League of Legends
The Blix Team writes much about LoL events or ingame changes (like we observed Faker skins) or live situations (League of Legends VCS Match-Fixing Scandal)
Patch 14.18 is so potent that we surely could not miss it. It introduces significant adjustments ahead of Worlds 2024, targeting champion balance and items to better align the game with professional play. Here's a unified breakdown of the fundamental changes:
Highlights
- Patch 14.18 general overview
- Adjusted nerfs
- Buffed Champions
- Item changes
- System modifications
- FAQ for the patch
Patch Review
Patch Summary
Patch 14.18 for League of Legends marks a significant update to prepare the game for Worlds 2024. It focuses heavily on balancing champions and adjusting items to ensure a more competitive and fair gameplay experience. The patch brings nerfs to overpowered champions, buffs to underutilized ones and systematically changes items, especially those that impact ADCs and mages.
The patch introduces nerfs to champions like Azir and Miss Fortune, reducing their dominance in casual and professional play. These nerfs are designed to create more diversity in champion selection, particularly for mid-lane and ADC roles. On the other hand, buffs to champions such as Ahri and Jinx aim to enhance their performance and make them viable options in the meta. Additionally, essential item changes—like the nerfs to Bloodthirster and Fleet Footwork—are intended to balance ADCs' survivability and bring more diversity to item builds.
Patch 14.18 Notes | Worlds Patch | Balance Changes
The systemic adjustments to turret plates and fortifications further add to this shift, making it harder to push early and encouraging more strategic play. Overall, Patch 14.18 is not just about individual champion adjustments; it's about fine-tuning the entire game's balance as teams head into the competitive atmosphere of Worlds 2024.
This patch will likely significantly impact the meta, leading to shifts in champion picks, strategies, and item builds as players adapt to the new changes.
14.18 (World's Patch) : r/ADCMains - Reddit
Champion Nerfs
Nerfed Miss Fortune
Several champions received significant nerfs, especially those dominating high-level play:
Azir
His ultimate Emperor's Divide had its damage decreased from 200/400/600 to 175/325/475, with lower AP scaling. This reduces his burst potential in mid-lane.
Miss Fortune
Her base attack damage was decreased from 55 to 53, making her less impactful in the lane.
Nasus
Spirit Fire saw a notable reduction in initial and per-second damage, weakening his poke in mid-lane.
Rumble
His Flamespitter and Electro Harpoon abilities had base damage and AP scaling reduced, limiting his oppressive laning phase.
Rell
The movement speed granted by her Full Tilt ability was reduced, affecting her mobility and initiation.
Champion Buffs
Buffed Champions
Several champions received buffs to improve their viability:
Ahri
Her Charm deals more damage, increasing her mid-lane presence with boosted AP scaling.
Jinx
Her attack speed grew from 1 to 1.4, helping her scale better into the late game.
Jax
His Grandmaster's Might now provides more on-hit damage and increased armor per target, making him even more formidable in sustained fights.
Samira
Her Q: Flair received a boost in AD scaling, making her more lethal in close combat.
Shen
His Ki Barrier shield was improved, enhancing his tankiness and utility in team fights.
Item Adjustments
Fleet Footwork
Patch 14.18 also introduced significant item changes, especially for ADCs and mages:
Bloodthirster
Lifesteal was reduced from 18% to 15%, with its shield also nerfed, weakening ADCs' sustain.
Fleet Footwork
Healing for ranged champions was reduced, further curbing ADCs' survivability. This rework focuses on balancing healing and mobility.
Luden's Companion
It was buffed to increase its AP from 95 to 100 and decrease cost from 2900 to 2850, making it more competitive with other mage items.
Immortal Shieldbow
Shield was changed to scale more effectively for melee champions while being reduced for ranged champions.
Shadowflame
Its magic penetration increased, enhancing AP champions' burst potential.
System Changes
Ornn
Beyond champions and items, systemic adjustments were made to enhance game flow:
Turret Plates
Resistance per destroyed plate was increased, making it harder to take down turrets early.
Turret Fortifications
Damage reduction pre-5 minutes was boosted to 85%, delaying aggressive pushes.
FAQ: League of Legends Patch 14.18
How will Patch 14.18 affect professional play at Worlds 2024?
Patch 14.18 is designed with professional play in mind, bringing balance changes that target champions frequently used at the highest levels. Buffs to champions like Jax and Ahri aim to shake up the current competitive meta, while nerfs to champions such as Azir and Miss Fortune will prevent over-reliance on these picks. This could lead to a more diverse champion pool at Worlds.
How should ADC players adapt to the nerfs in Patch 14.18?
ADC players will need to explore different builds and strategies. With nerfs to Bloodthirster's lifestyle and Fleet Footwork's healing, ADCs may need to rely more on positioning and utility-focused items, such as Guardian Angel or situational damage items like Kraken Slayer, to compensate for the reduced sustain.
Why were champions like Azir and Miss Fortune specifically targeted for nerfs?
Azir and Miss Fortune have been consistently strong picks in both solo queue and pro play. Azir's ultimate offered too much zoning power, while Miss Fortune's lane dominance was problematic. These nerfs are intended to balance their impact, especially for high-level play.
