League of Legends support players are highlighting an unusual gap in champion releases. Milio, the enchanter support who arrived in March 2023, remains the last champion designed specifically for the support role. That makes it nearly two years without a new support-first champion.
The distinction matters because “support-first” means something specific in League. These champions are built to function with less gold than carries. They provide high base utility through crowd control, shields, heals, or buffs. Their kits remain valuable even when behind in levels and items.
Since Milio dropped, Riot has released multiple champions aimed at other roles. Mid lane got Hwei and Aurora. Jungle received Briar. Top lane saw Ambessa and Skarner’s rework-turned-new-champion. ADC got Smolder. Support got nothing.
Players draw a clear line between champions designed for support and champions that can be played there. Mages like Brand, Lux, and Xerath show up in the support role regularly. But these are mid laners who work bot lane because they have poke and crowd control. They weren’t built around support economy or itemization.
The same logic applies to recent releases. Some players point to champions like Hwei or Aurora appearing in support occasionally. But these are flex picks, not purpose-built supports. Their kits focus on damage scaling, not utility scaling.
Before Milio, the support release timeline looked healthier. Renata Glasc arrived in February 2022 as a utility-focused enchanter. Rell launched in December 2020 as a tank engage support. Going back further, Seraphine released in October 2020, though some people still argue about whether she was really designed support-first or pushed there by balance changes.
Support players typically want one of two archetypes. Enchanters provide shields, heals, movement speed buffs, and peel. Tank supports initiate fights with hooks, knockups, or hard engage. Both archetypes share a core design principle: they deliver value without needing expensive items.
The gap stands out because no other role has gone this long without a dedicated champion. Even accounting for Riot’s slower overall release pace in recent years, support appears underserved. Players joke about “checking back in 2026” for their next champion.
What support mains actually want
Community requests focus on traditional support fantasies. Players want a new enchanter who shields and heals. Others ask for a new tank with a satisfying hook or engage tool. Some pitch concepts like a paladin-style protector or a debuff specialist who slows attacks and reduces enemy mobility.
The requests reveal what the long gap means practically. Support mains haven’t had a “new toy” in their role for nearly two years. While other roles explore fresh kits and mechanics, support players cycle through the same champion pool or adapt off-role picks that don’t quite fit what they want from the role.
