Udyr, The Spirit Walker | Champion Theme - League of Legends

[@ColmRMcGuinness]

Was an absolute pleasure getting to work with Christine Hals, Kole, Sarah and the Riot team on this! Hope you all enjoy it as much as we all enjoyed making it!

[@safakkaragoz2575]

We love it

[@berkeozcan6455]

@@safakkaragoz2575 yok

[@pepsiman4418]

whos crhistine

[@abd6170]

Somehow, I knew it was you the moment the track started, amazing work as always!

[@06kikas3]

It fits new Udyr so well

[@ChristineHals]

Super grateful to have been co-composing this song with Colm McGuiness this summer. Thank you so much to the Riot team, Kole Hicks and Sarah Blandy for this collaboration. To anyone reading this - please check out the musician credits underneath the video. They did an amazing job giving life to our track!

[@TheXTrunner]

Thanks for helping to craft this masterpiece!

[@ChristineHals]

@@TheXTrunner It was a true pleasure 💕❄✨

[@ozonefoofighters]

Hey, could you tell me what instruments where used in this theme? The nordic feel i get from this is so cool, i know i have heard those instruments before, but idk the names. Amazing theme btw, gonna hear it a lot :3

[@ChristineHals]

@@ozonefoofighters Hey! Thank you! I'm so happy you like it! :) We recorded a bunch of fun Norwegian instruments (and some Bulgarian flutes), but the most prevalent ones are hardanger fiddle, billy buck horn, key harp and hurdy gurdy. The full list of instruments and the names of the musicians are under "Show more" underneath the video :)

[@ozonefoofighters]

@@ChristineHals thank you so much! I didn't knew ut was in there, but definitely will invest in some new flutes :3

[@aurelionsmol715]

Having this theme play while Definitely Not Udyr stares at you is quite the experience

[@quittingcreativity]

He looks so stupid. It's perfect.

[@cupidok2768]

What god is the tiger

[@DerMulwurf]

@@cupidok2768 it's not a tiger anymore, it's Volibear now

[@cupidok2768]

@@DerMulwurf bear ram bird. What's missing

[@gerihuginn2143]

@@cupidok2768 boar

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

One of the most majestic themes so far, not only does it perfectly fit Udyr, but it perfectly captures the “wild/viking warrior-like” sound of other Freljordian themes. I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s exactly the type of music you’d hear from a cold and harsh place like Freljord. It just fits.

[@yuukikun194]

Yeah it's good but my top 1 and 2 still pantheon's theme and jhin's theme those were legendaries in my taste

[@daigonnasema]

The old one feel really odd ngl

[@luith4life140]

"You're a demi-god Harry" -Hagrid, Spirit Walker

[@OhMercyMe]

ive been an udyr main for 10 years and this is honestly really hitting me in the heart. its been good times, Homeless Fast Man.

[@thebigstink1422]

"Homeless Fast Man" made me laugh more than I'm willing to admit

[@Mwoonster]

I can't express how happy I am that our hobo boy finally got a redemption. Now he's looking better than ever with his gigachad dad bod. And I also love how his abilities are now based on Frejoridan gods. Wonder if the God based on his W will be added to riot as a champ. Can't wait to see Udyr's awesomeness in game.

[@ThyFloorestFloor]

There’s a LoR card that depicts the Iron Boar, or at least one of their avatars.

[@jamesfryer8555]

The Iron Boar is referenced heavily in the lore, it is the god that Tryndamere's old tribe worshipped before being shunted off their mortal coil by Aatrox. It is also some what feature in Legends of Runeterra.

[@AppleBaron]

@@ThyFloorestFloor It's confirmed that noar in LoR isn't an Iron Boar.

[@cf7423]

they might aswell add the iron boar as a character in game. the other 3 gods are playable.

[@Grimdock]

Ur punny

[@callmeyandii]

I LOVE that Spirit Guardian is a homage to the original Udyr with the Tiger, Turtle, Bear, and Phoenix stance! 🐅 🐢 🐻 🦅

[@cosipurple]

And it ties in so nicely with the theme! Since Spirit Guardian is supposed to be Udyr at it's fully realized self, he going from the Freljord gods to his own stances and pantheon of spirit animals truly sells the fantasy of him being a true master of his own power.

