League Winter Map Returns in Patch 25.23 for League of Legends
The League winter map is finally returning with Patch 25.23, bringing snow, poros, and nostalgia back to Summoner’s Rift. Riot Games confirmed the release for November 19, 2025, across all regions. The return of this fan-favorite theme marks the first time in six years that players will fight in a frosty arena filled with festive details and holiday cheer.
Originally introduced during the 2009 Snowdown event, the Winter Map became a seasonal tradition that League fans loved. However, Riot retired it after 2019, citing technical limitations and visual updates to the Rift. Now, the studio has rebuilt it using modern rendering tools, allowing for higher texture quality, dynamic snow effects, and enhanced lighting to make the frosty version feel truly alive.
Festive Visuals and Gameplay Details
The updated winter map adds subtle aesthetic changes without altering competitive gameplay. Baron wears a Santa hat, turrets are wrapped with glowing garlands, and minions sport cozy scarves and mittens. Even the river appears partially frozen, reflecting moonlight during nighttime matches. Riot emphasized that these changes are purely visual, ensuring ranked integrity remains intact.
According to leaks, the return of the Winter Map might also coincide with a special Snowdown-style event featuring limited-time missions and rewards. Players may earn the “Chosen of Winter” skins and unlock emotes and icons inspired by classic holiday cosmetics. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing joy and nostalgia on social media.
Developers also hinted at bringing back legacy modes like “Legend of the Poro King,” though nothing official has been confirmed yet. Regardless, this update demonstrates Riot’s renewed focus on community-requested content. As 2025’s season nears its end, League players can once again experience that holiday-themed magic that helped shape the game’s early years.
