Looking back to version 11.2, Jinx was in a dire state. Specifically, according to statistics from Op.gg, Jinx had a win rate of only 48.87% and a pick rate of 1.02%, numbers that were alarmingly low. However, by version 11.4, Jinx has undergone a complete transformation as both her win rate and pick rate have surged dramatically. In fact, among professional players, Jinx is now the second most picked marksman, only behind Kai’Sa.
The main reason for Jinx’s “draconic leap” lies in the significant buffs she received from Riot Games in versions 11.3 and 11.4. Specifically, the range of her Fishbone gun has been increased. Even the reduced attack speed of Jinx while using Fishbone is no longer as significant.
This allows Jinx to deal effective damage from a much safer distance than before. Coupled with the return of her old health amount of 610 in version 11.4, Jinx will no longer have a laning phase that feels too weak. For a marksman like Jinx, who lacks high mobility, these buffs are incredibly meaningful.
In addition, Jinx also benefits greatly from the update to the critical hit item system at the start of season 11. First, we must mention the Kraken Slayer, which has seen an increase in its damage interaction ratio with AD. This makes Kraken Slayer the best early-game damage item for marksmen, including Jinx. Furthermore, the increased attack speed of the Runaan’s Hurricane in version 11.2 also significantly boosts Jinx’s damage output.
Not stopping there, the heavy nerf to the “dreadful” champion Samira in version 11.4 also created favorable conditions for Jinx to shine. With her strong early-game damage and ability to counter skills and projectile attacks, Samira could easily dominate the bot lane. At that point, Jinx, as a less powerful marksman, would have felt like she was in hell.
However, with Samira’s heavy nerf to early-game damage, this champion is no longer as popular as in previous versions. This allows Jinx to have a more comfortable laning phase, facing less threat to her life.
One unique aspect of Jinx’s build in version 11.4 is that she will use the Conqueror rune instead of the Death Dance. Items like Kraken Slayer and Runaan’s Hurricane provide attack speed stats, so this champion is no longer overly reliant on the Death Dance rune. Instead, the damage increase and healing from the Conqueror rune proves to be significantly stronger in the mid-game.
In conclusion, with numerous buffs, both direct and indirect, Jinx has become an extremely powerful champion in solo rank. If you are looking for a champion with a simple yet effective playstyle for climbing ranks in version 11.4, Jinx is the perfect choice.