League of Legends Dominion: Everything You Need to Know

Dominion was a game mode in League of Legends that was released on September 26, 2011, and retired on February 22, 2016. The game mode was centered around objective control and featured a 5v5 format on the Crystal Scar. Dominion was a fast-paced game mode that offered players a different experience from the traditional Summoner’s Rift game mode.

In Dominion, players were tasked with capturing and holding five different capture points on the map. The team that held the most capture points would drain the opposing team’s Nexus health, and the first team to reduce their opponent’s Nexus health to zero would win the game. Dominion matches were typically shorter than Summoner’s Rift matches, lasting around 20-25 minutes.

Despite its popularity among some players, Dominion was eventually retired due to a falling player base. Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, decided to focus on other game modes and features that were more popular among the player base. However, Dominion remains a beloved game mode among some players, and there are still communities that play Dominion matches to this day.

Overview of League of Legends Dominion

League of Legends Dominion was a game mode in League of Legends that centered around objective control. It was released on September 26, 2011, and retired on February 22, 2016. The game mode was played in a 5v5 format on the Crystal Scar map, which was a unique map designed specifically for Dominion.

The objective of the game mode was to capture and hold five capture points, which were arranged in a star-shaped pattern on the map. Each capture point could be captured by either team, and when captured, creeps would start streaming out from the point to attack the enemy team’s Nexus.

The game mode was fast-paced and focused on constant action and strategy. Players needed to work together to capture and defend points, while also keeping an eye on the enemy team’s movements and objectives. The game mode was designed to be a more casual and accessible game mode, with shorter game times and more opportunities for players to make big plays.

Overall, League of Legends Dominion was a unique and exciting game mode that offered a different experience from the traditional Summoner’s Rift game mode. While it is no longer available in the game, it remains a fond memory for many players who enjoyed the fast-paced action and strategic gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics

League of Legends Dominion is a fast-paced game mode that requires a different set of gameplay mechanics compared to the classic Summoner’s Rift mode. In Dominion, two teams of five players compete to capture and defend five capture points on the map. The objective is to score points by holding these capture points and preventing the enemy team from doing the same.

The game mode starts with a 90-second period where players can buy items and prepare for the game. After this, the game begins, and both teams spawn at their respective bases. Each team has a Nexus, which is the objective that the other team must destroy to win the game. The Nexus is protected by turrets, which must be destroyed before the Nexus can be attacked.

The game mode has several unique mechanics that make it different from Summoner’s Rift. Some of these mechanics include:

• Capture Points: There are five capture points on the map, and each point is initially neutral. To capture a point, a player must stand on it until the capture bar is full. Once a point is captured, it becomes owned by the team that captured it. The capture points generate points for the owning team over time, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
• Respawning: When a player dies in Dominion, they respawn after a short delay at their team’s base. The respawn time increases as the game progresses, making it more punishing to die later in the game.
• Speed Shrines: There are several speed shrines located around the map. When a player runs over a speed shrine, they gain a temporary movement speed boost.
• Item Shop: The item shop in Dominion is different from the item shop in Summoner’s Rift. The items available in the shop are tailored towards the fast-paced gameplay of Dominion, and there are several items that are unique to the game mode.

Overall, Dominion is a fun and exciting game mode that offers a different experience from the classic Summoner’s Rift mode. It requires different strategies and tactics, and players must be quick on their feet to succeed.

Dominion Map: Crystal Scar

Dominion Map: Crystal Scar is a unique gameplay map in League of Legends. It was created specifically for the Dominion game mode. The Crystal Scar is a circular map with five capture points arranged in a star formation. The map is divided into three lanes, top, middle, and bottom.

Key Locations

The Crystal Scar has several key locations that players should be aware of. These locations can provide strategic advantages to the team that controls them. Here are some of the key locations on the map:

• The Windmill: The Windmill is located in the middle of the map and is the most contested capture point. It is also the closest point to the enemy’s base. Controlling the Windmill provides a strategic advantage as it allows the team to quickly move to other points on the map.
• The Quarry: The Quarry is located in the bottom lane of the map. It is the only point that is not directly connected to the other points. Controlling the Quarry provides a strategic advantage as it allows the team to flank the enemy and attack from behind.
• The Refinery: The Refinery is located in the top lane of the map. It is the furthest point from the enemy’s base. Controlling the Refinery provides a strategic advantage as it allows the team to push the enemy back and gain control of the top lane.

Capture Points

The Crystal Scar has five capture points that teams must fight over. The capture points are marked by flags and can be captured by standing on them. Here are some important things to know about the capture points:

• Capturing a Point: To capture a point, a player must stand on the flag for a few seconds. The longer a player stands on the flag, the faster it will be captured.
• Neutral Points: At the start of the game, all points are neutral. Teams must capture and hold these points to gain points.
• Contested Points: When an enemy player is standing on a point, it becomes contested. A contested point cannot be captured by either team until all enemy players are eliminated from the point.
• Point Bonuses: Capturing and holding points provides bonuses to the team. These bonuses can include increased movement speed, health regeneration, and increased damage.

