Nine months after League of Legends fans voted Fiddlesticks as the champion most in need of a rework, Riot’s planned update — including his new abilities, skins, and possible release date — has finally been revealed.
The “utterly inhuman” rework has been a long time coming. Riot announced in May 2019 they had plans to put the Harbinger of Doom, as well as 2011 release Volibear, in the spotlight for both gameplay and visual updates.
Fiddlesticks has had a long history on the Rift already too. Released in 2009, the scarecrow has bounced around jungle and support roles. He has even spent stints in the meta in the mid lane. That strategy was dubbed “Middlesticks.”
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Eleven years after his original reveal, the Harbinger of Doom is finally undergoing a modern League of Legends update — both to his kit, and his skins and in-game look — and Riot have already said they’re “super excited” with how it turned out.
Here’s everything you need to know about Fiddlestick’s upcoming gameplay & visual rework, from his new-look abilities and kit, to his refreshed roster of skins and splash arts, and when you can get your hands on 2020’s second rework.
Riot Games
Fiddlesticks is finally getting his long-awaited rework, eleven years after his first release.
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Fiddlesticks’ “terrifying” new abilities
While Fiddlesticks’ new gameplay rework has changed a few major things, including his new ward-like passive, the style of the Harbinger of Doom doesn’t seem to have disappeared. At his core, he still likes jumping out and scaring people.
Here’s a rundown of his three main abilities, his lethal Crowstorm ultimate, and the new-look passive A Harmless Scarecrow that may be a cornerstone of how he plays on the Rift once he finally arrives on live servers.
A Harmless Scarecrow (Passive)
Fiddlesticks’ trinket is replaced by Scarecrow Effigies that look exactly like Fiddlesticks. Effigies grant vision like regular wards.
Enemy champions who approach an effigy activate it, causing the effigy to fake a random action (ex. basic attacking or casting Crowstorm), after which the effigy destroys itself.
Fiddlesticks can hold up to two Effigies at once. Effigy cooldown decreases and duration increases with Fiddlesticks’ level. At level 6, placing an Effigy reveals nearby wards for six seconds.
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Terrify (Q)
Passive: While out of combat and unseen, if Fiddlesticks’ abilities damage an enemy, they become terrified, fleeing in the opposite direction.
Active: Terrify the target and damage them based on their current health. If this ability is cast on a recently terrified enemy, they take double damage instead of being terrified again.
Bountiful Harvest (W)
Fiddlesticks drains the souls of all nearby enemies, damaging them continuously over a few seconds and healing Fiddlesticks based on damage dealt. The last tick damages and heals based on the target’s missing health.
If Bountiful Harvest fully channels or if no enemies remain to be harvested, Bountiful Harvest’s cooldown is partially refunded.
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Reap (E)
Fiddlesticks damages and slows enemies in a crescent-shaped area in front of itself. Enemies in the center of the crescent are also silenced.
Crowstorm (R)
Fiddlesticks channels before blinking to the target location and continuously damaging nearby enemies for several seconds.
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Fiddlesticks’ skins & visual looks updated
As well as his kit updates, Fiddlesticks is also undergoing some major visual changes, which Riot evokes more of his “fear-inducing” characteristics.
“We want Fiddle to be the iconic ambush champion, with a kit centered around the concept of fear. This goes deeper than just a point-click status effect, [but] that is staying on the kit,” the devs said of the rework in early January.
It looks like they succeeded. League players around the community, including notoriously stoic Tyler ‘Tyler1’ Steinkamp, said their “hearts literally cannot take this sh*t.” That’s not all the “inhuman entity” is getting in his update either.
As well as the ability changes, and in-game look, Fiddlesticks has also had all his premium skin splash arts updated. Here are the new images:
While there has been no official confirmation regarding when Fiddlesticks’ rework will go live on the Public Beta Environment, there’s a good chance it will be arriving soon considering we have already had teasers for gameplay and visuals.
Once Riot begins to roll out these kinds of teasers across social media and the internet, you can usually expect hands-on experiences soon after.
The title’s next update, Patch 10.6 — which is set to feature more Aphelios nerfs, as well as a big rework for Wukong — lands on March 18. That means the Fiddlesticks rework may come in the new cycle.
Patch 10.7’s cycle will run for a fortnight, with the patch set for April 1. There’s also a chance, because of how big the VGU is, Riot could give more time to testing. If that’s the case, the scarecrow’s new look could be available from April 15.
Riot Games
Riot seems to have succeeded in making Fiddlesticks one of League’s “most terrifying” champions.
There you have it — the new-look Harbinger of Doom, ready to give League of Legends players heart attacks across Season 10 and beyond.
Keep in mind, while the splash art and skin updates are likely written in stone for the rework, Fiddlesticks’ abilities are subject to change. We’ll make sure to keep you fully updated on any tweaks Riot makes ahead of the full release.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
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Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
