Jayce’s tank build has gained significant traction in pro play, prompting Riot Games to introduce nerfs in patch 15.03 to restore balance.
League of Legends is constantly evolving, and Riot Games is once again making adjustments to ensure a balanced meta. One of the latest targets for nerfs is Tank Jayce, a build that surged in popularity within the professional scene. The developers have now confirmed adjustments aimed at reducing its effectiveness.
Why is Riot Nerfing Tank Jayce?
Although Jayce has long been a staple in competitive play, his pick rate had declined in recent months. However, the resurgence of his popularity followed Arcane-related buffs, and players quickly discovered the viability of a tank build.
This new setup provided him with exceptional durability while still maintaining solid damage output, making him a near-perfect choice for many pro players.
Riot’s Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison, lead gameplay designer, explained that while the developers appreciate diverse build paths, Tank Jayce has begun to overshadow his traditional high-damage playstyles.
To prevent this variant from becoming the dominant strategy, the upcoming nerfs will ensure that Tank Jayce remains viable without outshining his intended role.
Patch 15.03 – Jayce Nerfs Overview
The upcoming patch directly targets Jayce’s late-game power scaling, particularly in tank builds. By reducing his overall damage in later levels, the goal is to make tank-focused Jayce less oppressive while keeping his core identity intact.
Key Changes in Patch 15.03:
- Ability Damage Scaling Reduced: Late-game damage output is now lower, especially when using tank items.
- Durability Adjustments: While Tank Jayce will still be viable, he will no longer be able to sustain high damage output alongside tank items.
- Meta Impact: Encourages players to explore alternative builds rather than solely relying on tank-focused strategies.
Tank Builds Taking Over the Meta?
Jayce isn’t the only champion benefiting from tank-oriented builds. Recently, LeBlanc and Viktor have also seen success with tank-focused itemization, offering surprising durability in addition to their burst potential. This trend suggests that Riot may need to monitor other champions to prevent tank-based builds from dominating the meta.
When Does Patch 15.03 Release?
League of Legends Patch 15.03 is set to go live on February 5, bringing these changes along with additional balance updates.
Conclusion
Tank Jayce’s rise in popularity has prompted Riot to intervene before it becomes the go-to build in all competitive play. While the adjustments aim to keep the playstyle viable, they ensure it doesn’t overshadow Jayce’s traditional high-damage identity.
With more tank builds emerging across multiple champions, it will be interesting to see if Riot introduces further adjustments to maintain a diverse and balanced meta.
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