As the competitive season heats up, Riot Games is rolling out Patch 14.14 for League of Legends, targeting some of the most dominant champions and items in the game. These changes aim to balance the meta and ensure a fair playing field as teams gear up for Worlds 2024.
Mid-Season Balancing Act
Patch 14.14 is a crucial update that arrives at a pivotal moment in the League of Legends calendar. With major leagues entering their summer playoffs and Worlds 2024 on the horizon, Riot Games is focused on maintaining a healthy competitive environment.
This patch addresses some of the most pressing balance issues, particularly concerning midlane dominance and overused items.
Key Champion Nerfs
The most significant changes in this patch involve nerfs to several popular champions who have been dominating their roles.
Tristana
- Base Mana: Increased from 250 to 350.
- Q Mana Cost: Introduced at 50.
- W Mana Cost: Reduced from 60 to 50.
Tristana’s adjustments aim to curb her aggressive playstyle in the midlane, making her less overwhelming in early skirmishes.
Corki
- Base Health: Decreased from 640 to 610.
Corki’s reduced health will make him more vulnerable, balancing his power in midlane trades.
Brand (Jungle)
- E Damage: Decreased from 60-160 to 55-155.
- E Cooldown: Increased from 12-8 seconds to 13-9 seconds.
Brand’s jungle presence is toned down to prevent him from overpowering other jungle champions.
Other Notable Nerfs
- Bel’Veth: Attack range reduced, R bonus attack range adjusted.
- Jax: E cooldown increased.
- Kindred: Q attack speed and AD ratio reduced.
- Lillia: Healing on multiple champions decreased.
- Nidalee: W and E damage in feline form adjusted.
- Rumble: Q damage and minion damage modification adjusted.
- Zyra: Plant and monster damage adjusted.
Champion Buffs
Several champions are receiving buffs to enhance their viability and performance in various roles.
Aphelios
- Gravitum Q Damage: Increased.
- Crescendum Q Damage: Increased.
- Severum Q Damage: Increased.
These buffs are designed to make Aphelios more competitive in the current meta.
Cho’Gath
- Q Damage: Increased.
- E Damage: Increased.
Cho’Gath’s buffs will help him scale better into the late game.
Other Buffed Champions
- Jayce: Q ranged damage increased.
- Sion: W damage adjusted.
- Teemo: Passive conceal timing reduced.
- Zed: Q damage and E cooldown recovery adjusted.
Rune and Item Adjustments
Riot Games is also tweaking runes and items to balance gameplay further.
Lifesteal Runes
- Healing Linear Adjustment: From 2-20 to 1-23, nerfed at levels 1-12, improved at levels 13-18.
Warmog’s Armor
- Passive Health Threshold: Increased from 1300 to 1500.
These changes aim to prevent certain items and runes from becoming overly dominant in the meta.
Neutral Champion Adjustments
A few champions are receiving neutral adjustments to balance their abilities and overall performance.
Aurelion Sol
- Base AD, Q mana cost, W range, and other abilities adjusted for better balance.
Irelia
- Passive attack speed and R cooldown refund adjusted, AD per level reduced.
Hecarim
- Health growth, W duration, healing, and cooldowns adjusted.
Milio
- Passive damage, Q cooldown, range, and shield adjusted, along with a new mana refund mechanic for Q.
Conclusion: Preparing for Worlds 2024
Patch 14.14 introduces substantial changes to League of Legends, aiming to balance the game ahead of Worlds 2024. By addressing dominant champions, overused items, and runes, Riot Games sets the stage for a competitive and exciting end to the season.
LoL: Aurelion Sol Faces Major Nerfs in Patch 14.14 And Riot Plans Compensatory Buffs