Previewing League of Legends Patch 13.17

In a recent development, Riot Games has unveiled a sneak peek of what’s in store for LoL Patch 13.17, set to be released on August 30th. This upcoming update promises a host of changes, including buffs, nerfs, and adjustments to champions and items. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting patch that’s generating a buzz in the League of Legends community.

Champion Balance Changes: An Overview

On August 21st, Riot Games offered a tantalizing preview of the upcoming LoL Patch 13.17. This patch is currently being fine-tuned for release on the Public Beta Environment (PBE). Notably, a total of 19 champions are in the spotlight for various balance adjustments. The development team’s focus is two-fold: enhancing certain mid-laners who have faced challenges in recent updates, and reining in overpowered junglers.

A Shift Towards Durability

Riot Games is taking a strategic approach by dialing down champions that excel in eliminations and encouraging them to opt for more resilient items. This shift aims to create a healthier balance on the battlefield and foster a more diverse gameplay experience.

Unveiling the Changes

Let’s delve into the anticipated changes that are poised to reshape the League of Legends landscape in Patch 13.17.

Champion Buffs, Nerfs & Adjustments Listed

On August 21st, Matt Leung-Harrison, also known as Riot Phroxzon, the Lead Designer of the League Balance Team & Preseason, took to Twitter to share insights. He emphasized the intention to move certain champions away from pure power-oriented builds and guide them towards sturdier options. Champions like Aatrox, Hecarim, Vi, and Xin are set to benefit from this transition. Moreover, targeted adjustments will be made to champions that have experienced a loss in durability due to meta shifts.

Insights into the Jungler Nerfs

Riot Phroxzon provided further clarity on the approach to jungler adjustments. Instead of bolstering underperforming junglers, Riot intends to continue nerfing the top contenders in this role. An interesting revelation was the removal of jungle modifications from Blitzcrank due to the challenges in maintaining his viability without compromising his unique gameplay dynamics.

Empowering Mid-lane Strugglers

Notably, Riot Games has placed significant emphasis on elevating mid-lane mages that have faced difficulties in recent times. Among the nine champions slated for power upgrades in LoL Patch 13.17, five belong to the mid-lane category. This move aims to rejuvenate the mid-lane meta and provide players with more diverse and engaging options.

Champion Buffs: A Closer Look

The following champions are in line for buffs in LoL Patch 13.17:

Elise
Gnar
Lux (Mid)
Orianna
Samira
Twisted Fate
Tryndamere
Vex
Zoe

Champion Nerfs: A Tactical Approach

Champions that are scheduled for nerfs in LoL Patch 13.17 include:

Kayn
Kha’Zix
Kindred
Naafiri
Xerath (Support build)

Fine-tuning the Champions

Adjustments are being made to the following champions:

Aatrox
Blitzcrank
Xin Zhao
Vi
Hecarim

System Tweaks: A Comprehensive Look

LoL Patch 13.17 also brings some changes at the system level, including buffs and nerfs to specific items.

System Buff & Nerfs in LoL Patch 13.17

The upcoming patch introduces a system buff for the “Immortal Shieldbow,” a legendary item that grants a protective shield when a player’s health drops below 30% of their maximum.

Conversely, system nerfs target the following items:

Bloodthirster
Evenshroud
Future’s Market
Statikk Shiv’s Ability Power ratio

Patch Rollout Schedule: Key Timings

The eagerly awaited LoL Patch 13.17 is slated to go live on August 30th. Players around the world can expect the patch to be deployed at different times:

Oceani10 am AEST
North Americ3 am PT
Europe West: 5 am GMT
Europe Nordic and East: 3 am CET
South Kore8 am KR

Before the patching process commences, the game will undergo temporary maintenance.

Farewell to Arena Mode

With the conclusion of LoL Patch 13.16, players bid farewell to the exhilarating Arena mode within League of Legends. Riot Games developers have indicated that the mode will undergo further refinement, and the publisher is contemplating the possibility of making it a permanent game mode based on player feedback.