Patch 14.18 brings significant changes to League of Legends as Riot Games prepares for the highly anticipated Worlds 2024. This patch focuses on balancing champions and adjusting items to create a more competitive environment, with particular emphasis on ADCs, mages, and meta-defining champions.
Key Champion Nerfs
Several champions that have dominated recent play received nerfs to bring more diversity to champion picks:
- Azir saw a reduction in the damage of his ultimate Emperor’s Divide, reducing its burst potential from 200/400/600 to 175/325/475, along with lower AP scaling. This is aimed at lessening Azir’s oppressive presence in the mid-lane.
- Miss Fortune, a frequent pick in both casual and pro play, had her base attack damage reduced from 55 to 53. This decreases her lane dominance and overall impact in games.
- Nasus faced nerfs to his Spirit Fire (E), where both its initial and damage-over-time (DoT) values were lowered, making him a less threatening poke option in mid-lane.
- Rumble was also hit with nerfs, seeing reductions in the damage and scaling of his Flamespitter (Q) and Electro Harpoon (E), weakening his laning phase.
Champion Buffs
On the other hand, several underused champions were buffed to make them more viable:
- Ahri‘s Charm received increased damage, enhancing her role in mid-lane.
- Jinx got a boost to her attack speed, growing from 1 to 1.4, improving her scaling and making her a stronger late-game hyper-carry.
- Shen had his passive shield from Ki Barrier improved, increasing his tankiness and utility in fights.
Major Item Changes
Significant adjustments were made to core items, especially those used by ADCs and mages:
- Bloodthirster received a lifesteal nerf, reduced from 18% to 15%, along with a weaker shield, diminishing its effectiveness for ADCs.
- Fleet Footwork healing for ranged champions was also reduced, limiting sustain in lane and forcing ADC players to consider alternative build paths.
- Luden’s Companion got a buff, increasing its AP from 95 to 100 and reducing its cost, making it a more attractive option for mages.
- Shadowflame had its magic penetration increased, enhancing the burst potential of AP champions.
System Adjustments
Beyond champion and item tweaks, Patch 14.18 introduced systemic changes to game flow:
- Turret Plates now grant more resistance as they are destroyed, making early pushes riskier and promoting more strategic gameplay.
- Turret Fortifications offer increased damage reduction before the 5-minute mark, further discouraging aggressive early-game turret dives.
Impact on the Meta
This patch is poised to shake up the competitive scene leading into Worlds 2024. With nerfs targeting overused champions like Azir and Miss Fortune, and buffs designed to elevate champions like Jinx and Ahri, we can expect shifts in champion picks, strategies, and item builds. ADCs will need to adapt by exploring new builds that compensate for the nerfs to sustain-based items like Bloodthirster and Fleet Footwork.
In essence, Patch 14.18 brings comprehensive balance adjustments, ensuring that professional and casual players alike enter the next phase of competition on a more even playing field.
0 Comments