In the competitive world of Call of Duty, few topics spark as much heated debate as GAs. From Twitter feuds to Reddit threads, “GA this, GA that” dominates conversations within the CoD community every year. But what exactly is a GA, and why does it stir so much controversy?
🎮 Level Up Your Game with Our Patreon! 🎮
📚 Early Access to Full Guides: Get personalized guides for your favorite games before anyone else.
🔍 Exclusive Analyses: Deep dives into top teams and game strategies just for you.
🏆 Join Tournaments: Compete in tournaments with cash prizes and exclusive in-game items.
💥 Be the First: Access the latest news and updates in the gaming world.
👉 Don’t miss out—join our Patreon today and become the ultimate gamer!
What Does GA Mean in Call of Duty?
In the Call of Duty League (CDL), “GA” stands for “Gentleman’s Agreement.” Unlike official rules set by the league, GAs are informal agreements among professional players to avoid using certain weapons, items, or features during competitive matches. These agreements often target elements that players believe disrupt competitive balance or compromise the integrity of the game.
For example, items like smoke grenades, sniper rifles, or overpowered assault rifles have historically been part of GA discussions. While these are technically allowed under the CDL’s official rules, players voluntarily agree to refrain from using them in matches.
Why Do GAs Exist?
GAs aim to make competitive CoD more balanced and enjoyable to watch. While league officials, developers, and players work together to create an official ruleset, some items slip through the cracks. Pro players, who are on the frontlines of competitive gameplay, often identify weapons or mechanics that feel unfair or disrupt high-level play.
The GA process is especially active after the launch of a new Call of Duty game, such as the recently released Black Ops 6. At this stage, players test the game’s mechanics and adjust the GA list as they discover imbalances. For instance, in early BO6 gameplay, the Model L and XM4 assault rifles were discussed as potential GA items due to their dominance.
GAs and the Viewing Experience
While GAs are designed to enhance competitive integrity, they can create tension between players, fans, and the league. Critics argue that GAs often limit variety, leading to matches where teams rely on the same few weapons. This lack of diversity can make games less exciting for viewers.
On the other hand, many pro players see GAs as essential. Without them, the game could feel chaotic or unfair, especially if one overpowered item becomes the meta. The debate over GAs highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing what players want to play with what fans want to watch.
GAs in Ranked Play
In recent years, GAs have started to influence more than just professional play. With Ranked Play rules now reflecting CDL standards, GAs occasionally trickle down to regular players. This integration helps align the competitive scene with everyday gameplay, though it can also spark frustration among casual players who feel restricted by pro-level agreements.
The Future of GAs in Call of Duty
As the 2024-2025 CDL season approaches, the debate around GAs is far from over. Pro players, the league, and developers like Treyarch must collaborate to create a balanced ruleset that satisfies both competitive integrity and viewer enjoyment.
Despite the controversy, GAs remain a staple of the competitive CoD scene. Whether they’re loved or loathed, they reflect the passion and dedication of a community striving to make Call of Duty the best it can be—both on and off the battlefield.
T1 has cemented its place in League of Legends history by successfully defending its 2024 World Championship title. In a thrilling series against Bilibili Gaming (BLG) at the O2 Arena in London, T1 completed an incredible comeback after trailing 2-1, securing their fifth Worlds trophy. This victory makes T1 the only team to win back-to-back Worlds titles twice in the tournament’s history.
🎮 Level Up Your Game with Our Patreon! 🎮
📚 Early Access to Full Guides: Get personalized guides for your favorite games before anyone else.
🔍 Exclusive Analyses: Deep dives into top teams and game strategies just for you.
🏆 Join Tournaments: Compete in tournaments with cash prizes and exclusive in-game items.
💥 Be the First: Access the latest news and updates in the gaming world.
👉 Don’t miss out—join our Patreon today and become the ultimate gamer!
Faker: The MVP and Record Breaker
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, was instrumental in T1’s victory. Not only did he lead his team with outstanding performances, but he also became the first player to reach 500 kills at Worlds. To top it off, Faker earned the Finals MVP award, becoming the only player to win it twice.
The series also shattered records, with a peak of 6.9 million viewers tuning in, according to Esports Charts, setting a new benchmark for the tournament’s viewership.
The Series: Comebacks and Drama
The finals began with an electrifying atmosphere. Following an impressive opening ceremony that energized the packed O2 Arena, BLG came out swinging. ELK, with precise Ashe ultimates, led BLG to a commanding win in game one, breaking T1’s perfect streak against LPL teams at Worlds.
