League Of Legends 13.18 Patch Notes Review, Analysis And Impression
League of Legends, the ever-evolving multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game by Riot Games, is preparing for its next major patch, 13.18. This upcoming patch promises to introduce significant changes, balance adjustments, and new content to the Summoner’s Rift. In this article, we’ll dive into the key highlights, analyze the impact of these changes, and share our initial impressions of what players can expect.
The Tryndamere Transformation
One of the most notable changes in Patch 13.18 revolves around Tryndamere, the Barbarian King. Tryndamere receives a game-changing buff: an additional 50 range. While this might not seem like much, it has the potential to redefine his playstyle and impact on the game.
Riot Games’ goal with this change is to shift Tryndamere away from being a purely binary champion who heavily relies on stat-checking. Instead, they aim to introduce more skill expression by emphasizing the importance of spacing and positioning in his gameplay.
This means that Tryndamere players will need to become more adept at managing their distance from opponents, making the champion less predictable and more dynamic. While he may still be a frustrating champion to face, especially when overpowered, these changes are designed to reduce his early-game dominance and make him more manageable in the later stages of the match.
Jungle Juggernauts: Jarvan IV, Kayn, and Gwen
The jungle is another area of focus in Patch 13.18, with several champions receiving adjustments.
Jarvan IV, the Exemplar of Demacia, is known for his durability and engage potential. However, Riot Games recognized that recent item buffs had made him excessively damaging. To address this, they are nerfing Jarvan’s damage output to ensure that he remains balanced.
Kayn, the Shadow Reaper, is seeing targeted nerfs to his Red Kayn form. While these changes aim to bring his healing in line with recent item buffs, they are unlikely to significantly diminish his presence in the meta.
Gwen, the Hallowed Seamstress, receives buffs tailored to her jungle potential. Although she may not become a top-tier jungle pick, these adjustments open up new possibilities for creative jungle strategies centered around Gwen.
Xayah’s Vulnerability and Adjustments
Xayah, the Rebel, is receiving changes that expose her vulnerabilities. Her base health is reduced, making her slightly less durable, and her Bladecaller (E) ability’s cooldown is increased. These changes are designed to provide opponents with more opportunities to capitalize on her weaknesses.
Crown of the Shattered Queen and Statikk Shiv Rework
Item changes are also on the horizon in Patch 13.18.
Crown of the Shattered Queen, an item that offers survivability through shields, is receiving significant adjustments. The AP bonus when the shield is active, mainly used by professional players in situations with minimal combat, is being removed. Additionally, the anti-burst aspect of the item is being toned down to ensure that champions can still be taken down when the shield is up.
To balance these changes, the item’s AP is receiving a buff. This shift aims to make the item more appealing to traditional mages who don’t rely heavily on AP ratios for damage.
Statikk Shiv, an item known for its wave-clearing potential, is being nerfed. While it’s a core purchase for some champions, Riot Games wants to reduce its effectiveness in wave-clearing and create more diversity in first-item choices for Marksmen.
Bard’s Comprehensive Adjustments
Bard, the Wandering Caretaker, is undergoing a series of changes. His passive, Caretaker’s Call, is getting a higher maximum stack count of 10, but the duration of stacks is being reduced. His Caretaker’s Shrine (W) will now have two ammo charges, but the cooldown and recharge time are being adjusted. The movement speed bonus from his W is also being altered, decaying based on AP.
These adjustments aim to make Bard’s abilities more impactful and versatile, giving players more opportunities to utilize his kit effectively.
Upcoming Skins
Patch 13.18 brings a new skin line called Street Demon. Champions like Neeko, Zyra, Brand, Mundo, and Rengar are part of this exciting skin lineup. Additionally, Taliyah is receiving a Crystalis Motus skin.
Patch 13.18 is poised to shake up the League of Legends meta with changes to Tryndamere’s gameplay, adjustments to jungle champions, item reworks, and skin additions. While the exact impact of these changes on the competitive scene and solo queue remains to be seen, players can expect a dynamic shift in gameplay and strategies.
As always, League of Legends continues to evolve, and each patch brings fresh opportunities and challenges for players. Stay tuned for the official release of Patch 13.18 and embark on a new chapter in the ever-evolving world of Runeterra.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About League Of Legends In September 2023