Season 13 of League of Legends is about to drop a bombshell on the jungle role with the introduction of Jungle Pets. Just when you thought Riot couldn't possibly shake things up more, they've gone and turned traditional jungle items into living, breathing companions. Talk about taking "jungle diff" to a whole new level! These critters are currently being tested on the PBE, and from what we've seen so far, they're not just your average stat-sticks – they can actually move independently and evolve over time, essentially turning junglers into Pokémon trainers on Summoner's Rift. Gotta clear 'em all!
The Pet Collection: Your New Jungle Buddies
As of early 2025, the PBE showcases three distinct Jungle Pets that players can purchase as eggs from the shop. Each pet brings its own unique flavor to the jungle experience:
-
The Wolf Pet - This ferocious little companion appears to be designed for aggressive junglers who live for those high-octane ganks. It's basically your ride-or-die homie that says, "Let's go wreck some lanes, bruv!"
-
The Fox Pet - For those cunning junglers who prefer to play the map rather than force fights, this sly fox enhances mobility and map control. It's giving major "work smarter, not harder" vibes.
-
The Frog-like Pet - This little amphibious friend seems tailored for tanky junglers who want to soak damage and provide utility. It's essentially the "hold my beer while I frontline this teamfight" option.
While Riot hasn't blessed these creatures with official names yet (come on, Riot, they deserve better!), the community has already started nicknaming them based on their appearances and functions.
Evolution Mechanics: Not Your Average Pets
What makes these Jungle Pets particularly interesting is their evolution system. Similar to how Pokémon evolve after reaching certain milestones, these pets grow stronger as the game progresses. The exact mechanics are still being tweaked on the PBE, but early testing suggests that pets evolve based on a combination of:
-
Camps cleared
-
Epic monsters secured
-
Successful ganks
-
Time elapsed
As one jungle main put it on Reddit: "These pets are basically like having a clingy roommate who occasionally helps pay the bills and sometimes does the dishes." Not the worst deal, right?
The Jungler's New Burden... Or Blessing?
Let's keep it a buck fifty – not everyone's going to be thrilled about this change. Jungle is already the most blamed role in the game ("jg diff" is practically a cultural phenomenon at this point), and adding pet management to the mix is like giving a juggler one more ball to keep in the air.
However, these pets could actually make the jungle role more accessible to newer players by providing clearer objectives and assistance with the more technical aspects of jungling. It's a classic case of "you win some, you lose some" – or as they say in the business, a feature that's both a bug and a blessing.
Some junglers are already expressing concerns about the additional mental load:
-
"So now I gotta track the enemy jungler, ward objectives, AND feed my pet? Ain't nobody got time for that!"
-
"What's next, we have to walk them and pick up their poop too?"
Impact on the Meta: Predictions for Season 13
The introduction of Jungle Pets will undoubtedly shake up the meta in ways we can't fully predict yet. Here are some potential shifts we might see:
| Champion Type | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Early Game Junglers | May benefit from Wolf Pet's aggressive capabilities |
| Control Junglers | Likely to favor the Fox Pet for enhanced map presence |
| Tank Junglers | Could see a resurgence with the Frog Pet's defensive benefits |
| Off-meta Picks | Might become more viable with pet-specific buffs |
It's worth noting that this system could potentially bridge the gap between different jungling styles, allowing players more flexibility in their approach regardless of champion choice.
Community Reactions: Mixed Feelings
The community's response has been about as mixed as a playlist that jumps from death metal to smooth jazz. Some players are excited about the fresh mechanics, while others are clutching their Season 12 jungle items like security blankets.
As one challenger jungler eloquently put it: "This is either going to be the best thing since sliced bread or a dumpster fire of epic proportions. There's no in-between."
The Road to Season 13
While we're still months away from the official release of Season 13, the Jungle Pet system represents one of the boldest innovations Riot has attempted for the jungle role. Whether you're excited to become the next Ash Ketchum of Summoner's Rift or dreading the extra responsibility, one thing's for certain – the jungle is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
The current implementation on the PBE is subject to change, and Riot will likely make numerous adjustments based on player feedback. But the core concept of having an evolving companion assist you in your jungle journey seems here to stay.
So, future jungle mains, prepare to add "pet trainer" to your League of Legends resume. And remember – a good jungler blames their mistakes on lag, but a great jungler can now blame their pet too. That's what we call a win-win situation!
🐺 🦊 🐸
Comprehensive reviews can be found on Giant Bomb, where the evolving landscape of League of Legends is frequently discussed by both experts and the community. Their coverage delves into how new features like Jungle Pets are poised to redefine the jungle role, offering fresh perspectives on meta shifts and player adaptation as Season 13 approaches.