League of Legends’ mid-lane monarch, Azir, has always stood out with his unique ability to command soldiers to do his bidding. Now, a significant update slated for patch 13.23 is poised to revolutionize his item build and potentially his dominance in the game.
The Wielder of Soldiers
Azir’s signature ability, his W – Arise!, calls upon the loyalty of Shurima’s sand warriors to strike at his foes. Historically, these soldiers did not apply on-hit item effects, leading to an interesting paradox: the Nashor’s Tooth, an item that provides bonus magic damage on hit, has been a core part of his build without directly influencing his soldier’s attacks.
The Pivot in Build Philosophy
The upcoming changes in patch 13.23 will see Azir’s soldiers apply on-hit effects at a reduced efficiency, specifically 50% of the damage (100% in the Howling Abyss). This adjustment opens up a new realm of strategic itemization, including Nashor’s Tooth’s full utility and potentially other on-hit effect items like Guinsoo’s Rageblade and Lich Bane.
Patch 13.23: Azir’s Adjustments
Key Changes to His W
- W now applies on-hit effects for 50% damage (100% in ARAM).
- Base damage of W reduced from 50 – 118 to 50 – 110.
- Damage per level of W reduced from 2 – 92 (at levels 10 – 18) to 2 – 77 (at levels 10 – 18).
- AP ratio of W reduced from 60% to 55%.
These modifications signify a seismic shift for Azir, curtailing his early game and scaling power but substantially boosting his late-game potential. This could entice Azir mains to adapt to a more late-game oriented playstyle, maximizing the newfound synergy between his soldiers and on-hit effects.
Lich Bane: The New Core?
With the ability to trigger Lich Bane’s passive with his soldiers, Azir could deal devastating blows in rapid succession. If this interaction works as theorized, the emperor could command the battlefield with an unseen level of damage output, especially when each of his sand warriors can potentially activate the item’s effect.
Conclusion: Azir’s New Era
The upcoming patch heralds an era where Azir may see a resurgence in both competitive play and solo queue. Players should experiment with the new build paths and adapt their strategies accordingly. As the meta evolves, so too must our understanding of the Shuriman emperor’s potential.
Azir enthusiasts, prepare for a new dawn as the sands of Shurima shift beneath your feet, and the emperor arises anew, more powerful than ever.