Patch 8.21: A Breath of Fresh Air in League of Legends
This week, League of Legends will see the arrival of Patch 8.21. According to the official patch notes, it may not be the most exciting patch, but after a year of constant changes, it’s a much-needed break for players.
The Impact of Major Updates in 2018 Season
Looking back at the 2018 season, players experienced significant changes, such as the overhaul of AP items and adjustments to mana pools and regeneration for mages, which completely shifted the mid lane meta. Additionally, the removal of the Sightstone in favor of a new warding and support item system had a big impact on supports and junglers.
There were also noteworthy changes to lethality items, but the ones that stood out most for AD players were the redesign of Infinity Edge and Essence Reaver, as well as the introduction of Stormrazor. Furthermore, experience gains in the jungle were reworked, and the addition of Scuttle Crab changed the dynamics of the river.
Embracing Peaceful Patches
Considering the dramatic changes of the past, the shift towards more peaceful and uneventful patches is actually a positive development. It allows for a natural ebb and flow of the meta, providing a much-needed lull. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the small changes in this patch and how they might impact the meta.
- Alistar: Reduced health from 613 to 573.
- Ashe: Increased slow from passive at all levels. Hawkshot now pings enemies.
- A Sol: Reduced health from 562 to 510. Increased health regeneration from 6.5 to seven.
- Ezreal: Late-game Essence Flux damage raised.
- Irelia: Decreased movement speed by five.
- Ivern: Increased movement speed by five. Boosted Brushmaker damage. Raised Triggerseed shield value.
- Kai’Sa: Considerably lowered passive damage. Reduced Killer Instinct shield duration.
- Karma: Increased early root duration on Focused Resolve.
- Karthus: Lowered Wall of Pain and Requiem mana cost, as well as Wall of Pain cooldown.
- Zac: Strengthened Stretching Strikes damage.
- Zoe: Enhanced Paddle Star damage. Decreased Sleepy Trouble Bubble cooldown.
- Essence Reaver cost lowered.
- Edge of Night cost lowered and channel duration shortened.
Of these changes, only Kai’Sa’s passive nerf has the potential to make a significant impact on the meta. The rest of the adjustments are small tweaks intended to slightly push champions in different directions without making them too weak or overpowered. Among them, Zac’s buff, Ivern’s buff, and Ezreal’s buff are particularly well-received, while the others are nice additions but not necessarily crucial.
With this patch having a relatively low impact, League players can enjoy a few more weeks of stability in the meta before the pre-season begins with its major changes. This timing is perfect, as there are only a couple of weeks left in the ranked season, and any sudden changes could seriously disrupt the ladder when players are most focused on climbing.
Get ready for Patch 8.21, arriving tomorrow!
Keyword: League of Legends, patch 8.21, meta, changes, balance adjustments