The Annual World Championship Patch for League of Legends is Here
The much-awaited World Championship patch for League of Legends has finally arrived. This patch aims to balance several champions that have either dominated the meta for some time or struggled to remain relevant in the game.
Changes Expected in Patch 12.18
Riot Phroxzon, the lead designer on League’s balance team, has fully detailed the changes expected in the upcoming Patch 12.18. These changes were teased yesterday and are set to be released on Sept. 21 to live servers.
What to Expect in the Patch?
Phroxzon noted that there hasn’t been any professional play on the previous patches, 12.16 and 12.17. However, the team is relatively confident that they will be in a good spot with these changes. They are going for safe changes to accurately target the balancing.
Buffed Champions in Patch 12.18
Among the champions receiving buffs in this patch is Ashe. She has been relegated to the support role in recent months and struggles to compete with other AD carry options. To bring her back into her intended position without removing her support viability, her Q attack speed will be considerably increased at all ranks.
Thresh is another champion receiving buffs in this patch. He has fallen out of the meta in favor of other support roles. To make him more relevant, Riot is increasing his HP growth per level slightly and buffing his E damage at all ranks.
Lee Sin, the Blind Monk, is also getting buffs in this patch. Although he still exists in pro play, he has become a niche pick. To bring him back into the spotlight, his HP growth per level will be increased, and he will receive greater spell vamp on his W at later ranks.
Nasus, unlike his brother Renekton, has not appeared in professional play for some time. In this patch, he will receive a greater attack speed slow on his W and the removal of a static cooldown on his ultimate at all ranks.
Testing and Release
League players can test these changes internally on the game’s PBE server. However, as the changes are still in testing, they may differ from what they look like on live servers. The Patch 12.18, which will be used at Worlds, will be pushed live on Sept. 21.
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