things in your games. In 90% of instances, it was a wasted pick. Nobody wants to waste a rune slot either. You’ll hate it, your team will hate it and it creates a spiral of anger.

However, there’s a change coming to Omnistone. The smart logic system determines what rune you get based on certain criteria, including the environment and surroundings of the player.

Mark Yetter, lead gameplay designer for League of Legends, pointed out the specifics in a tweet. Omnistone tells you how much damage it’s dealt and how many buffs granted. These buffs are varied, too. Lethal Tempo ASPD, Fleet Footwork Haste, PTA Amp, Conqueror Enrage, Hail of Blades ASPD and more.

Omnistone "smart" logic pic.twitter.com/k6vF3wIALc

— Mark Yetter (@MarkYetter) December 3, 2019

It also pointed out specific examples where you’re likely to get runes. Predator, for example, is more likely to show up when not near enemy champions, and less likely when in combat with nearby enemy champions.

When low health enemy champions are near, you’re more likely to get Dark Harvest. Melee champions also have an increased chance of getting Conqueror. An increased chance isn’t a guarantee though.

Incredibly Specific

If a player has low health and is lower than level nine, they are likely to receive Fleet Footwork. It is incredibly specific and flexible. With these changes, players no longer get useless runes.

Could this be too strong for Omnistone? If you’re almost assured the right rune for the right situation (provided you’re paying attention to your surroundings), it sounds like it could be incredibly powerful.

Keep in mind, these are just increased chances for these buffs to come up. Just because you get Predator doesn’t mean there’s a player nearby. I’d like to know the actual numbers or percentages. There’s still a chance it will drop you something worthless.

I like the idea behind the change. I don’t foresee the rune being used in overwhelming numbers after testing it in-game. I like the concept of the rune, but RNG is never truly with me. I wouldn’t gamble on it myself. It’s a significant change for Omnistone, but is it a good change?

From a design standpoint, I love the idea of a chaotic rune that could do anything. It sounds like a lot of fun for casual games, but for ranked/competitive? I’m going to have to pass on it. I’m still curious to see what the change does. I’ll try it when the patch goes live.