Riot Games has previewed League of Legends (LoL) Patch 26.15, which could be one of the biggest updates in the game’s history.
Most notably, because it will see the release of League of Legends Classic, transporting players back to the 2009-2013 era of the game.
It also sees significant balance changes to modern League, including further nerfs to the newest champion, Locke.
Locke has seen a ban rate of above 70% in ranks Emerald and higher, yet Riot claims his release has “landed well”.
Changes Coming in LoL Patch 26.15
- Champion Buffs
- Alistar
- Kai’Sa
- Maokai
- Volibear
- Zac
- Champion Nerfs
- Locke
- Mordekaiser
- Naafiri
- Riven
- Sylas
- System Buffs
- Bastionbreaker
- System Nerfs
- Jack of All Trades
Phroxzon Breaks Down Upcoming Changes
Lead gameplay designer Matt ‘Phroxzon’ Leung-Harrison has talked through Riot’s thinking for a lot of the upcoming changes.
The AD and Ability Haste item Bastionbreaker is getting buffed to try to make it more popular, as Phroxzon says it is:
“A pretty niche item and is pretty expensive to deviate for a strategic output, so we’re looking to make it more accessible.”
Meanwhile, the planned Jack of All Trades are finally coming as the items has become increasingly present and strong in the meta.
There could also be nerfs coming for Sundered Sky now that MSI is done, as Phroxzon described it as a meta-defining item at higher elo.
Meanwhile, though there’s still no mention of removing mages from the bot lane, there could be more meta changes in the bot lane.
Alistar is getting buffed to try and increase his play rate, with Phroxzon adding:
“Our meta adjustments to move melee supports up relative to ranged supports have been reasonably successful, so we’re pretty happy with how that’s played out.”
And as for the Locke changes, despite nerfs last patch Phroxzon admits:
“Locke is still pretty strong; he has been tapering off in the lowest skill brackets and the high skill brackets, but in the “skilled” skill brackets (around Emerald/Diamond), Locke is able to both take over the game and also not throw it.”
According to him, it’s difficult for Locke to maintain his advantages at the highest level and at the lowest, Locke players are likely to throw.
What do you make of these planned balance changes? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord.
Meanwhile, Riot has teased that Dominion and Twisted Treeline are very likely coming to League Classic. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
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