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Riot Games is set to introduce League of Legends Patch 25.S1.2, bringing a series of changes that aim to balance champions, update items, and refine core game mechanics. A sneak peek from Riot Games’ lead gameplay designer, Matt Leung-Harrison (also known as "Riot Phroxzon"), reveals notable updates impacting Swiftplay mode, tanks, ADCs, and the game’s broader system dynamics.
Atakhan and Feats of Strength: Key Adjustments
A primary change in this patch focuses on Atakhan, a feature prominent in Swiftplay mode, particularly its Voracious form. Riot Games noticed an imbalance, with Atakhan appearing more frequently in Swiftplay than in Classic mode. To rectify this, the frequency of its Voracious form will be reduced, creating a more balanced gameplay experience. Additionally, adjustments are coming to Feats of Strength boot upgrades, which have raised concerns within the player community. These changes aim to align the performance of these items with overall game balance.
Refining Counterplay: ADCs and Tanks
One of the hot topics among players has been the challenge of balancing Tanks. Riot Games is taking action by enhancing tank-busting items, particularly Yun Tal and Lord Dominik’s Regards. These items will be adjusted to make them more effective against tanks while ensuring they don’t become too powerful against other types of champions. The overarching goal is to establish clear distinctions between builds designed specifically for tanks and those meant for taking on squishier champions, such as the Collector.
Champion Adjustments: Buffs and Nerfs
This patch will bring buffs to a number of champions that have faced difficulties due to recent changes in runes and items:
- Evelynn
- Master Yi
- Blue Kayn
- Smoulder
- Yuumi
These champions will receive improvements tailored to their weaknesses, enhancing their in-game performance.
Meanwhile, nerfs will be applied to certain champions, including Cassiopeia and Tahm Kench. Cassiopeia's preemptive buff, which compensated for her inability to purchase boots, proved to be too powerful, prompting adjustments to bring her performance in line with other champions.
Rune and Item Updates
Changes to the Domination rune path are underway, aimed at improving the power of vision-related runes. Riot Games is being cautious not to make these adjustments too overwhelming, allowing players to still explore other rune paths, such as Sorcery and First Strike.
In terms of items, Yun Tal Wildarrows, a key tank-busting item, is receiving a revamp due to its underperformance. This update will ensure the item is more viable while preserving the variety of build paths available to players.
System Tweaks: Nerfs and Refinements
Several system-wide changes are also being implemented:
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Voracious Atakhan will be slightly weakened, aligning with its reduced appearance in Swiftplay mode. Riot Games believes more time is needed for players to develop counterplay strategies against its effect.
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The Bloody Roses system will see a reduction in effectiveness, maintaining its position as a low-impact reward that still offers meaning without disrupting the broader gameplay experience.
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Lord Dominik’s items will be further refined to better match the evolving itemization philosophy and improve their overall balance.
Looking Ahead: Community Feedback
Riot Games remains attentive to the player base, monitoring feedback and in-game trends to guide future updates. With Patch 25.S1.2, the aim is to provide a more balanced, strategic experience, ensuring that champion adjustments, item updates, and system changes align with player interests and create an engaging gameplay environment for all.
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