League developer reveals the reason behind the addition of Jungler Pet

League of Legends developer Matt Leung-Harrison has disclosed the reason behind the addition of Jungle Pets as the tweaks are now working well in the game.

With the release of pre-season 2023 and Jungle Pets, Riot Games has revamped the way the jungle role is played in League of Legends. Three new jungle pets—Scorchclaw Pup, Mosstomper Seedling, and Gustwalker Hatchling—replaced the former jungle items Emberknife and Hailblade.

These pets are the jungler’s companions in the summoner rift and attack alongside them as soon as they engage in combat with a jungle creature. Although it only attacks jungle monsters and not opponent champions, the pet helps the champion deal great damage.

While the pets have made the jungle role more approachable for rookie players, they have also left many League players and viewers skeptical of its impact. In response to fans’ concerns, League developer Matt Leung-Harrison posted a Tweet, explaining why Riot introduced jungle pets.

Making the jungle role in the game more approachable for new players and expanding its audience were the main goals of the jungle companion’s introduction. The developer also said that compared to the earlier jungle items, which were very difficult for new players to understand, employing Junge Pets is a simpler approach to teaching the mechanics to new players.

Jungle pets receive a positive response from the player

While they appeared risky at first, the changes seem to be working reasonably well. Recent statistics demonstrate that junglers have a higher impact on games than ever before, and players in the position are more effective than ever.

Moreover, the jungle is the second-most popular role, with over 21% of the total players holding the role, according to the League statistics website League of Graphs. In addition to making the jungle role seem simpler to grasp, the jungle pets appear to have increased the position’s victory rate, with nine champions having win rates over 53%, according to OP.GG.

Why are the changes so significant? 

After the various health buffs that were given to jungle camps during pre-season 2023, these pets are helpful in boosting the apparent jungle-clearing speed of champions. As the game progresses, the jungle pets gradually evolve as they receive treats from defeated monsters.

These adorable pets bestow various buffs on their owners once they have fully evolved, giving the jungler access to greater damaging and healing skills. Additionally, each pet has a certain buff, and being aware of each of their unique skills will give players a number of advantages in the summoner’s rift.

Image Credit: League of Legends/ Riot Games