Riot Games has officially introduced Locke, the Ashen Exorcist, the latest champion set to join the ever-expanding roster of League of Legends in Patch 26.13.
Hailing from Demacia, Locke brings a dark and unconventional perspective to Runeterra’s ongoing battle against supernatural forces. While many view demons as the source of suffering and corruption, Locke believes they are merely reflections of humanity’s deepest flaws and desires.
A Demacian Exorcist With a Different Philosophy
Known as Corvin Locke, the new champion was raised within a family of occultists who practiced forbidden rituals in secret. Growing up surrounded by deception and hidden truths shaped his worldview and fueled his obsession with exposing the darkness lurking beneath society’s surface.
Rather than hunting demons out of fear, Locke seeks to uncover the human weaknesses that give them power, making him one of the more morally complex characters introduced to League of Legends in recent years.
Alongside his debut, Riot has confirmed that Locke will receive a High Noon launch skin, placing the exorcist into the popular western-inspired skin universe.
Locke’s Abilities Focus on Soul Nails and Execution
Locke enters the Rift as an aggressive damage dealer built around applying and consuming special marks known as Soul Nails.
His passive ability, Silver Stake, enhances his basic attacks with bonus magic damage. The effect becomes increasingly dangerous against enemies who are already low on health, allowing Locke to pressure weakened opponents throughout a fight.
Ritual Nails
Locke’s primary offensive ability launches a barrage of Soul Nails that damage, slow, and mark enemy champions. Once applied, these marks can be consumed to trigger additional damage, rewarding players who successfully chain their abilities together.
Soul Ignition
Soul Ignition grants Locke increased movement speed at the cost of his own health. However, the ability also provides substantial healing over time, creating a risk-versus-reward mechanic that encourages aggressive play.
Ashen Pursuit
For mobility, Locke uses Ashen Pursuit, a blink-and-dash ability that allows him to quickly engage targets and reposition during skirmishes.
The skill also resets after securing takedowns, potentially allowing skilled players to chain eliminations together during teamfights.
Purgatory Delivers a Devastating Finisher
The centerpiece of Locke’s kit is his ultimate ability, Purgatory.
When activated, Locke traps marked enemies within a supernatural artifact. Opponents who fall below a specific health threshold while affected by the ability are instantly executed, making Purgatory one of the most threatening finishing tools introduced in recent champion releases.
The ability reinforces Locke’s identity as a relentless hunter who excels at punishing weakened enemies and turning successful engagements into devastating teamfight victories.
Coming in League of Legends Patch 26.13
Locke’s arrival adds another unique champion to League of Legends, combining dark lore, aggressive gameplay, and powerful execution mechanics into a single package.
With his Soul Nail system, self-sustaining combat style, and lethal ultimate ability, the Ashen Exorcist is poised to make a significant impact when he joins the game in Patch 26.13.
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