Riot Games has acknowledged that their recent rework of Skarner in League of Legends has not met their expectations, and they are planning further changes to the champion.
Highlighting the Issues:
Riot Games developer and popular figure, Phreak, has confirmed that more changes are coming for Skarner. He believes that the rework has "failed" in certain aspects, indicating that Riot is not satisfied with the current state of the champion. The team is actively working on adjustments to Skarner's kit, aiming to improve his overall performance and balance.
Changes on the Horizon:
Phreak has hinted at some potential changes, including:
- Removing Skarner's ability to "backwards charge" with his E: This would impact his mobility and ability to quickly engage in fights.
- Removing the slow from his W: This would lessen his ability to control enemies and could potentially shift his playstyle.
The Disparity in Performance:
The Skarner rework has seen a significant rise in his popularity within the professional League of Legends scene. However, Skarner continues to struggle in casual play, with a win rate hovering around 47% for his primary roles. This stark difference in performance highlights the challenges Riot faces in balancing the champion for both casual and competitive play.
The Future of Skarner:
While the exact details of the upcoming changes remain unclear, one thing is certain: Riot Games is committed to finding a way to make Skarner a more viable champion in both casual and competitive environments. Fans should keep a close eye on future patches to see how Skarner evolves in the coming months.
Beyond Skarner:
While Skarner continues to be a focus for Riot, League of Legends itself has been buzzing with news throughout the year. The release of a $500 skin for Ahri, based on the renowned pro player Faker, sparked considerable debate within the community. Additionally, the introduction of the first new PvE mode since 2018, "Swarm | Operation Anima Squad", brought a fresh approach to the game, drawing inspiration from "bullet hell" games like Vampire Survivors.
Riot Games continues to evolve and innovate League of Legends, ensuring the game remains one of the most popular MOBAs in the world. With the ongoing effort to improve Skarner, players and fans can expect more exciting developments in the future.