Riot is releasing a ton of new content in the next patch installation. Patch 13.14 is probably the biggest of the year as it contains a new game mode, a new champion, a new event, new skins, and of course, more balance changes. To get a thorough look at the new patch, watch this rundown video:
The new game mode is entitled ‘Arena‘ and it features 2v2v2v2 round-based structure. More clearly, players are randomly matched to form a duo in solo-queue (or you can queue with a friend) and are then pitted against other duos. As the game progresses and you engage in combat with your favorite league champions against other enemy champions, you are handed power-ups called augments that enhance your champion’s abilities. The last duo alive is crowned the victor.
The new champion Naafiri will also be released when patch 13.14 goes live.
Now onto the main section of this article, balance changes! Aaatrox is a stand out because he is receiving a buff to his Q, (‘The Darkin Blade’). Aatrox Q is his bread-and-butter because of the three casts it has. even though its base damage will be decreased by 20 (10 – 90 >>> 10 – 70) at max level, its AD ratio will scale much further now as it is seeing a 20 percent increase at max level (60% – 80% >>> 60% – 100%). Additionally, his Q will now deal 70 percent of its damage to minions at max level instead of a previous 55 percent flat damage. Overall, it seems Aatrox will scale much more with AD than he did before this patch which makes him a mid-game and late-game threat. Together with his wave clear and scaling AD, Aatrox is sure to be spammed in the top lane again.
Another notable buff belongs to Volibear. His W, (‘Frenzied Maul’) which used to heal him for 16 percent of its damage dealt, is now increased to 2o percent healing at max level. Even though this buff may seem trifling, it’s actually good enough to see Volibear in the top lane and jungle roles more frequently as it grants him more sustain.
Continually, Lissandra is a noteworthy buffed champion in this patch. Her Q, (‘Ice Shard’) which used to only slow the first target hit, now slows enemies in an area. This makes it easier for Lissandra to set up her combos and it provides crowd control in early skirmishes and team fights.
As for item balance changes, one of the most striking nerfs is to ‘Galeforce.’ Its cooldown is now increased from 90 seconds to 120 seconds. Its active base damage is also reduced from 150 – 350 to 150 – 300. This is an important nerf to take note of because it’s going to affect many marksmen who typically build this item for its extra mobility and burst damage. Champions like Xayah will be affected for instance.
As always, it’s important to read the patch notes for yourself to get the full picture. With so much new content coming in patch 13.14, it’s almost overwhelming. Luckily, there’s still plenty of time before the patch goes live (July 19) so take advantage of the early patch notes to get a head start before it launches.