[@snowpegasi]

@@cosipurple the new Udyr is him coming back from Ionia and reconnecting with the spirits of the Freljord after his training with Lee Sin, Spirit Guard is him connecting with Ionian spirits, there was a whole comic leading up to his rework about him realizing he has forgotten his Freljordian roots, and setting out to reconnect with them.

[@2222Kai2222]

@@snowpegasi very cool! It’s always nice when changes like those to Udyr are explained and logical rather than just random and out of nowhere

[@sphynxilly5871]

I love how it combines the ideas of Ornn and Volibear (in terms of their themes). You can definitely tell it has that Freljordian touch!

[@axelpetersson5787]

it takes inspiration from Ornn, volibear, anivia, the iron boar, and the seal sister

[@atocanboi409]

yeah, while the melody is much more in line with Volibear, the rhythm and forge sounds are Ornn's, which suggests the Ram is allowing him to control the Bear inside him

[@curvedpixel7325]

and Anivia and Boar the fourth god

[@ridori7376]

@@axelpetersson5787 3 of those don't have themes though

[@kamdenfinlyfilms]

not gonna mention anivia:(

[@BartixShieldsmen]

If Skarner's rework looks half as good as this then I cannot wait to see what the pull off for him next year, Udyr is finally the badass dad of league of legends that he deserves to be.

[@wabalaka1565]

I think game play matter more than the look of course they shave have the standard of new champion not the pixel model Riot use foe the last decades

[@Saddawg-cz7yw]

Skarner visually doesn't feel that outdated, but his design could use some improvements, honestly I find his moveset is pretty decent despite what others say definitely looking forward to his new design

[@escarnertrolo5651]

2 years later, how you like Skarner's new appearance?

[@golemofwill4728]

He really feels like a character from Darksiders now, which is awesome. His burly look is a lot more interesting than some of the himbos as of late. Glad to see this character get the love he deserves. And if peta asks, that rework is fake.

[@obkf-too]

Nice reference there, It will be remembered.

[@jennytulls6369]

I honestly love how he's built. It's not only unique, making Udyr's look more memorable, but I imagine a layer of fat helps in surviving in the cold, given Udyr is in the Frejlord

[@voiavictor]

All the new frejlord gods look like they could fit into a darksiders game.

[@adnox383]

Exactly my thought, glad people also see it. This song sounds like something that would play as you ride your horse through the valley as Death

[@mpoumpoukara099]

A Freljordian touch of Orn's, Volibear's and Braum's themes combined with Witcher game soundtrack vibes. Couldn't ask for something better honestly, I'm in love

[@brightlove8830]

Always excited for the champion themes

[@phoenixflamegames1]

Definitely. Riot music team is the best team they’ve got imo

[@brightlove8830]

@@phoenixflamegames1 the few goods about riot. The music will never disappoint

[@Digala02]

@@phoenixflamegames1 the animation and design team are close second place tho. I mean you can't disagree, for the songs the animations are genius, and for example Mundo attacking the towers with headbutts is genius. As long as they are not female champions, of course

[@blackstyxx]

And the concept arts! ^-^

[@kraylis1]

This has to 100% be in the fighting game. Make him into a stance character

[@roughnegg6615]

Pretty sure he will be featured in FG

[@savapetkov1315]

To all the people wandering, he isnt built like a hobo he is built like a strongman.(just like how he is in the lore)

[@emadhafiz3507]

He is still homeless though

[@frensilkie8769]

He’s homeless and doesn’t take showers though

[@user-sz9vt4sd7y]

Stronghobo

[@MightyMax-021]

then explain why is he sleeping in my backyard?

[@lefteron6804]

It's dry.

Throat Singing, Nyckelharpas, even Bukkehorns ... this is all I needed, all I wanted to experience the true Freljord feeling. Couldn't be happier.

[@ChristineHals]

So happy you like it! We went above and beyond to find great musicians and unique instrument combinations :)

[@eggbrgr]

Applause to the Riot music and design team for making Udyr more badass and majestic, although I do enjoy that he's got quite the dad bod.

