Riot Games Fails to Address Broken Stopwatch Item in League of Legends
Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, is known for making adjustments to the game each preseason to maintain balance. However, this year they have once again overlooked a broken item – Stopwatch.
Players on the League subreddit recently noticed that Stopwatch will likely remain overpowered for another season. While other broken items like Galeforce are quickly nerfed, Stopwatch continues to be a dominant force in the hands of professional players and high-elo individuals.
If you’re wondering why Stopwatch is causing such a fuss, let me explain. This item can be purchased by any champion in the game and provides 2.5 seconds of invulnerability. For a mere 750 gold, players can cheat death and escape dangerous situations.
Flaws in Stopwatch and Lack of Counterplay
The issue with Stopwatch becomes even more apparent in professional play, where it has become commonplace for all 10 players to buy and hold onto it for as long as possible. This allows them to either survive critical moments or make impressive outplays. However, the real problem lies in the lack of counterplay against Stopwatch.
One player expressed their frustration: “It’s become normal for 5 stopwatches to be used in crucial teamfights in pro play. I think that sucks. Stopwatch should be a specific counter item for certain champions, but that’s not what we see. It’s just used by everyone because it’s valuable on most champions. Even supports buy it.”
A Call for Change in Stopwatch’s Mechanics
Stopwatch seems to be receiving preferential treatment while other items and runes are being adjusted for balance. If I were on Riot’s balancing team, I would only allow the Stopwatch effect to be available on Zhonya’s Hourglass. Additionally, I would consider creating a defensive item with the same effect for bruisers and tanks. It’s time for Riot to take action and rectify this issue.
Riot Games, Stopwatch, League of Legends, broken item, overpowered, balance, professional play, counterplay, Zhonya’s Hourglass, bruisers, tanks