With 2024 drawing to a close, League of Legends is preparing for its final updates of the year. Patch 14.21, set to be released on October 23, brings a significant wave of changes as Riot Games begins to wrap up the season.
With only three patches remaining after this one, the update aims to shake up the meta by making adjustments to over 25 champions, tweaking key systems like map bounties, and balancing a range of runes and items.
Champion Changes: Buffs, Nerfs, and Adjustments
Patch 14.21 delivers substantial changes to a wide variety of champions, with some getting buffs to improve their gameplay and others receiving nerfs to rein in their power.
Champion Buffs
Several champions will benefit from increased stats or improved abilities in this patch, making them more viable in different roles:
- Azir: Gains increased base attack damage (AD) and health regeneration.
- Corki: His passive and W (Valkyrie) see improved damage scaling, and his R (Missile Barrage) gets a buff to damage.
- Gangplank: Mana regeneration and the cooldown on his E (Powder Keg) are improved, allowing for more consistent plays.
- Teemo: Enhanced movement speed on his W (Move Quick), making him even more elusive.
Champion Nerfs
On the other hand, some overperforming champions are being toned down to ensure balance in competitive and casual play:
- Aurelion Sol: His base health is reduced, along with a nerf to his E (Comet of Legend) damage scaling.
- Brand: Mana regeneration is reduced, and the detonation damage of his passive is also toned down.
- Kai’Sa: Several aspects of her passive are weakened, particularly the damage from her plasma stacks and first hit.
Neutral Adjustments
Certain champions receive a mix of changes aimed at balancing their gameplay without making them too powerful or too weak:
- Swain: His E (Nevermove) missile speed is increased, while his R (Demonic Ascension) now casts multiple Demonflare blasts, providing more sustained damage in fights.
Key System and Rune Changes
In addition to champion tweaks, Patch 14.21 introduces important updates to runes and items, which will impact both individual playstyles and overall game dynamics:
- Lethal Tempo: Attack speed per stack is increased, making this rune more effective for champions reliant on sustained damage.
- Nerfs to Items:
- Blade of the Ruined King now deals less on-hit damage based on the target’s current health.
- Sorcerer’s Shoes will offer less magic penetration, affecting mages’ ability to pierce through enemy defenses.
Map Bounties Overhaul
One of the most significant updates in this patch is the change to the map bounty system. Previously, bounties were heavily reliant on the difference in farm between teams.
Now, the contribution from minions and monsters will be taken into account more equitably, and the rewards for kills will be based on total gold earned rather than kill streaks. This update aims to make bounties more fair and relevant across different stages of the game.
Important Changes to Note:
- Over 25 champion updates including buffs, nerfs, and neutral adjustments.
- Rune Buffs: Lethal Tempo sees increased attack speed stacking.
- Item Nerfs: Blade of the Ruined King and Sorcerer’s Shoes get tuned down.
- Map Bounties: Now calculated based on overall gold, not just kill streaks and farming differences.
Conclusion
As League of Legends approaches the end of 2024, Patch 14.21 marks the beginning of the final updates of the season, setting the stage for the last competitive shifts of the year. With changes impacting a wide range of champions, runes, and items, players will need to adapt quickly to the evolving meta.
Whether you’re looking to climb the ranked ladder or just enjoy casual play, this patch introduces important adjustments that will keep the game fresh as we head toward the new year.
Riot Applies Emergency Nerfs to Nilah After LoL Patch 14.20 Boosts Her Power