League of Legends champion releases have shifted noticeably since 2020. Between 2015 and 2020, Riot balanced new champions across several classes, including mages, marksmen, fighters, assassins, enchanters, skirmishers, and tanks. That period introduced a mix of roles to suit different playstyles. However, since 2020, assassins and skirmishers have dominated the lineup.
Only a handful of tanks have been added during this time, with Rell and K’Sante being the most notable, alongside Skarner’s rework. Even so, K’Sante blurs the line between bruiser and tank, and Rell struggled at launch before receiving adjustments. This clear reduction marks a shift in Riot’s priorities when deciding which champions to create.
Tanks Are Purpose-Driven, Not Playstyle-Driven
The way Riot designs tanks explains much of this slowdown. Most champion classes are defined by how they play, while tanks are defined by what they are supposed to accomplish. For instance, artillery mages like Xerath or Jayce can be designed around multiple ability patterns while still fulfilling a ranged damage role.
Tanks, by contrast, exist to solve specific problems in team compositions. For example:
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Braum specializes in blocking projectile-based damage.
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Shen offers burst protection and shields for teammates.
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Poppy counters high-mobility champions and interrupts dashes.
Once these niches are covered, Riot sees less reason to release additional champions with the same function. Unlike assassins or mages, where new thematic variations provide fresh gameplay experiences, tank designs risk feeling repetitive because their roles are highly situational and purpose-driven.
Player Demand and Meta Impact
Another key factor influencing Riot’s decisions is player preference. Most League players favor champions with strong carry potential, flashy mechanics, or high mobility. Tanks tend to lack these traits, which reduces their popularity in solo queue.
Tanks are often reactive picks, designed to counter specific enemy team compositions rather than being default first-choice selections. This makes them harder to justify in casual play, especially when fighters and divers like Jarvan IV, Vi, Diana, and Wukong can provide initiation power while dealing significantly more damage.
Additionally, because tanks historically underperform in skin sales compared to assassins, marksmen, or supports, Riot focuses on champions with higher cosmetic revenue potential. As a result, assassins and skirmishers receive more frequent updates and releases to meet both gameplay demand and business goals.
Backlash From Past Experimental Tank Designs
Riot has also faced strong community backlash when experimenting with tanks, discouraging them from releasing more. Several examples stand out:
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Ornn (2017): Criticized for being overloaded with power, combining high damage, tank-level durability, and utility through his masterwork upgrades.
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Tahm Kench: Originally designed as a flexible tank-support hybrid, he became one of the most frustrating champions to face due to his oppressive damage and safety tools.
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K’Sante: Intended as a versatile tank-bruiser hybrid, but his initial design caused balance problems across multiple patches and sparked ongoing community debates.
Repeated situations like these have made Riot cautious about introducing new tanks. The challenge lies in creating champions that feel fresh and fun without disrupting game balance or alienating players.
The Future of Tanks in League of Legends
Tanks remain important for competitive play, but Riot’s design philosophy now leans toward refining existing champions rather than adding new ones. Current tank options already cover most functional roles, from engage initiators like Leona and Nautilus to sustain-heavy frontliners like Zac and Maokai.
While Riot may eventually revisit tank designs, they are likely to focus on hybrid champions that combine tank durability with more active playstyles. However, without major shifts in player demand or meta trends, the number of new tank releases will remain limited compared to assassins, fighters, and skirmishers.