[@TakahataStrify]

i absolutely adore how Definitely Not Udyr looks like now, he's majestically goofy

[@theintruder6085]

@@TakahataStrify he looked handsome in the old definitely not udyr, splash art but now he looks goofy i mean i dont mind it

[@ryou83170]

It's not really "dad bod". It's a Strongman body type; Heavy and Tough. For Udyr, it is way cooler.

[@EliteGi]

I'd hate that to be a dad bod. I'll have a grandad bod by 30 if that's the case!

[@sucklemecockles541]

Yeah man. I wish the balance team was as good as the music and design team.

[@RuzzNP]

Idk if the "cameras" at 2:09 were meant to be in the video but that was VERY cool to see how camera work is done in animation. Please show us more behind the scenes behind the scenes.

[@antemedon]

They totally weren't meat to be there. QA had no idea what was happening so they gave it a pass.

[@RuzzNP]

@@antemedon It was such a quick clip I was like whoa we were not supposed to see that. It was like seeing someone photoshop a picture, you just don't see the process.

[@rigglethedrake9040]

Freljordian themes are always « Cool »

[@deflygendehaiene8298]

My guy you are 1 minute in

[@Morec0]

You deserve nothing for this pun, but I love it so I'll like anyway.

[@ClementineSCP]

literally commented before clicking play lmao

[@beni_802]

I don`t know Udyr`s lore so until now I thought he is from Ionia LOL

[@kbmkillerwolf1288]

The Viking feel is what does it for me

[@jahjah7940]

Majestic. I have been waiting for the udyr rework since 2016. The time has finally come, and i couldn’t have imagined a better outcome!

[@barrelhater5353]

Came for the theme, stayed for the concept art. Goddang surprises me everytime what a good creative force can accomplish

[@buliwyfZrage]

The Champion that made me fall in love with League of Legends all the way back a decade ago.

[@tyr7910]

Started the game with the old Udyr from which I was kinda close physically. Manly and Strong. I'm now closer in my life to the new udyr. Hairy with a dad belly x)

[@rookrac7068]

Bro you brought so much life into a character that was really lacking and I’ve gone above and beyond, will definatly be trying the giga chad out

[@SheppardLoL]

Happy I got to work on this with an incredible team 😁 lets go daddy udyr!

[@jeroen-lta]

As an full fledged udyr main since s2, I can only aprove. He is now how i've always saw him is as. Love this. For a first in a while for me. Thanks rito

[@vxxiii4160]

Can't believe you guys actually managed to make Udyr a MMA fighter shaman so seamlessly like you said

[@julianusapostata6677]

Love the new Design. Hes one of my all time fvorites. I played him 12years ago for the first time. Now i'm old and really look into the Design more and more. The reworks are always something I'm scared about but Sion, Fiddle and Udyr are all so well done. It's amazing

[@joshbolack7797]

The dad bod rep is insane and I love it

[@Ian_StoryhammerForge]

Anyone remember how Gangplank's theme was dubbed by the community as the definitive theme for bilgewater? For me, This theme is the exact same, but for Freljord. Riot has been NAILING it on these past few themes! Keep up the good work!

[@atocanboi409]

as much as I miss the animated loading screens, showing us the concept art is honestly almost better

[@xXEndermanManXx]

Animated loading screens still exist

[@lavaguava2648]

i dont play udyr but im still hyped for this. love seeing an old crusty champ get a clean new look. also cant wait for skarner.

[@supremeoverlordvader5552]

Freljordian music never disappoints, Howling Abyss, Braum, Nunu and William, then Ornn and Volbear and now Udyr. Only I wish Riot would hire some Scandinavian singer to make lyrics for this theme. That would be a real banger.

[@saruexe]

Man said nunu and william

[@Samburá95]

Nunu & William, my main

[@notthalis9545]

@@saruexe You don't know about the dynamic duo? That's unfortunate. Nunu and William dominated in the mid lane for quite a while with their roaming plays and their unstoppable early waveclear.

[@ridenberg]

They did hire one for Ornn teaser though

[@peon6938]

not thalis we still exist in a forgotten land..

[@skyereave9454]

You can also hear some eastern instruments throughout to call back to his connection to Ionia. Very beautifully done.

