League of Legends Patch 13.18: Buffs and Nerfs for Champions Revealed
League of Legends Patch 13.18 is just around the corner, and Riot Games developers have given us a sneak peek into what’s in store. This update will bring buffs and nerfs to 12 champions, with extra attention given to those who have been too powerful after recent changes.
Riot lead designer Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison revealed the champ list for Patch 13.18 on Sept. 5. He specifically mentioned that Tryndamere, Red Kayn, and Jarvan IV have become too strong and need adjustments.
These changes are crucial as the World Championship build of League is only two patches away, and Riot wants to ensure that the meta is ready.
Tryndamere and Jarvan IV have been dominating Patch 13.17, with win rates above 52 percent at Emerald and above, according to stats from U.GG. Phroxzon mentioned that preemptive nerfs for Tryndamere weren’t enough to stop his rise to the top, especially after his range buff in the last patch. Jarvan IV also benefited too much from recent changes to Goredrinker and Spear of Shojin.
Kayn’s adjustments in the previous patch received positive feedback from players. However, Red Kayn has become too powerful with the buffed Gore item and will be toned down in Patch 13.18. Rell, Xayah, and Zeri are also scheduled for nerfs in the upcoming update.
On the other hand, six champions will receive buffs in Patch 13.18. Thresh, Kennen, and Irelia desperately need help, as they have recorded win rates below 48 percent. Additionally, three champions will see adjustments to their builds or positions: Gwen’s jungle build will be made more viable, Jhin will be more prominent in high-rank matches, and Senna’s crit build will deal more burst damage.
Item-wise, Spear of Shojin will be nerfed, and a buff is coming for Stormrazer, especially as a first-item priority. Adjustments are also planned for Statikk Shiv, specifically its wave-clearing strength, and Crown of the Shattered Queen.
Overall, Phroxzon and the team are pleased with the meta, which is why most of these adjustments will be minor. Phroxzon also expressed his satisfaction with Naafiri’s launch, considering it one of the more successful champion introductions in recent memory.
Naafiri, the Hound of a Hundred Bites, has seen her win rate in the mid lane drop to 50 percent from the previously absurd 54 percent. Her jungle build still needs improvement, but for now, Naafiri seems to have found her place in League’s ever-growing roster.
Stay tuned for the exact value changes in Patch 13.18, which will be released soon before the update launches next week. This update will also introduce Briar, the 165th addition to the League family.
Related: Riot gives update on possible Naafiri jungle changes, upcoming nerfs in LoL Patch 13.15, One LoL mid lane mage has seen their win, pick, and ban rates all grow substantially in Patch 13.17, When is new LoL champion Briar coming out?