T1 responded in game two, reclaiming their footing on the blue side with standout picks like Gumayusi’s Kalista and Oner’s Nocturne. Despite ELK securing the first blood, T1 steamrolled BLG with a dominant team performance to tie the series.
In game three, BLG struck back with Bin’s flawless Rumble, taking the lead and moving to series point. However, T1 refused to back down. Game four saw Faker’s Sylas and Keria’s Renata shining, forcing a game five.
In the decisive final game, Faker delivered yet another legendary performance, leading T1 to complete their title defense and secure the victory.
T1: A Legacy Like No Other
With this triumph, T1 solidifies its position as an unparalleled powerhouse in League of Legends. The team not only etched its name further into the game’s history but also proved that with Faker at the helm, the impossible becomes possible.
This victory in London marks another unforgettable chapter for fans and reinforces Faker’s legacy as the greatest of all time. The world now eagerly awaits what T1 and their legendary captain will achieve next.
In an intense and thrilling Silver Scraps grand final at the League of Legends (LoL) Worlds 2024, T1 emerged victorious, claiming their fifth World Championship title in London. This victory solidified their legacy as one of the most dominant teams in LoL history, and like every year, the team’s triumph brings the opportunity for custom champion skins to commemorate the achievement.
T1 Players’ Early Skin Picks
As part of the tradition for Worlds winners, each player on the championship team selects a champion they played during the tournament, and these champions are immortalized with unique skins. These skins not only represent the players’ memorable performances but also come with personalized touches that make them treasured collectibles for fans. After the grand win, T1’s players gathered for a press conference where they shared their initial champion choices for their 2024 Worlds skins.
It’s important to note that these selections are tentative and may change before the skins are officially released. Riot Games has yet to confirm the final champions and designs. However, based on the players’ preferences, we now have a sneak peek at what fans can expect:
Zeus: Gragas, Camille, Ornn
Onar: Vi, Xin Zhao
Faker: Undecided (Faker is leaving it to fans to voice their preferences)
Gumayusi: Varus, Jhin
Keria: Renata, Pyke
While these early picks provide some excitement for what’s to come, the final selections may be different, as these ideas were shared during the press conference and aren’t set in stone.
A Legacy of Worlds Skins
T1 players already have a rich history with Worlds skins, with each member of the team receiving cosmetics from the previous year’s championship. For their 2023 victory, T1 players picked skins for champions like Jayce, Lee Sin, Orianna, Jinx, and Bard. With this latest win, Faker, in particular, adds another prestigious Worlds skin to his collection, further cementing his place as one of the game’s most legendary players.
League fans will need to stay tuned to League of Legends’ official social media channels and Riot Games for any official updates regarding the release of these skins. As the excitement builds for 2024, players and fans alike eagerly anticipate seeing the final designs and watching the skins hit the store.
The 2025 season of League of Legends esports promises to bring some of the most significant changes to the competitive scene in years. Chris Greeley, the Global Head of League of Legends Esports at Riot Games, sat down for an exclusive interview with Dot Esports to share insights into what’s to come. From major structural adjustments in regional leagues to the introduction of a Fearless Draft system and potential Olympic involvement, Greeley revealed the ambitious steps the team is taking to elevate the esports experience for both players and fans.
🎮 Level Up Your Game with Our Patreon! 🎮
📚 Early Access to Full Guides: Get personalized guides for your favorite games before anyone else.
🔍 Exclusive Analyses: Deep dives into top teams and game strategies just for you.
🏆 Join Tournaments: Compete in tournaments with cash prizes and exclusive in-game items.
💥 Be the First: Access the latest news and updates in the gaming world.
👉 Don’t miss out—join our Patreon today and become the ultimate gamer!
A Year of Transformation: What’s Coming in 2025?
The upcoming season will see a sweeping overhaul of League of Legends esports. Greeley explained that while 2024 was focused on laying the groundwork and building partnerships, 2025 is set to be the year of execution. This means fans will experience significant shifts, with new formats, expanded regional leagues, and additional international events, all designed to make the competitive scene more exciting and accessible.
Revamped Regional Leagues and Three-Split Format
One of the most notable changes for 2025 is the introduction of a three-split format across several major regions, including the LTA and LCP. Greeley highlighted that this change was designed with input from regional teams to create a more engaging and sustainable competitive ecosystem. The new structure ensures that each region will have three distinct competitive splits, allowing for more play and better integration with the game itself.
Additionally, each split will culminate in a playoff, providing regional teams with multiple opportunities to qualify for the international stage. This shift not only increases the competition but also helps to solidify the identity and growth of each region’s competitive scene.
