After the 10.10 patch was released, the Rebel composition made a powerful comeback as the two early-game units of this faction, Ziggs and Yasuo, both received buffs. However, unlike the previous version that played slowly and waited for Aurelion Sol, this new Rebel version will play in true hyper-roll style as you aim to get a 3-star Ziggs early on to dominate, then save up gold later. You can learn more about this build HERE.
This playstyle has proven to be extremely effective in addressing early and mid-game weaknesses with a strong early-game damage dealer like Ziggs. It appears that this composition was effective “beyond expectations” as just a few hours ago, a hotfix was confirmed by Riot Mortdog – the lead designer of Teamfight Tactics – to nerf Ziggs.
As soon as this information was released, the community expressed dissatisfaction and disagreement with Riot Games’ actions. A comparison between the two strongest “cancer” compositions from the previous patch, Candyland and Shredder, shows that both relied on 1-cost 3-star units, being too strong in the early and mid-game but did not receive any adjustments in patch 10.9. Meanwhile, Ziggs has just become meta for about… 2 days, and is nerfed immediately, which seems quite unfair.
So Poppy and Xayah, the dominant champions in the previous patch, are not a big problem like 3-star Ziggs? Those champions aren’t even a problem, but rather the Sniper system.
Brawlers – Snipers have double the win rate of that composition in the previous patch.
Riot Mortdog: “Not true, double the play rate, yes.”
It’s true that Ziggs was that dominant. I really didn’t see that composition winning too much at ranks like Master.
Can you stop making strong 1-cost champions? Poppy, Xayah, Ziggs… they cost 1 gold for a reason, they should only be strong in the early and mid-game, then weaken in the late game! 4-cost or 5-cost champions should be the main damage dealers, not those 1-cost ones.
Wait a minute, I thought we were friends, Mort.
This is quite a heavy nerf for Ziggs, while other compositions or champions have been dominating the meta for too long without any attention. Personally, I’ve quit this season because I’m tired of seeing Snipers, Xayah, Poppy every day. At least with Ziggs, people started playing Rebels again.
Alright, I’m done with this game.
Hope Ziggs enjoys his 2 days at the top of the meta.
Wow, that new playstyle can take on Brawlers – Snipers, Shredder, and Kayle. You nerf it immediately but keep Brawlers – Snipers at the top? Come on.
Indeed, aside from the fairness issue, the 3-star Ziggs composition is the sole reason players began to play Rebels again, and even Gangplank started to make a comeback for the same reason. However, this surprise strike from Riot Games has been quite devastating, especially targeting Ziggs, who has nothing but damage.
The most immediate example of the disappearance after a damage nerf is the Candyland composition; the reduction of 150 skill damage on Twisted Fate at 3-star (similar to Ziggs) caused this composition to plummet in win rates dramatically. It’s very likely that the Ziggs “Bomb Rain” composition will face the same fate as Candyland after a similar nerf.