Riot Games is making a significant change to Skarner, a champion whose rework has caused issues in the competitive scene. This update will remove a crucial mechanic that has been widely utilized in professional play.
The Impact of Skarner’s Rework
Skarner’s rework, introduced in Patch 14.08, was meant to rejuvenate the champion with new abilities and mechanics. However, the rework brought about challenges, as Skarner’s newfound power proved difficult to balance. From his debut, the champion disrupted the meta, especially in the top lane.
Dominance in Competitive Play
One particular mechanic, Ixtali Impact (E), allowed Skarner to catch opponents off guard and stun them by slamming them into walls. This ability quickly became a favorite among top laners in both casual and professional matches, leading to a spike in Skarner’s usage and success rate.
Reasons Behind the Removal
The effectiveness of Ixtali Impact made Skarner a dominant force, prompting Riot to reconsider its inclusion. David “Riot Phreak” Turley discussed the mechanic in a video review of Patch 14.14, highlighting the decision to remove it. Riot aimed to prevent Skarner from overshadowing other champions and to maintain a balanced competitive environment.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Riot’s decision was influenced by the perceived failure of similar games, such as Warner Bros.’ MultiVersus. The developers wanted to avoid releasing a champion that could potentially destabilize the game’s balance, especially after witnessing how Skarner’s rework had already required multiple adjustments.
Upcoming Changes and Future Plans
The removal of Ixtali Impact will significantly impact Skarner’s performance, particularly in the top lane. This change is expected to reduce his win rate in professional play, where the mechanic was heavily relied upon. Riot is also tweaking other aspects of the champion to ensure he remains viable for a broader range of players.
Broadening Skarner’s Appeal
While Skarner has shown strong results among high-level players, Riot aims to make him more accessible and balanced for the general player base. The upcoming changes are part of a broader strategy to refine champions and ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all.
Conclusion
Riot Games’ decision to remove Skarner’s Ixtali Impact (E) in the next patch reflects their commitment to maintaining balance and fairness in League of Legends. This change will address Skarner’s dominance in competitive play while opening opportunities for further adjustments to keep the champion enjoyable for all players.
Stay updated with the latest patch notes to see how these changes will affect Skarner and the overall meta in League of Legends.
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