The LTA Gets a New Look
In line with these changes, the LTA will be divided into two conferences, North and South, each with its own seasonal playoffs. The winning teams from both conferences will face off to determine the regional representative at Worlds 2025. Greeley expressed excitement about the new structure, emphasizing how it reflects the spirit of the Latin American region and strengthens its representation in the global scene. This division is expected to increase regional rivalries and give Latin American players a greater platform on the international stage.
Fearless Draft: A Game-Changer for Team Strategy
Another major shift coming to League of Legends is the introduction of Fearless Draft, a competitive format that will change the way champions are picked and banned. In this format, once a champion is picked in one game, it cannot be used again in the following games of the series, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability to the competition. Greeley teased that the Fearless Draft will debut in the first split of the 2025 season, with more details to be revealed closer to the start.
The goal of Fearless Draft is to force teams to think creatively about their strategies, ensuring that each match feels fresh and unique. However, Greeley acknowledged that the format could take some time to perfect, with Riot Games planning to test different versions to ensure that it provides an exciting and fair competition. The team has already received feedback from professional players, and changes will be made accordingly to make sure the draft system doesn’t feel like a gimmick.
LCK’s Role in the 2025 Restructuring
The LCK, known for its intense competition and a deep legacy of excellence in League of Legends, is a key player in the 2025 season changes. Greeley mentioned that Riot Games is working closely with the LCK to ensure that the region’s teams are well-prepared for the new three-split format and the expanded international events.
The LCK is expected to continue its dominance, but the changes for 2025 will aim to provide more opportunities for emerging teams to rise and compete on the global stage. The three-split format will bring more excitement, allowing fans to witness more frequent high-stakes matchups. This restructuring aligns with Riot’s goal of creating a more balanced competitive environment across all regions, including Korea, where the top teams are already household names in the esports community.
The LCK is also expected to play a significant role in the debut of the Fearless Draft system. With Korea’s deep understanding of strategic depth and champion pool diversity, the introduction of this new draft system is anticipated to be a game-changer for how teams approach their picks and bans. The Fearless Draft will push LCK teams to expand their strategies and adapt to a more dynamic and unpredictable meta, which could lead to thrilling surprises in series outcomes.
LCK’s Impact on International Events
The LCK’s teams have always been a dominant force at international events like MSI and Worlds. In 2025, with the new international tournament structure in place, LCK teams will be even more integral to the storyline of League of Legends esports. The new international events will offer teams from all regions a chance to face off in exciting cross-regional competitions before Worlds, and the LCK will be looking to prove its continued supremacy. Greeley noted that Korea’s history of success on the global stage means that the region will be a major focal point in these tournaments, further elevating the international competition and excitement for fans.
League of Legends at the Olympics: A Potential Future?
In a groundbreaking development, Greeley also touched on the possibility of League of Legends being featured in future Olympic Games. While 2025 may not be the year for LoL to debut at the Olympics, Greeley noted that discussions have been ongoing with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). With the growing recognition of esports by the IOC, there’s a real chance that League of Legends could become a part of the Olympic movement in the coming years.
Although the 2025 calendar is packed, and finding a slot for LoL in the first Olympic esports event is difficult, Greeley remains hopeful for 2027. He emphasized that the main priority is ensuring that the sport stays true to its roots while finding ways to evolve and remain engaging for fans.
The New International Event: A Scaled-Up Competition
As part of the restructuring, League of Legends will introduce a third international tournament, further increasing the global presence of the game. Greeley shared that the goal of the new event is to allow teams from different regions to face off against each other, with each tournament progressively increasing in scale and significance. Fans can expect thrilling matches, with regional teams clashing in exciting international events, leading up to the culmination of Worlds.
This new event will also feature the much-anticipated Fearless Draft, giving teams a chance to experiment with new strategies and tactics before the larger international tournaments like MSI and Worlds. Greeley teased that each event will provide an opportunity to gauge the strength of different regions and create compelling storylines for fans to follow throughout the year.
Focus on Fan Engagement: Making Esports More Accessible
A key goal for Riot Games moving forward is to enhance fan engagement. Greeley discussed how the restructuring process was a result of extensive conversations with regional teams to understand what fans wanted and needed. The new league structures and international tournaments are designed not only to increase competition but also to provide a more dynamic and accessible experience for viewers.
By aligning the LoL esports calendar with the game’s in-game events and integrating regional play with the international scene, Riot aims to create a seamless narrative for fans to follow. This long-term vision is meant to captivate both seasoned fans and newcomers alike, ensuring that every event feels like part of a larger, interconnected story.
Challenges and Concerns: Balancing a Packed Schedule
With such a packed schedule for the upcoming season, Greeley acknowledged the concerns of teams and players regarding their well-being and workload. Some teams, particularly the top performers, face grueling schedules that stretch from January to November. While Riot Games is aware of these challenges, Greeley highlighted the importance of balancing the intense competition with moments for rest and recovery.
