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League’s Patch 8.24b brings buffs to healing and shielding items

League of Legends Patch Introduces Changes to Shield and Healing Items

The latest patch for League of Legends brings some exciting changes to shield and healing items that were previously teased. These changes aim to increase the power of items from the Forbidden Idol line, such as Ardent Censer, Mikael’s Crucible, and Redemption.

One of the notable changes is a 10 percent cooldown reduction for the Forbidden Idol, making it even more valuable. Additionally, the health and shield power of Ardent Censer and Redemption have been buffed to 10 percent, an increase of two percent. Mikael’s Crucible now offers a 20 percent heal and shield power, up by five percent.

Shifting the Meta

These changes are a logical response to the dominance of mage supports like Zyra and Brand in the bot lane. Their early-game aggression often made healers feel less impactful. However, these adjustments risk shifting the meta from one set of overpowered champions to another.

These items were initially nerfed following the 2017 Worlds meta, where Ardent Censor took center stage in the competitive scene. With these buffs, players are concerned that champions like Janna and Rakan might once again become priority picks in the new season.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the start of the LCS and LEC seasons in the new year, many hope that Riot will reconsider these changes or perhaps reduce the percentage of heals and shields in a future patch. This would help maintain a healthy and balanced gameplay experience.

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