Overall, the Dominion Map: Crystal Scar is a unique and exciting gameplay experience in League of Legends. With its circular layout and strategic capture points, players must work together to outmaneuver and outplay their opponents.

Champion Roles in Dominion

Dominion is a fast-paced game mode in League of Legends that requires different champion roles for a successful team composition. Here are the three main roles that are commonly seen in Dominion:

Assassin

Assassins are high-damage champions that excel at taking out key targets quickly. In Dominion, assassins are often used to capture and defend capture points. They can also roam around the map and take out enemy champions that are trying to capture points. Some popular assassins in Dominion include Zed, Kha’Zix, and Talon.

Tank

Tanks are champions that have high health and defense, making them ideal for soaking up damage and protecting their team. In Dominion, tanks are often used to capture and defend points, as well as to initiate team fights. Some popular tanks in Dominion include Maokai, Nautilus, and Amumu.

Support

Support champions provide utility to their team, such as healing, crowd control, and buffs. In Dominion, supports are often used to capture and defend points, as well as to provide assistance to their team during team fights. Some popular supports in Dominion include Soraka, Janna, and Lulu.

It’s important to note that while these are the three main roles in Dominion, there are also hybrid roles that can be effective in this game mode. For example, a champion like Jayce can be played as both an assassin and a tank, depending on the situation.

Overall, having a well-rounded team composition with a mix of these champion roles is key to success in Dominion.

Dominion Specific Items

In Dominion mode, there are several items that are exclusive to the game mode. These items are designed to offer unique bonuses and advantages that are tailored to Dominion’s fast-paced gameplay.

Enchantment: Captain

One of the most popular Dominion-specific items is the Enchantment: Captain. This item can be purchased for 600 gold and is available only to boots. It provides a 8% movement speed bonus to allied champions within 1000 units, including the wearer. Additionally, it grants allied minions within range an additional 20% movement speed bonus. This item is particularly useful for champions who need to move quickly around the map to capture objectives or defend their own points.

Enchantment: Homeguard

Another popular Dominion-specific item is the Enchantment: Homeguard. This item can be purchased for 475 gold and is also available only to boots. It provides a 200% movement speed bonus when the wearer is in the fountain, and the bonus persists for 8 seconds after leaving the fountain. This item is particularly useful for champions who need to quickly return to the battlefield after respawning.

Prospector’s Blade

The Prospector’s Blade is a Dominion-specific item that can be purchased for 950 gold. It provides +10 attack damage, +200 health, and +10% life steal. Additionally, it grants a unique passive that causes the wearer to deal 30 bonus true damage to minions and monsters with every basic attack. This item is particularly useful for champions who need to quickly clear waves of minions or farm jungle monsters.

Entropy

Entropy is a Dominion-specific item that can be purchased for 2700 gold. It provides +275 health, +70 attack damage, and +25% critical strike chance. Additionally, it grants a unique passive that causes the wearer’s basic attacks to deal 80 bonus magic damage and slow the target by 30% for 2 seconds. This item is particularly useful for champions who rely on basic attacks and critical strikes to deal damage.

Overall, Dominion-specific items offer a variety of unique bonuses and advantages that are tailored to Dominion’s fast-paced gameplay. Champions who are looking to excel in Dominion should consider incorporating these items into their builds.

Dominion Strategies

Dominion is a fast-paced game mode in League of Legends that requires a different set of strategies than the classic Summoner’s Rift mode. Here are some strategies to help players succeed in Dominion.

Early Game Strategies

In the early game, players should focus on capturing and defending points. It is important to have a balanced team composition with a mixture of champions that can both deal damage and defend points. Players should also consider purchasing items that increase movement speed, as it can help them move quickly between points.

Mid Game Strategies

As the game progresses into the mid game, players should focus on maintaining control of the points they have captured. It is important to have a plan for defending points and responding to enemy attacks. Communication and coordination between team members is crucial in this phase of the game.

Late Game Strategies

In the late game, players should focus on capturing the enemy’s nexus. It is important to have a strong team composition that can both deal damage and defend points. Players should also consider purchasing items that increase damage output and survivability. Communication and coordination between team members is crucial in this phase of the game.

Overall, the key to success in Dominion is to have a balanced team composition, communicate effectively with team members, and have a solid strategy for capturing and defending points. With these strategies in mind, players can dominate the battlefield and emerge victorious.

