League of Legends’ 2024 summer Anima Squad event introduced Swarm: Operation Anima Squad, a limited-time cooperative PvE mode in which up to four players fought waves of Primordians and bosses. Riot scheduled Swarm to run from July 17 through August 19, 2024; it is historical content, and the cited announcements do not confirm a return.
What was Swarm: Operation Anima Squad?
Swarm was a wave-based, “bullet heaven survivor game” set in the Anima Squad alternate universe. Players selected League champions and battled Primordians, including bosses, either alone or in a group of up to four. Riot framed it as a low-pressure alternative mode meant to let friends with different skill levels play together.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Youtooz - League of Legends: Anima Squad Riven | $47.13 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Funko POP! Games: League of Legends - K/DA Ahri | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Funko POP! Games: League of Legends - Ahri | $17.44 | Buy on Amazon |
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Funko POP! Games: League of Legends - K/DA Akali | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Funko POP! Games: League of Legends - Yasuo | $12.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Riot’s development team described its aim this way: “A big part of our design and development philosophy was to create a low-pressure, alternative mode that still feels rewarding to beat.” That was the team’s stated design goal, not a guarantee about every player’s experience.
Runs, weapons, and upgrades
Riot’s July 17 event overview announced nine playable champions and 20 weapons, alongside power-ups and augments. Runs included progression that helped players power up for later attempts. The overview used Glass Cannon—more damage in exchange for less durability—and Ebb and Flow, which changes fire rate, as examples. These announcements describe the mode’s broad systems rather than a complete build guide.
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Riot also stated its goal was that friends who play League could “jump in and enjoy beating up some Primordians together through some good, ol’ fashioned buddy co-op.”
When was Swarm available?
Riot’s Patch 14.14 notes, published July 16, 2024, scheduled Swarm’s launch for July 17 and its end for August 19. The launch time was 15:00 UTC for EUW, EUN, RU, MEA, and TR, and 18:00 UTC for other regions. Riot’s Patch 14.16 notes, published August 13, reminded players that the mode would leave rotation on August 19. The available announcements establish that 2024 run, not a later revival.
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What else was part of the Anima Squad event?
The event paired Swarm with an announced set of Anima Squad skins, plus chromas, borders, emotes, and Event Pass content. Riot’s July 17 overview listed these skins:
- Legendary: Battle Dove Seraphine and Primordian Aatrox.
- Prestige: Prestige Cyber Cat Yuumi and Prestige Battle Lion Leona.
- Mythic Variant: Admiral Battle Bunny Miss Fortune.
- Additional skins: Battle Bat Xayah, Battle Bear Illaoi, Battle Bunny Aurora, Battle Lion Leona, Battle Wolf Yasuo, Cyber Cat Yuumi, Primordian Bel’Veth, Primordian Briar, and Primordian Rek’Sai.
Aurora, newly released at the time, appeared in the alternate universe as Battle Bunny Aurora. Riot’s overview describes the wider cosmetics and event progression in its Anima Squad 2024 event guide.
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- IDEAL COLLECTIBLE SIZE - At approximately 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) tall, this vinyl mini figurine complements other collectable merchandise and fits perfectly in your display case or on your desk.
- PREMIUM VINYL MATERIAL - Made from high-quality, durable vinyl, this collectible is built to last and withstand daily wear, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment for fans and collectors alike.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR LEAGUE OF LEGENDS FANS - Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions and as a present this figurine is a must-have addition to any League of Legends merchandise collection
- EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION - Add this unique Ahri vinyl display piece to your growing assortment of Funko Pop! figures, and seek out other rare and exclusive collectible items for a complete set
- LEADING POP CULTURE BRAND - Trust in the expertise of Funko, the premier creator of pop culture merchandise that includes vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, board games, and more.
Were there physical Anima Squad items?
Yes, Riot documented physical keepsakes at two North American in-person gatherings, but the recap does not establish general retail availability. Its July 18 event recap covers gatherings at Anime Expo in Los Angeles and a Toronto pop-up. Attendees could receive chibi sticker packs, lanyards, and limited print posters commissioned from comic artist Rose Besch; Riot said each in-person event had 200 posters. At the Toronto pop-up, attendees could also try Swarm, create custom character T-shirts, sample themed boba, and open an Anima Squad trading-card pack. The recap documents event activities and giveaways, not items for sale through Riot or a retailer.
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- IDEAL COLLECTIBLE SIZE - At approximately 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) tall, this vinyl mini figurine complements other collectable merchandise and fits perfectly in your display case or on your desk.
- PREMIUM VINYL MATERIAL - Made from high-quality, durable vinyl, this collectible is built to last and withstand daily wear, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment for fans and collectors alike.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR LEAGUE OF LEGENDS FANS - Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions and as a present this figurine is a must-have addition to any League of Legends merchandise collection
- EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION - Add this unique Yasuo vinyl display piece to your growing assortment of Funko Pop! figures, and seek out other rare and exclusive collectible items for a complete set
- LEADING POP CULTURE BRAND - Trust in the expertise of Funko, the premier creator of pop culture merchandise that includes vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, board games, and more.
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- IDEAL COLLECTIBLE SIZE - At approximately 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) tall, this vinyl mini figurine complements other collectable merchandise and fits perfectly in your display case or on your desk.
- PREMIUM VINYL MATERIAL - Made from high-quality, durable vinyl, this collectible is built to last and withstand daily wear, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment for fans and collectors alike.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR LEAGUE OF LEGENDS FANS - Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions and as a present this figurine is a must-have addition to any League of Legends merchandise collection
- EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION - Add this unique Akali vinyl display piece to your growing assortment of Funko Pop! figures, and seek out other rare and exclusive collectible items for a complete set
- LEADING POP CULTURE BRAND - Trust in the expertise of Funko, the premier creator of pop culture merchandise that includes vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, board games, and more.
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