[@ligit2758]

Exactly. And they don't oppress the Freljord themes but rather uplift them. He's still a wild spirit of the North but instead of conquering that savagery, he guides it.

[@jsc1jake512]

I look forward to two things when new champs/reworks come out. 1. Lore 2. Champion Theme

[@XMalcolmX]

They should rework udyr again he look so fat and also they just combining 3 champions in one udyr gragas and lee sin. and he look fatty than normal udyr.

[@Petilver]

Same, but just add design in there too and that would be me :D

[@delghatto7315]

Main thing I love about this design is that they took more of a highlander design with his body. Got the strongman look with the gut and all. Glad he looks grizzled and not a pretty boy.

[@javiermemphiz7694]

As a Udyr main, the part of the old splash arts makes me emotional

[@theintruder6085]

Same man the good old days are gonna be missed

[@06kikas3]

Same

[@imverythirsty3967]

@@theintruder6085and these times will never come back:c

[@innerhaku6784]

@@imverythirsty3967 they may never come back but just like udyr we gotta improve and keep going on

[@EvilGrimNA]

I honestly thought the new Definitely Not Udyr splash was a troll lol

[@Andmau2552]

That last chronologic progression gave me chills

[@umcamperdesniper5746]

Bro this is so sick, well done riot. The concepts are crazy

[@ge1ster886]

Freljordian and Shadow Isles themes are literally so perfect, it's not even fair.

[@RuneKingOleifr]

Im very excited for when he goes live. But Riot, this is not an excuse to continue to not give us new Freljord champs. The most recent was Ornn in 2017

[@kirill1052]

The boar-thing from Udyr's W might be coming

[@Codetay]

@@kirill1052 that is the Freljordian god Ildhaurg. He has a card in Legends of Runeterra

[@damionoverlord]

@@Codetay The card "Wrath of the freljord" was confirmed to not be the Iron Boar.

[@Greendude26]

Freljord is my favorite region, cant wait to hang there all the time in the MMO

[@ApexGale]

to be fair Freljord has received the most reworks in recent time. Nunu, Volibear, Udyr. And Tryndamere is high on the priority list too

[@Phantomfox06]

2:56 this udyr splashart looks like my dad when I say "I was bullied at school"

[@calinilie8564]

The fact that this theme is a combination between Ornn and Volibear s themes makes it even better

[@SolaceOfSpace]

Everyone saying Ornn and Voli, but you have to acknowledge the Anivia as well, only one that's not a good is the turtle

[@icecreamcake5381]

@@SolaceOfSpace they removed the turtle, it's now the iron boar (their other sibling). I think only Spirit Guard Udyr has the old spirits.

[@SolaceOfSpace]

@@icecreamcake5381 Oh, I don't know how I haven't realized it was changed from a Turtle, good to know about the Boar

[@MiriamMillen]

Incredible and beautiful! I am so excited for @ChristineHals that she was able to work on this and provide vocals. I'm looking forward to hearing more!

[@bx__xd]

I love how you mix concept art with a wonderful theme, I get to learn how was the process for his rework

[@Aviencloud]

Udyr reminds me strongly of Wim Hof- anyways really love the musical journey it takes me 😌

[@herc1067]

Yeah especially that meditating in the snow scene, he was the first person that came to mind.

[@KARADTZ]

Man looking at how the old splash art makes me so nostalgic. Different times

[@alecchristiaen4856]

Seeing that Colm McGuinness helped make this makes me happy.

[@stainedclass4588]

i love how his natural pose it looks like he is gonna do some sick dance moves

[@altide8784]

Love the music, Rito never disappoints in this department

[@MajesticAxel]

2:29 im watching the video without sound... and that change with the face was just too funny

[@spub1031]

I was honestly expecting this theme to be more chaotic with Udyr's constant fight over control of his mind but this expresses Udyr and Freljord in a much better way. Can't wait to enjoy my main in a new way

[@kaitogirldraws]

you have to consider he's hardened his mind in ionia, I think he's gotta be one of the more balanced spirit walkers in the entire freljord

[@iByPolar]

New udyr feels good, thank you riot for giving udyr the rework that he deserved

[@samifranco5541]

man these concep arts for the splash art and others...i have no words theyre truly inspiring

[@darkniinja1241]

I know everyone is exited for it, me too. But I'm also sad..... I just loved how Udyr was (his gameplay, his art....). I know sometimes it's just time for a change, and I'm happy that he'll get much attention in the next months and his play rate is higher than before. But I'm gonna miss him.... It's time for a goodbye Buddy........

