Worlds 2024 Prep: LoL Patch 14.17 to Shape Meta with 13 Champion Nerfs
How will the meta change before the biggest tournament of the year?
League of Legends Lead Gameplay Designer, Matt "Riot Phroxzon" Leung-Harrison, provided a preview of the upcoming LoL patch 14.17, highlighting changes aimed at shaping the meta in preparation for Worlds 2024. As the tournament is set to take place on patch 14.18, patch 14.17 is intended to begin establishing a suitable competitive landscape.
Focus on ADCs and Supports
Riot Phroxzon detailed the team's approach to adjusting the balance of ADCs and Supports, two roles significantly impacted by recent meta shifts. The increased effectiveness of runes like Absorb Life, Cut Down, and Fleet Footwork, particularly for ADCs in the mid lane, has been addressed. These runes, alongside changes to AP and ADC items and experience gain, have boosted ADC power in solo lanes.
The team is addressing the recent dominance of ADCs in solo lanes by targeting one-item power spikes, such as Blade of the Ruined King, and implementing nerfs for specific champions, including Corki and Lucian. The balance team is also reducing the strength of top-performing bot lane champions, such as Ashe and Ezreal.
The Struggle of Ranged Supports
Over the past year, numerous game adjustments have significantly impacted ranged supports, leading to their near absence from the current meta. While Bloodsong initially provided some support, changes in patch 14.10, including red side bot lane gank adjustments, weakened the value of their healing capabilities. Buffs to tank supports further diminished their effectiveness.
To address this, the team is investigating various adjustments to the game, including changes to Celestial Opposition, Warmogâs Armor, Aftershock, and specific champions. The ultimate goal is to enhance the viability of both ranged and melee supports.
Champion Adjustments
Patch 14.17 will see a number of champion buffs and nerfs.
Champions receiving buffs:
Caitlyn
Graves
Kindred
Ryze
Varus
Champions receiving nerfs:
Ashe
Aurora
Brand
Ezreal
Katarina
Kennen
LeBlanc
Lillia
Pyke
Rumble
Senna (AP)
Seraphine
Sylas
Addressing Aurora's Power
While recent adjustments have positioned Aurora well, the balance team is planning further refinements to enhance the clarity of her Q and R abilities.
Despite her improved wave clear and damage, they aim to reduce her dominance in elite play. As players become accustomed to dodging her Q and anticipating her ultimate angles, she is expected to naturally become less dominant over time.
System Nerfs
In addition to champion adjustments, patch 14.17 will also include nerfs to the following systems:
Absorb Life
Cut Down
Fleet Footwork
Celestial Opposition
Warmogâs Armor
The patch is expected to be released in the coming weeks, shaping the meta in preparation for the highly anticipated Worlds 2024 tournament.
