CDR, short for cooldown reduction, was the former stat that decreased a champion’s ability cooldowns by a percentage. Players could obtain CDR from items, runes, and buffs, and it generally capped at 40 or 45 percent depending on the build. CDR did not affect certain fixed cooldowns or targeted mechanics unless explicitly stated, which made it more limited than modern systems.
Since Season 11, CDR has been replaced by Ability Haste, a stat that scales differently and offers more flexible cooldown scaling. Despite this change, many players still use the term CDR informally when referring to lowering ability cooldowns. Understanding old CDR concepts can still be useful when discussing legacy builds, comparing historical patch changes, or evaluating how often key CD windows occur during fights. Reduced cooldowns remain important for champions who rely on frequent spell usage, mobility, or reliable CC application.