To address these concerns, Riot is exploring the possibility of incorporating more third-party events that don’t necessarily feature the top teams, allowing players to participate in less demanding competitions while still engaging with fans. This could help alleviate the pressure on top teams while offering fans the opportunity to see different teams in action.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to an Exciting Future
As League of Legends esports continues to evolve, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for the competitive scene. With changes to the league structure, the introduction of Fearless Draft, and the potential for Olympic involvement, the future of LoL esports is looking brighter than ever. Riot Games is committed to listening to its community, refining formats, and delivering an exciting and sustainable future for League of Legends esports fans around the world.
The road ahead is filled with challenges, but with a dedicated team and a clear vision, Greeley is optimistic that 2025 will be a year of groundbreaking changes that will keep fans engaged and excited for what’s to come.
In a thrilling conclusion to the BLAST Premier World Final, G2 emerged as champions, overpowering Team Spirit with a near-flawless performance. This victory was particularly sweet for the international squad, as it served as a redemption after their earlier disappointment in Rio. Having earned their spot in the World Final by winning the BLAST Fall Final, G2 displayed incredible resilience and skill throughout the event, ultimately cementing their place as one of the best teams in CS2.
🎮 Level Up Your Game with Our Patreon! 🎮
📚 Early Access to Full Guides: Get personalized guides for your favorite games before anyone else.
🔍 Exclusive Analyses: Deep dives into top teams and game strategies just for you.
🏆 Join Tournaments: Compete in tournaments with cash prizes and exclusive in-game items.
💥 Be the First: Access the latest news and updates in the gaming world.
👉 Don’t miss out—join our Patreon today and become the ultimate gamer!
A Redemption Story for G2
Despite a rocky start to the tournament, where G2 suffered a crushing 13-0 defeat on Ancient to Team Liquid in their opening match, they quickly bounced back. The team’s ability to recover and dominate in subsequent matches was nothing short of impressive. After turning the series around against Liquid, they secured a commanding victory over Team Spirit in the group stages, sending them straight to the semifinals. There, they triumphed over Team Vitality in a thrilling series that showcased their adaptability and teamwork.
Rocky Start, Resilient Comeback
As the finals approached, G2 found themselves facing Spirit once again, with the stakes significantly higher this time. Spirit had earned their place in the final after finishing as runners-up in Group B, following narrow victories over FaZe Clan and Astralis. However, G2’s performance in the tournament made them the clear favorites. The team boasted an impressive 8-1 map record against Spirit since the player break, and NiKo, in particular, had consistently outdueled Spirit’s star player, donk.
A Dominant Grand Final Performance
The grand final itself was a dominant affair for G2. The team didn’t allow Spirit to reach double digits on any of the maps played, showcasing their exceptional form and coordination. huNter- delivered a vintage performance, while m0NESY stood out with his stellar individual play. The ease with which G2 handled Team Spirit in the final was a statement of intent ahead of the upcoming CS2 Major in Shanghai. If G2 maintains this level of performance, they will be a formidable force for any team they face.
This victory not only marks another impressive achievement for G2 but also highlights the team’s potential as they head into the next stage of competitive CS2. With Snax replacing HooXi as the team’s in-game leader, G2 has silenced many of their critics and demonstrated that they are a team to be reckoned with on the global stage.
📚 Early Access to Full Guides: Get personalized guides for your favorite games before anyone else.
🔍 Exclusive Analyses: Deep dives into top teams and game strategies just for you.
🏆 Join Tournaments: Compete in tournaments with cash prizes and exclusive in-game items.
💥 Be the First: Access the latest news and updates in the gaming world.
👉 Don’t miss out—join our Patreon today and become the ultimate gamer!
1. Get to Know the Basic Gameplay
Core Concept: In this game, you control your character in battles against various enemies and use a combination of movement, attacks, and strategy to win. Your goal is to level up, unlock new abilities, and progress through the game.
Basic Controls: Start by getting comfortable with movement (running, dodging, and jumping) and combat (attacking, blocking, and grappling). You’ll need to master these to survive and thrive.
2. Master Combat Mechanics
Attack Combos:
Basic Attacks: Learn how to chain different attack types into combos (e.g., horizontal uppercut > aerial horizontal > jump horizontal). These combos will help you deal significant damage.
Weapon-Specific Combos: Each weapon has its own set of combos. For example:
Spear/Staff: Use the combo horizontal uppercut > aerial horizontal > jump horizontal.
