Worlds receives patch with controversial, but promising changes

Riot Games has published patch notes 25.19, focused on shaping the meta for the upcoming League of Legends World Championship. The changes include a series of buffs to champions and adjustments to items, in an effort to revitalize gameplay. However, the changes, especially in the item landscape, represent a significant disruption to what was already established.

The decision to weaken the item Redemption is the main change to be noted. The item, which has become a standard for many tank supports, had its healing reduced from 200-400 to 150-350 (based on the target's level). The alteration is an attempt by Riot to allow other items, such as Locket of the Iron Solari and Knight’s Vow, to gain more relevance. However, applying such a substantial nerf to a high-priority item so close to Worlds may force a last-minute adaptation by professional teams.

In contrast to item nerfs, champion buffs are a direct attempt by Riot to diversify the selection at Worlds. The company stated that they want to see more ability power junglers. Lillia, who is currently weak, had her Ultimate buffed with an increase of +45% AP and a reduction in cooldown to 140/120/100. Similarly, Diana, another jungler and mid-laner, had her Monster Modifier on her passive buffed from 2.6x to 3x, aiming to speed up her jungle clear.

The mid-lane also received attention. Riot noted that Ahri is "quite weak compared to some of the other mid-laners” and, to incentivize her, buffed her Ultimate, Spirit Rush. Brand, who can play in multiple positions, also received buffs on his passive, W, and Ultimate, with increases of +70% AP and +30% AP, respectively. The champion LeBlanc, who has been used as a support, had her W and R buffed with an increase of +80% AP, in hopes of restoring her strength as an explosive damage laner.

The bottom lane was also impacted. Draven, Jinx, and Caitlyn received significant improvements. Draven's Blood Rush now grants more attack speed, and the damage of his Ultimate was adjusted. Jinx, who has been absent from the competitive scene, had the range of her Q increased early game, and her E now deals more damage. Caitlyn received a small but notable increase of two points in her base AD, from 60 to 62. The changes aim to make these champions more viable for the professional scene.

The changes in patch 25.19 demonstrate Riot's clear intention to alter the competitive scene of League of Legends for the Worlds. The company is banking on direct buffs to specific champions and an item nerf to force meta diversity.