The League of Legends patch 12.14 did not change many champions, but the adjustments made were quite significant for those champions. Notably, the rework of Sivir and the changes to Master Yi’s skill set have led to a rather imbalanced version. Riot has recognized this and is preparing a patch aimed at better balancing the champions that are currently too strong. Now, let’s take a look at the champions that will be adjusted in the upcoming version.
1. Buffed Champions
Lillia in the Jungle
Lillia in the jungle is currently facing some issues, specifically in terms of her combat effectiveness. She needs some items to be strong, however, when assassins and fighters can close the gap quickly, Lillia can easily lose a lot of health and be knocked out of fights. Therefore, Lillia will receive a buff, with the most beneficial stat being her base defensive stats at the start of the game.
Singed
Singed getting a buff? Oh my, did I hear that right? Singed is not weak at all; in fact, he’s quite strong after patch 12.10. After some adjustments, his win rate remained quite solid, so it’s really puzzling that Riot decided to buff Singed.
Rammus
Rammus is not weak at all; another unreasonable name coming from Riot. Rammus received a significant buff with Thornmail and stronger defensive items, reaching a win rate of 50.5-51%. Such a buff seems quite unreasonable.
Thresh
Thresh is currently a bit weak. He has many roles, but none are particularly effective; his damage output is average, his ability to protect teammates is average, and his initiation is average… Everything is just average, which makes Thresh not really strong, so buffing him is quite reasonable.
Energy Champions
Riot will be giving a buff to energy champions, possibly increasing their energy regeneration rate or enhancing the restoration from Presence of Mind? This may be a somewhat accurate decision from Riot.
2. Nerfed Champions
Master Yi
Master Yi has been too strong recently, so a nerf is entirely reasonable. This champion can sweep through ranks Diamond and below with his Alpha Strike (Q) repositioning mechanic, and the reduction in cooldown on Meditate (W) allows Master Yi to better mitigate incoming damage. As a result, Master Yi’s win rate shot up to 53%, and he was immediately hit with a nerf after a hotfix. Now, Master Yi is too strong, so reducing this champion’s survivability will make the most sense.
Qiyana
Qiyana is currently too strong in higher tiers. Skilled players can unleash her abilities rapidly and accurately, leading opponents to the death realm very quickly, then move to the sides and snowball to end the game. Therefore, Qiyana has two issues: the amount of health she can take from opponents too quickly and her speed of moving to sides is too fast.
Sivir
Sivir needs no discussion; this champion is either ranked 1 or 2 in terms of the best champions to climb ranks in patch 12.14. With solid damage output, decent defense, and tremendous team fight capabilities… Sivir creates immense pressure on opponents, so a nerf is undoubtedly warranted.
Gwen
Gwen has been adjusted to be easier to play, but she is even stronger and deals more damage than before. As a result, many players have been building Riftmaker to engage in fights quickly and take down opponents with a single combo. Now, damage is truly Gwen’s issue.
Taliyah
Taliyah continues to be nerfed. In our assessment, Taliyah is a bit too strong, so adjusting her power slightly is acceptable. Her laning phase is quite average, while later on, this champion possesses strong crowd control effects combined with good stone-throwing abilities; these two elements together seem a bit unreasonable.
Kalista
Kalista being nerfed seems a bit excessive; this champion is currently just okay, and she hasn’t reached a level of being strong yet. Perhaps Riot wants to bench Kalista to make room for other marksmen in the professional scene.
3. Other Changes
The Galeforce and Silvermere Dawn will be adjusted, specifically regarding stats, build paths, effects… which are not yet clear to us.
Headbutt will also be nerfed as it has created too big of a difference recently. The combination of stacking benefits with a bit of damage has led to Headbutt being overused by players worldwide. Therefore, the high ratio of Headbutt will see a reduction in additional gold.
The Divine Sunderer will also be nerfed, specifically the power of its Spellblade effect will be the primary focus of Riot’s adjustments.