[@sacha9957]

Thankfully, it feels pretty close to the original Udyr and a VGU. I'd even argue that they gave a bigger emphasis on his identity. In game he's gonna look less like a ps2 drunk hobo, and more like a battle hardened, druid-like badass from freljord.

[@Fer-no1te]

​@@sacha9957 yeah but the silly model and animations had their charm, it looked so funny when he ran at you

[@raphaelnej8387]

the most hyping champion just looking at him gives goosebumps Sett is really badass on his in game animations jinx, jhin, rengar, lee sin, brand, renata, these champs have very neat animations and visually fit their identity. Udyr will be one of them

[@Orionuki]

It’s been a long time but this is absolutely worth the wait

[@giorgioiamoni3606]

Would be great if they could also give a shoutout to the artists individually (if they'd be happy with it of course). This seems as much a celebration of the artists, 3D, score people as it is of Udyr. Looks great guys

[@justineortaleza]

As an Udyr one-trick for atleast 8 seasons, I'll truly miss his double dot.

[@kawaiidesu8864]

2:40 the in sync transitions is so cool

[@frostlyspark5842]

The part at 2:50 kinda tugged my heart strings. Look at our dude grow

[@Danny-hu9tv]

same experience. The grow and glow he deserves

[@Greendude26]

New dyr. same God.

[@fromia1]

This theme gets better each time I listen to it.

[@arnaudbrz4161]

2:01 the chills omg the last part of the theme is a banger 🔥

[@tans117]

Udyr giving me some norse shaman vibes & straight out of Horizon Zero Dawn. We all love our melee speedy boy & I am glad to see so many people appreciate the art and design that goes behind all these characters over the years even if you don't play the game anymore or once in a while.

[@DylanGosseye]

I'm so glad that Udyr's rework gives us some insight on how the Iron Boar looks like and how he would play if added. I hope he makes it into the game since the freljordian demigods are my favourite characters design-wise.

[@kailet1997]

Maybe he will be the promised monster champion?

[@DylanGosseye]

@@kailet1997 i hope so hahha

[@MrIngal]

YOOOOOWWWWW THAT WAS SICK

[@LoonaVanza]

This is gonna be good, i really like how his abilies are based on these god

[@cupidok2768]

What god is the turtle

[@trontr]

@@cupidok2768 no turtle anymore, it's Iron Boar now

[@cupidok2768]

@@trontr what god is boar

[@redditglance]

@@cupidok2768 boar god

[@HyperPico87]

@@cupidok2768 The god tryndameres people worship. not an champ (yet, maybe in the future)

[@jamesdoanecompositions]

Awesome!! I love all the concept art in the video as well.

[@thechairman1317]

If he doesn't have new voicelines for Sejuani I'm gonna be so upset. Other than that this was definetly worth the wait, finally a good "new" champ this year

[@MisterPlague]

Why Sejuani? More like with the Freljord gods and Lee Sin

[@HotBread213]

@@MisterPlague it is implied in the lore that udyr is sej's father, and she doesnt know it

[@Wolfyyy]

@@MisterPlague bruh.. adopted daughter.

[@whatiathatdogdoingfr]

@@HotBread213 is it implied? I thought it just straight up says he's the father

[@EligorArgentum]

He her sworn father. A Freljord thing, as he is the Man that assumed the responsabilitie but dosent mean he is part of the family unless Sej wants it to be. But theories say that he may be her actual biological father. As she never knew her dad, and her mon knew udyr as very close friends.

