It seems that Riot Games is serious about expanding the jungle champion pool, as in patch 10.6, a number of mage-oriented champions will be given more effective tools for jungle farming. Most notably, Teemo, whose presence has already been a nuisance for opponents, will now make it even more frustrating as you won’t know where he might be lurking in the jungle, ready to poison you. Just thinking about it is already aggravating.
In addition to providing more jungle tools, Riot Games has also not forgotten to fulfill its promise to nerf the “Funnel” strategy centered around the duo Master Yi – Taric. Although it won’t be included in tournaments, this playstyle has been dominating solo ranks with an incredibly high win rate, leaving opponents with no way to counter it. Here are the specifics:
Expanding the Jungle Champion Pool
Brand
Passive – Burn: Deals 120% damage to jungle monsters.
Zyra
The plants will deal 150% damage to jungle monsters.
Morgana
Movement speed increased from 330 to 335.
W – Dark Binding: Deals 150% damage to jungle monsters.
Shen
Q – Twilight Assault: Maximum damage to jungle monsters increased from 75-175 to 120-200.
Teemo
Q – Blinding Dart: Doubles the duration of blinding effect on jungle monsters.
E – Noxious Trap: Deals 150% damage to jungle monsters.
Yorick
Now, graves will always spawn when large monsters are defeated.
Mist Wraith will now take 50% less damage when attacked by jungle monsters.
Unlike the previously buffed Fighters, these changes targeting Mages could really turn them into viable jungle champions. The fact is Morgana has previously existed in the jungle role, even being quite strong with various builds from high versatility with the Iceborne Gauntlet to burst damage with Dark Harvest. It’s very likely that when patch 10.6 is released, Morgana, and possibly Zyra, will return to the jungle and be much more formidable.
As for Teemo, this update doesn’t have much significance for the jungle position, but it greatly benefits the top lane role. Teemo can now farm both lane minions and jungle monsters without losing too much health, creating a considerable distance from opponents.
Changes to Jungle Items
The effect of Monster Hunter (present on Hunter’s Machete, Hunter’s Talisman, Skirmisher’s Sabre, and Tracker’s Knife): Minions in the lane will have an experience reward equal to 50% of the usual amount.
Previously, Riot Games had already reduced the amount of farm gold earned from the Monster Hunter effect, and now they are nerfing the experience from lane minions, which will significantly reduce the exploitation of the Master Yi – Taric strategy by players. Hopefully, this nerf will make this “cancer” duo disappear forever, as they can easily carry the entire enemy team regardless of how poorly they start.