Who Is Naafiri: Everything We Know About Lol’s New Darkin Assassin So Far

After a long wait, the new monster champion, that turns out to be a darkin mid-lane assassin, is finally on the horizon.

Last August, 2022 during Champions and Preseason 2023 | LoL Pls, Reav3 revealed that two champions would be joining the current champion roster this early 2023. This included Milio, the Gentle Flame, who was recently released last March 23, 2023. The second one, on the other hand has been mentioned to be a darkin. For months, the information that players have about her remains to be scant, but everything is starting to come to light, especially with the newly released cinematic entitled "Hounds of Iron" that has been claimed to be one of the most fascinating champion teasers so far.

Naafiri was first introduced to be an assassin, imprisoned inside a Dagger, pretty much like the rest of the Darkins like Aatriox, Rhaast and Varus. During the start of the year 2023, Riot Lexical made it clear that the newest assassin, this time will have a more straightforward kit allowing players to focus instead on other aspects of the game, including macro plays and decision making. It was also shown that the dog-like darkin will not only exist as a single creature, but rather a pack of assassins.

The newest champion’s initial introduction to the game has sparked excitement within the community due to numerous reasons. First of all, Naafiri is going to be a non-humanoid monster champion to be released, and will be the latest addition to the existing Darkins in League of Legends after almost 6 years. On top of it, Naafiri is going to be the first female Darkin to arrive.

Additionally, in the new set of voice lines for Varus, there seems to be an interaction between him and his fellow darkin, Naafiri.

• “You wish unity for us, sister. Can this be realized in Battle?”
• “Hounds, Naafiri? You make me grateful for my vessels.”
• “The pack cursed you, sister. It only created more targets.”
• “Naafiri, you claim unity is power. Power within me and against our enemies. Let us see... together”
• “Valeeva, Xolaani, Naafiri. What unique ambitions you have, my sisters.”

Her full lore and backstory will soon be unveiled as soon as her biography drops.

What are League of Legends Naafiri's Abilities

Listed down below are the abilities of Naafiri. The female darkin's gameplay trailer has also been released, so be sure to check it out.

Passive - We are More

Naafiri spawns Packmates that attack the targets of her attacks and abilities.

Q - Darkin Daggers

Naafiri hurls up to two daggers, each inflicting bleed, or each inflicting bonus damage if the target is already bleeding.

Packmates leap to attack champions hit by this skill.

W - Hounds’ Pursuit

Naafiri and her packmates dash at an enemy, colliding with the first champion hit and dealing damage.

E - Eviscerate

Naafiri dashes and damages enemies in an area, recalling and healing her Packmates to full.

R - The Call of the Pack

Naafiri empowers her pack and spawns additional Packmates, gaining a burst of speed and vision and a shield when she attacks a champion.

On first champion takedown, all effects are refreshed.

League of Legends Naafiri Splashart

When is League of Legends Naafiri’s Release Date

Naafiri is expected to be released at the start of the League of Legends Ranked Split 2 in Patch 13.14, scheduled to be on July 19, 2023. Be sure to check out the PBE as well, as you can expect the female Darkin to arrive on the PBE later this month.

Keep yourself updated to the latest news, current leaderboards and more by checking out our League of Legends stats tracker.

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