Riot Games is shaking things up in Teamfight Tactics with the launch of its first-ever progression-based PvE mode. Called Ao Shin’s Ascent, the new limited-time mode arrives on 24 September at 10am PT (3pm ET, 8pm BST, 7am NZST on 25 September), right after the release of patch 15.5. It will only be around until 8 October, at the end of patch 15.6.

⛰️Get ready to climb! ⛰️
Ao Shin’s Ascent is a timerless PvE mode with permanent power progression & the all-new Guide mechanic.

Climb the mountain, save corrupted Little Legends, and push to the summit!

Launches Sept 24 for a limited time. pic.twitter.com/489UvyRvO3

— Teamfight Tactics (@TFT) September 6, 2025

Traditionally, TFT has been all about PvP battles, where eight players pit their strategies against each other in a fight to be the last one standing. But with Ao Shin’s Ascent, Riot is giving players a fresh way to experience the game. This single-player roguelite challenge sees you climbing a mountain, battling waves of enemies and bosses, and unlocking permanent progression through the brand-new Journey Track.

How Ao Shin’s Ascent Works

At its core, the mode is about climbing to the summit while strengthening your board with Augments, items, and Guides. Each run plays out differently, as you’ll be able to:

• Pick your Guide, boss, and difficulty to shape your climb.
• Unlock Guides via the Journey Track, each offering unique powers and strategies. Zoe, for instance, hands out random loot, while bundle-exclusive Battle Queen Gwen unlocks powerful items from across different TFT sets.
• Progress win or lose, as the roguelite system ensures every attempt gets you closer to the top.

Clear the summit with at least 12 Guides and you’ll even claim a free Ao Shin’s Ascent Portal reward.

Bundles and Rewards

Players can also grab themed bundles:

• Guide Pack (575 RP): Includes an emote plus Truth Dragon Yasuo and Battle Queen Gwen as exclusive Guides.
• Mega Bundle (2,780 RP): Packs in both Guides, the emote, two Little Legends (Awakened Ao Shin and Sol Harbinger Ao Shin), and the second K.O. Coliseum Pass Plus.

Riot on Ao Shin’s Ascent

Christina Jiang, Events Product Lead for TFT, described the mode as “our most ambitious PvE experiment yet,” saying it blends the game’s trademark strategy with roguelite chaos. Senior Game Designer Michael “Skip” Scipione added that bosses will evolve with shifting modifiers, making every climb a new story.

For a game that’s already considered the world’s biggest PC strategy title, Ao Shin’s Ascent marks a bold step forward. Whether you’re a seasoned TFT grinder or someone looking for a new challenge, this climb looks like one worth taking.

Ao Shin’s Ascent kicks off 24 September and runs until 8 October, so get ready to test your strategy against the mountain.

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