LoL Patch 12.8: Riot’s Next Patch Is a Long One

With League of Legends (LoL) Patch 12.7 already up and running on the live servers, it is time for Riot Games to introduce the players to what comes next in the upcoming patch. Right on queue, Riot has shared the preview of LoL Patch 12.8 and listed out the champions that would either be getting buffed or nerfed in this patch. Notably, items have not been targeted in this patch. Apart from the buffs and nerfs, Riot also has two major champion adjustments planned in LoL Patch 12.8.

Game designer Ezra “Phlox” Lynn took to Twitter to post the patch preview and wrote, “Yooooo 12.8 Time! Champ list should be a good mix of things for all y'all. Lmk [Let me know] if there are any specific changes for these champs you'd really be excited about.”

Champion Adjustments in LoL Patch 12.8

The two major system adjustments that Riot had its eyes on are Ability Power (AP) Kai’Sa and Swain.

Riot has already addressed the changes to Swain since it revealed that he would be getting a mid-scope update along with Olaf and Taliyah. The reason why Riot is targeting the AP Kai’Sa is also pretty straightforward. In this season, AP Kai’Sa on the mid-lane slowly crept up in the meta and also became a force to be reckoned with. Kai’Sa mid was also prioritized in pro play where players like Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok and Marek "Humanoid" Brázda picked her up in the 2022 Spring Split. Her W - Void Seeker does increased damage with the AP and also every time she hits her W, the cooldown is reduced.

Buffs in LoL Patch 12.8

A total of sixteen champions are getting buffed in LoL Patch 12.8. Riot is giving a boost to champions in all five roles across the Summoner’s Rift. Five mid-laners, three top lane champions, three champions in the jungle and bot-lane each, and two supports are the recipients of these buffs.

Following are the champions that are getting buffed:

• Mordekaiser

• Aatrox

• Vladimir

• Poppy

• Sejuani

• Fiddlesticks

• Zoe

• Kassadin

• Vel’Koz

• Xerath

• Sylas

• Ezreal

• Tristana

• Jhin

• Bard

• Seraphine

LoL Patch 12.8: Champion nerfs

In the upcoming patch, four champions are getting nerfed. They are

• Pyke

• Soraka

• Jinx

• Xayah

Pyke has always been a champion who has the potential to steamroll a game. Ever since his release, players have often taken him for a ride in the mid-lane, making him a perfect mid-laner to roam and get objectives. Thanks to his R - Death From Below, he can even share gold with allies from his executes on enemies. According to U.GG, Pyke mid-lane is currently sitting on top of the tier list with the highest win rate - 54.09% in Platinum and above ranks in League of Legends’ Solo Queue in LoL Patch 12.7.

Riot is also addressing Soraka, who is rated S+ with a win rate of 53.55%.

The Jinx nerfs do not come across as a surprise because the hyper carry has been ruling the roost on Summoner’s Rift both in Solo Queue and the esports scene. She is a high-priority pick who scales well into the late game. Additionally, another attack damage carry (ADC) Xayah has also been targeted. Xayah’s kit makes it relatively difficult to fight her head-on in the lane, because of her feathers. She can dish out high amounts of damage in a few seconds, giving her that assassin-like power in the bottom lane.

Details on what aspects of these champions are getting tweaked will be revealed in the coming week with an expanded patch preview from Riot. LoL Patch 12.8 is slated to go live on the League of Legends servers on 27th April, according to the game’s official patch schedule.