Comparisons with Other Game Modes

League of Legends Dominion was a unique game mode that offered a different experience compared to other modes. Here are some comparisons with other popular game modes:

Summoner’s Rift

Summoner’s Rift is the classic and most popular game mode in League of Legends. In this mode, two teams of five players compete to destroy the enemy team’s Nexus located in their base. The game is won by destroying the Nexus or making the enemy team surrender. Unlike Dominion, Summoner’s Rift is a more strategic game mode that requires players to focus on farming, itemization, and team composition.

ARAM

ARAM stands for “All Random All Mid” and is a game mode where players are assigned a random champion and play on a single lane map. The objective is to destroy the enemy team’s Nexus. ARAM is a more casual game mode than Dominion and Summoner’s Rift and is often played for fun. While Dominion requires players to capture and defend points, ARAM is all about team fights and pushing the enemy team’s base.

Twisted Treeline

Twisted Treeline is a 3v3 game mode where two teams compete to destroy the enemy team’s Nexus. The map is smaller than Summoner’s Rift and has two lanes. Unlike Dominion, Twisted Treeline is more focused on team fights and objective control. Players need to work together to secure the altars located in the jungle to gain powerful buffs that can help them win the game.

Overall, Dominion was a unique game mode that offered a different experience compared to other modes in League of Legends. While it was not as popular as Summoner’s Rift or ARAM, Dominion had its own dedicated fanbase who enjoyed the fast-paced gameplay and objective-focused gameplay.

History and Reception of Dominion

Dominion was a game mode in League of Legends that was released on September 26, 2011, and retired on February 22, 2016. It was a 5v5 format on the Crystal Scar centering around objective control. The mode was announced on the main website as the new capture-and-hold game mode on League of Legends on August 4, 2011. Riot Games wanted to develop a game mode that provided a different experience from the traditional MOBA gameplay of Summoner’s Rift.

Dominion’s reception was mixed. Some players enjoyed the fast-paced gameplay and the focus on objective control, while others criticized the lack of depth and strategic options compared to Summoner’s Rift. The mode never gained the same popularity as Summoner’s Rift, and Riot Games eventually retired Dominion due to low player engagement.

Despite its retirement, Dominion still has a dedicated fan base that continues to play the game mode through custom games. Riot Games has acknowledged the continued interest in Dominion and has stated that they are open to bringing it back as a rotating game mode or as a permanent addition if there is enough demand.

Overall, Dominion was an attempt by Riot Games to provide a different gameplay experience for League of Legends players. While it did not achieve the same level of success as Summoner’s Rift, it still has a dedicated following and remains a part of League of Legends history.

Current Status and Future of Dominion

Dominion was officially retired in League of Legends in February 2016. Riot Games cited lack of popularity and difficulty in balancing the game mode as the reasons behind its retirement. Despite this, fans of the fast-paced game mode still long for its return.

There have been occasional rumors and speculations about Dominion making a comeback in the game, but Riot Games has not officially announced any plans to bring it back. In a Reddit AMA in 2018, Riot Games’ Lead Gameplay Designer, Andrei “Meddler” van Roon, stated that Dominion was not a priority for the company at the moment. He also mentioned that if the game mode were to return, it would require significant changes to make it more balanced and enjoyable.

While Dominion may not be making a comeback anytime soon, players can still experience similar game modes in League of Legends. For example, the game mode “Nexus Blitz” was introduced in 2018 and features a similar fast-paced gameplay with unique mechanics and objectives. Additionally, Riot Games occasionally introduces limited-time game modes that offer unique gameplay experiences.

In conclusion, Dominion’s future in League of Legends remains uncertain. While it may not return in its original form, players can still enjoy similar game modes and unique experiences in the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Dominion and other League of Legends game modes?

Dominion was a fast-paced game mode that focused on capturing and holding points on the map, while other game modes like Summoner’s Rift and Twisted Treeline are centered around destroying the enemy team’s Nexus. Dominion was also played on a unique map, The Crystal Scar, which had different gameplay elements than other maps.

What was the reason for removing Dominion from League of Legends?

The main reason for removing Dominion from League of Legends was due to its declining player base. Riot Games found that the majority of players were not interested in playing Dominion, and the resources needed to maintain it were better spent on other game modes.

How does Dominion compare to Twisted Treeline and Summoner’s Rift?

Dominion was a more fast-paced and action-packed game mode than Twisted Treeline and Summoner’s Rift. It also had a unique map and gameplay elements that set it apart from the other game modes.

What was the reception of Definitely Not Dominion as a game mode?

Definitely Not Dominion was a limited-time game mode that was generally well-received by players. It was a parody of Dominion that included a number of humorous elements and changes to the gameplay.

Is there any possibility of Dominion returning to League of Legends in the future?

There has been no official announcement from Riot Games regarding the return of Dominion to League of Legends. However, some fans of the game mode have expressed a desire for it to return.

When was the Dominion game mode removed from League of Legends?

The Dominion game mode was officially removed from League of Legends in February 2016.