[@Russell8ii57]

Its never a disappointment when it comes to frejlordian champion themes now we need a theme for anivia

[@DimaStarz]

Outstanding music, outstanding concept art

[@LootandScoot]

The Gnaal at 1:48 gave me goosebumps

[@AsDerouxWoofWolf]

It kinda feels like getting a new champion instead, with how vastly different yet oddly familiar Udyr's skills were on the teaser. That, coupled with the fact that they also did a redesign on his model. This will be fun- I wonder how much weight the rework can do to the meta as of now.

[@myonlyfunslol6204]

This is very exciting, can't wait to get new information about Udyr

[@xXDARK4RXx]

I only ask one thing of you Riot, please have him tell dad jokes to Sejuani in-game

[@phish9244]

god the music team never ceases to amaze me!!!!

[@captaingrorud6645]

He looks so much like a dad, and it’s awesome! Finally we get another champion with a body that doesn’t look starved.

[@alfiekatok1]

true

[@antemedon]

That's a strongman body. Idk why people keep saying it's a dad bod. That's the body of true muscle power and not what powerlifters and body builders have.

[@Nevaeh_Archangel]

I’m actually really glad they tossed the antlers idea

[@Moonboy65]

very nice, definitely fitting for Udyr hope Ahri's champion theme will be good

[@Lucasspich]

what do you mean?

[@vxxiii4160]

I think they're doing a VU for Ahri later on, but I think it's gonna just be that. No gameplay update or a full relaunch, just how Kassadin got his old model replaced without too much fanfare

[@Moonboy65]

@@vxxiii4160 Ahri's getting a Caitlyn level update, and even then Cait also got a champion theme

[@some_other_time6239]

Definietly Not fitting for Udyr 2:27

[@XMalcolmX]

Yeah very nice changing normal udyr to fat udyr good game.

[@xcm_lol]

Always excited for the champion themes!!!!!

[@malcolmbadmus1505]

Haven't listen to it but I already know it is going to be amazing

[@cubancavalier3051]

New Udyr looks like he’d crack me like a glow stick with a whole spirit auditorium cheering him on

[@lorenzoditerlizzi1643]

finally a champion from freijlord who doesen't have six pack, i love his design, his manlyness is pantheon-level

[@MrLiakun]

Udyr's music theme was seen more than 800 000 times for less than a month. Nilah struggle to reach 400K for 2 month now xD

[@tardarsauce1842]

I'm loving the Celtic or viking music vibes from this

[@RastakhanFromdeOtherSide]

Im so happy with this dream comming true

[@MrLolguy93]

IT'S THE DYR BABY THE GODDYR

[@sayjii]

love how they gave the spirit guard udyr the original spirits but now with godly powers

[@ozonefoofighters]

I really need to know what instruments where used to make this theme, specially the one at the start. I have heard it also in "the islander" by nightwish, it sounds so nordic

[@awesomeguydj8810]

You can see in the credits what instruments were used by who, though it doesn't break it down by part or anything.

[@0m3GAARS3NAL]

I started playing League of Legends when Spirit Guard Udyr came out, and after all this time I finally get to see my man get a much needed facelift. I'm excited to try him out again.

[@duckwack7562]

Greatest theme ever released, also GIVE BASE UDYR MORE DETAILS!

[@kynehlscottmisajon8523]

subjectively the best rework I've seen to date

[@SingingNuke]

I quite fancy this theme 💖

[@moqmoqmoqmoq]

This music is stunning

[@fin-as-drago9479]

Call out to the wilds, riot has released the true modern Udyr. What all reworks should be.

[@obkf-too]

That was before the current day, when he returned from Ionia he came back to embrace the wild spirits. So he is not as civilized and soft as back then. Anyways, tomorrow will read his newest updates and story.

[@OnyxOblivion]

The man. The myth. The legend of the Freijord. What a glow up.

[@a.flores6268]

Grande riot haciendo un personaje igual que sus jugadores me siento identificado

[@lumasekrack4297]

Yo y los ligo leyens cuando toca hacer cosplay: *se disfraza de Udyr*

[@thrustfrombehind9869]

Finally I dont have to stare at those old animations anymore

[@ThisWasAMistake007]

Give udyr his unique hairstyles back for Spirit Guardian

[@DusKnight7th]

Udyr has in game when forms are fully evolved and awakened.

[@diegotorresaponte1443]

Seeing his old splash art made me cry 😭