League of Legends is set to see significant changes in its upcoming Patch 14.15, with notable buffs to several ability power (AP) items. Players who favor AP champions will have more viable options as Cosmic Drive, Hextech Rocketbelt, and Stormsurge receive considerable enhancements.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes and their implications.
Buffs to Key AP Items
In the latest Patch 14.15 preview, Lead Developer Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison revealed that the upcoming update will include substantial buffs to several key AP items. This decision follows a period of heavy reliance on a few specific items, leading to less diversity in itemization and gameplay strategies for AP champions.
- Cosmic Drive: This item will see an increase in base health and an enhanced movement speed bonus after dealing AP damage. These changes aim to make Cosmic Drive a more attractive option for champions who benefit from additional mobility and survivability.
- Hextech Rocketbelt: Players can expect an additional 100 base health from this item. This adjustment is intended to address its current standing compared to other AP items and encourage its use in a variety of builds.
- Stormsurge: The item will now provide an extra 10 percent passive movement speed and a five percent increase in ranged damage. These buffs are designed to make Stormsurge a more competitive choice for certain AP champions.
- Void Staff: This item will also receive a boost with an extra five ability power, enhancing its overall effectiveness in AP builds.
Reasoning Behind the Changes
Phroxzon explained that these buffs aim to restore balance among various magic items, particularly in response to the dominance of Liandry’s Torment. The update seeks to encourage a broader selection of items in builds, reducing the tendency to default to Liandry’s Torment for AP champions.
Interestingly, despite the buffs to other items, Patch 14.15 will not include any nerfs to Liandry’s Torment or Blackfire Torch. Riot Games is focusing on adjusting other items to balance the gameplay without drastically changing the effectiveness of these popular items.
Impact on Gameplay and Diversity
The intention behind these buffs is to foster greater item diversity and potentially shift the meta. By improving less favored items, Riot Games hopes to create more varied team compositions and strategies, particularly in the jungle role. This could lead to a more dynamic and diverse competitive scene as players explore different builds and playstyles.
Additional Changes in Patch 14.15
Aside from the AP item buffs, Patch 14.15 will also bring some changes to the Arena mode’s Koi Pond and address various bugs affecting the Swarm. These updates are part of Riot Games’ ongoing efforts to enhance gameplay experience and maintain balance across the game.
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