Reworked Jump Mechanic for Tristana
One of the current issues with Tristana is that this unit is very prone to “self-destruct” when using her ability. While it’s true that after using her skill, Tristana gains a significant boost in attack speed and deals powerful damage, positioning herself close to the enemy team’s main damage source is quite risky. Therefore, Riot has reworked this mechanic so that “new” Tristana will jump away from opponents, while still gaining a lot of attack speed.
This change means that the “new” Tristana will have a safer position to deal damage and can generate a substantial amount of damage, especially early in the game when equipment is scarce. This could lead to Tristana becoming an incredibly strong carry with high attack speed and a very safe positioning ability. With this change to Tristana, compositions like Demon, Tristana reroll may return to the meta in patch 11.19.
Draven Gains Armor Penetration Effect
When it comes to single-target damage potential, Draven is arguably on par with any carry in Teamfight Tactics. However, as the Armored tribe has become too prevalent, champions like Draven, who only deal pure physical damage to a single target, are gradually falling “out of meta”. Understanding this, Riot Games has granted Draven a powerful effect: an additional 50% armor penetration starting from the upcoming patch 11.19.
In exchange, the base damage of Draven’s skill will be reduced. However, having 50% armor penetration readily available will allow Draven to deal extremely effective damage without needing to build a Giant Slayer. For a carry champion like Draven, the ability to save an item slot for something else with better damage or defense effects is crucial in the late game. It’s likely that compositions revolving around Draven will make a strong comeback in the upcoming patch 11.19.
Range of Zz’Rot Portal’s Taunt Significantly Increased
Among the current items in Teamfight Tactics, both Zz’Rot Portal (regular and Light variants) are not highly regarded. The item’s very short taunt range limits its effectiveness in a meta where ranged carries are becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, in the upcoming patch 11.19, Riot will increase the taunt range of this item to 4 squares.
This change may seem simple, but it provides players with an effective counter to the current meta. A taunt range of 4 squares means this item can control units even in the backline of the opponent. Consequently, this item can disrupt the enemy team’s formation, exposing gaps for your carries to exploit. Furthermore, if the champion possesses both Zz’Rot Portal and Dragon Claw, that unit will be able to counter champions like Yasuo and Vayne extremely effectively.