After a long wait, version League of Legends 12.17 has officially been updated on the domestic server. Version 12.17 is rated as an exciting version, containing many changes from moderate to significant in anticipation of the World Championship at the end of September. Now, let’s take a look at 4 new styles that will emerge! Damage will be abbreviated as DM.
4. Graves Critical Damage
In this version 12.17, Graves will be empowered in the “Magician” direction, sending enemies to the scoreboard in an instant. Specifically, the publisher Riot Games has made the following changes:
Q – Piercing Shot
– Cooldown: 12/11/10/9/8 seconds ⇒ 13/11.5/10/8.5/7 seconds
R – High Explosive Shell
– DM: 250/400/550 (+150% bonus attack damage) ⇒ 275/425/575 (+150% bonus attack damage)
You may not have noticed, but Graves at this point is rated as slow to power up, with a somewhat passive playstyle early in the game, needing to farm a lot of jungle camps to grow stronger over time. Therefore, Riot Games’ upgrade for Graves is completely reasonable. Combined with the fact that jungle champions are gradually becoming weaker, Graves will have a very bright future at the upcoming World Championship.
In this version 12.17, Graves is empowered in the Critical Damage direction when the Q ability’s cooldown is reduced after level 5, and the ultimate gains an additional 25 DM. If you build crit items, Graves doesn’t become too much stronger, but if you build “Magician” items, this stat will be maximized. Keep in mind that all Critical Damage items have cooldown reduction, so abilities will be cast continuously.
3. Maokai Top Tank
Maokai was introduced by Riot Games into the jungle position but was not strong; however, they have adjusted Maokai’s stats to interact with defense stats. As a result, Maokai suddenly becomes extremely strong in the top lane, strong enough that players who have never played Maokai before can still achieve positive results. Specifically, Maokai currently has a win rate of up to 52.5% and will be nerfed by Riot in version 12.18.
Now, Maokai will still struggle in the laning phase but interacts very strongly with items, becoming stronger as the game progresses. We can classify Maokai as a heavy team-carry tank among tanks as they usually lean more towards support. Maokai is suitable for all mythic items, and then building Frozen Heart will take him to a new page. Maokai’s only challenge lies in the early game; once reaching two major items, it becomes much easier to play.
2. Hecarim Attack Damage
In version 12.17, Hecarim is adjusted towards a Physical Fighter rather than a tank. To maximize Hecarim’s power, players need to build 60% attack – 40% defense at this time. The 40% defense is for sticking and utilizing the bonus effects of the Q ability, while the 60% attack allows players to enjoy the changes from Riot in version 12.17.
Now, the Q ability stacks up to 3 times, greatly enhancing player power, while the W ability also increases armor and magic resistance, making Hecarim players sturdier. In return for these advantages, Hecarim’s E ability and ultimate have had their crowd control effects reduced.
Therefore, Hecarim’s build style in this version 12.17 will be Trinity Force/Divine Sunderer, Death’s Dance, Blade of the Ruined King, Guardian Angel. If you’re confident in your own strength, Youmuu’s Ghostblade will be extremely suitable for sending enemies to the scoreboard in an instant. Remember this aggressive Hecarim build style.
1. Miss Fortune Critical Damage (Critical)
Actually, Miss Fortune in previous versions was not weak at all; this champion built in the Critical Damage direction and has a win rate of 51-52%, significantly impacting the game. However, the Critical Damage playstyle for Miss Fortune has been somewhat overly safe, with not many downsides, so Riot Games decided to push her in a new direction.
Riot Games has strengthened this lady in various aspects. The Q ability has been buffed, and the casting time is reduced when building items that interact with attack speed. Additionally, the W ability increases attack speed for players to better utilize her critical damage playstyle.
Due to these two minor changes, Miss Fortune currently boasts over 53% win rate in version 12.17 with her new playstyle, becoming an “overpowered” champion. Therefore, Riot will nerf Miss Fortune in the upcoming version, so the community should take advantage of her quickly before it’s too late; there’s still time for everyone, at least for another 2 weeks.