Great Sword/PSword: Focus more on timing and outsmarting your opponents rather than relying on simple combos.
Focus Attacks: Focus attacks (blue, purple, and gold) have specific counters:
Blue Focus: Parry it.
Purple Focus: Dodge or clank it.
Gold Focus: This can only be dodged, so be prepared to move quickly.
Grappling: When you grab an opponent, you can perform a combo afterward for extra damage. Practice chaining a grapple into a combo like one-two basic attacks.
3. Learn Movement and Positioning
Dodge & Attack: Learning how to dodge and immediately attack afterward is crucial. For instance, use a vertical attack while dodging to avoid incoming damage.
Slide Hopping: This is a faster form of movement when you’re out of stamina. Mastering this will help you get around quickly.
Scale Rushing: Use scale rushes to cover large distances and avoid attacks. Practice using them on various surfaces to get an advantage over your opponents.
4. Build Awareness of Combat Breakers and Focus
Combat Breakers: Some abilities in the game break combos. Be aware of these so you know when to back off or switch tactics.
Soul Jades for Protection: Equip Soul Jades that reduce melee damage (aim for a 24% melee damage reduction). This will help you take less damage and last longer in fights.
Focus Effectively: Don’t just spam focus attacks. Be strategic. If your enemy is charging a focus attack, determine whether you need to dodge, parry, or counterattack based on the type of focus.
5. Use Grapples & Counter Grapples Wisely
Grapple for Damage: Once you grapple an opponent, quickly chain it into a basic attack combo to maximize the damage output.
Escape Grapples: If you get grappled, you can use focus dashing or dodge attacking to escape the enemy’s hold.
Timing Your Grapples: Learn when to initiate a grapple. It’s often best used when the opponent is about to attack or after a missed combo.
6. Take Advantage of the Environment
Use Surfaces for Movement: Scale rushes and jumping off surfaces give you an edge in positioning. You can also use these to surprise your enemies or escape a tricky situation.
Dodge & Heal: While healing, crouch to move more quickly and avoid getting hit while trying to recover. Use this tactic in battle when you’re low on health and need to heal.
7. Level Up Faster: Tips for Beginners
Prioritize Quests and Objectives: Focus on completing quests and main objectives that give the most experience points. If there are side missions, tackle them if they help you level up or provide valuable rewards.
Use Your Stamina Wisely: Be mindful of your stamina when attacking and dodging. Running out of stamina will leave you vulnerable, so pace yourself.
Farm Enemies: Some areas in the game allow you to farm enemies for experience points. Find spots where enemies respawn and use this opportunity to level up.
Upgrade Your Skills: As you progress, upgrade your weapons, abilities, and stats. This will improve your combat effectiveness and allow you to take on tougher enemies.
8. Knowing Your Next Move
Map and Exploration: Explore different areas of the game to discover resources, enemies, and quests. Use your map to see where to go next and plan your path.
Enemy Patterns: Learn enemy patterns to anticipate their moves. For example, some enemies will charge at you after a specific attack, and knowing this helps you avoid or counter their strikes.
Boss Battles: When facing bosses, study their attack patterns and weaknesses. Time your attacks and dodges to deal the most damage without taking unnecessary risks.
9. Optimize Your Gear and Abilities
Upgrade Weapons: Always keep your weapons upgraded to keep up with tougher opponents. Each upgrade improves your damage and gives you access to new moves.
Equip Soul Jades: As mentioned earlier, Soul Jades help reduce damage and boost certain stats. Equip them strategically to make your character tougher and harder to defeat.
10. React Fast: Understanding Focus & Timing
Blue Focus: Parry the attack to turn the tables.
Purple Focus: Use a dodge or clank to avoid damage, then counter.
Gold Focus: Quickly dodge to avoid being hit, and use this opportunity to attack if you’re in range.
11. Patience and Practice: Becoming a Pro
Practice Combos: Practice different weapon combos and techniques in a safe area or against weaker enemies. The more you practice, the more instinctive these moves will become.
Adapt to Situations: Each combat scenario may require different strategies. Adapt your playstyle based on the enemy and environment, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new moves.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Know Your Limits: In the early stages, it’s important to know when to fight and when to retreat. If you’re low on health, don’t hesitate to back out and heal before re-engaging.
Explore New Areas: Keep advancing through the game’s world and uncover new challenges, rewards, and opportunities for leveling up.
Progress to Harder Challenges: As you level up and unlock new abilities, start taking on tougher enemies and bosses. The more you challenge yourself, the faster you’ll improve.
By following this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of how NRAA works and how to level up faster. The key is to practice, plan your moves carefully, and make smart decisions in both combat and exploration.
Unlock with Patreon
