All Random All Mid (ARAM) used to be a game mode played by players in custom game lobbies using the Proving Grounds map. After seeing how many players enjoyed this, Riot Games decided to make it into an official game mode. It is a PVP game mode where players are given randomly chosen champions and fight in a single lane on the Howling Abyss.

To start, create a lobby and click "ARAM" instead of Summoner's Rift and queue up as you normally would. Once you enter champion select, you'll notice that you can't pick your character. The game randomly chooses your character for you. However, you have many options at your disposal.

As you can see, the layout is quite similar to normal Summoner's Rift! You can trade champions that you own or that are available with other teammates. If the champion is greyed out, you can't select that champion. Aside from this, there are some notable differences.

1 - Available Champions: When any player rerolls a champion for a new one, the champion they had before the reroll appears in the 'Available Champions' area. Anyone can select a champion from this area if they don't like the one they currently have. However, that champion must need to either be on free rotation or the player needs to own that champion.

2 - Skin Boost: This isn't exclusive to this game mode, but if you purchase a Skin Boost (95 RP), it gives every player one skin for the champion they have currently selected. However, the skin is randomly chosen. Additionally, the player that activated the skin boost gains 200 Blue Essence (BE) and teammates receive 100 BE. If someone dodges the game, the RP is refunded.

3 - Rerolls: If you don't like the champion you were randomly assigned, you can reroll them. Every player can have a max of two Rerolls. A reroll is given every 250 points. You can get these points when you finish a game of ARAM. The amount of points gained is based on how many champions you own and those that are available during the free rotation. Keep in mind that you do not gain points if you AFK or leave during the game!

4 - Little Legends: These are extra cosmetic pets that have no impact on the game aside from how they look. There are many ways to get a little legend!

Mark/Dash Summoner Spell

Often referred to as snowball, Mark/Dash is a summoner spell that can only be found on the Howling Abyss map. Mark is the first part of the spell and allows you to throw a snowball in a certain direction. If you hit a minion or champion, they become marked. You can reactivate the spell and dash towards your target. You can make a lot of cool plays using this summoner spell!

The Map

Unlike Summoner's Rift which has three lanes and a jungle, the Howling Abyss is one linear lane. The objective is still the same - kill every structure in front of you to destroy the Nexus. However, this game mode is very unique and you can find yourself confused if you aren't somewhat familiar with its features.

There are many increased stats in ARAM to make the game progress faster. When you enter the game, you'll notice that you start at level 3. You can put points in all three of your main abilities! Additionally, you'll notice factors such as your gold or experience increase at a faster rate. ARAM is not meant to drag out into the 40 minute mark like Summoner Rift games, but it's possible! In fact, you can unanimously surrender at 8 minutes. Otherwise, you can surrender at 12 minutes if the majority of the players agree to it.

Health Relics

Unlike Summoner's Rift, you can't return to the fountain to buy items, gain health, or to gain mana. The only way to do this is to die. There are four health relics across the lane. Each side has two - an inner health relic and an outer health relic. When a player walks on the relic, they regain health and players in the surrounding area can gain health and mana. The outer health relics appear at 1:45 and the inner health relics appear at 2:30. The relics spawn every 90 seconds after they're picked up. If you aren't sure, there's a timer for the relics when you press 'Tab'. I'd recommend using the 'Assist Me' ping to let players know that you'd like for everyone to gather on it.

ARAM Exclusive Items

Upon respawning, you are also able to buy items. Guardian's Hammer, Guardian's Horn, and Guardian's Orb are items that are exclusive to ARAM. They're great starter items if you're unsure of what to build. Keep in mind that you can't buy multiple Guardian's items. Additionally, there are some items that you find in Summoner's Rift that you won't find in ARAM!

Guardian's Hammer

• +20 attack damage, +150 health, +10% life steal

Guardian's Horn

• +150 health +20 health per 5 seconds
• UNIQUE: Blocks 12 damage from all champions sources (3 damage vs. damage over time abilities).

Guardian's Orb

• +35 ability power, +150 health, +10 mana per 5 seconds
  
  

GLHF!

Good luck and have fun out there! ARAM is considered to be a more relaxing matchmaking mode due to its RNG variables. Don't be afraid to try something out that's non-meta like AP Kai'Sa. Just remember to be mindful of other people and don't intentionally try to ruin the game for your teammates!