LoL Patch 12.9: Riot Shares Insights Into Buffs And Nerfs

Following up on the LoL Patch 12.9 preview that Riot Games shared on 3rd May, the company has posted a detailed list of the buffs and nerfs for champions alongside item updates and champion adjustments. Lead designer of game balance and preseason Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison gave an insight into the upcoming patch. Notably, Riot has included the changes slated for Renekton’s kit.

Phroxzon wrote, “Changelists are still subject to change. All of the champion adjustment lists are pretty lengthy, but some of the notable changes are listed here. We're holding off on doing significant item or burst champion changes until after the durability update patch (12.10)."

Buffs in LoL Patch 12.9

The champions getting buffed in LoL Patch 12.9 are:

• Hecarim

• Varus

• Braum

• Thresh

Riot is increasing the base attack damage of Hecarim’s Q - Rampage and notably, his W - Spirit of Dread cooldown is also getting lowered. For Varus, the company is bringing changes to his Passive, Living Vengeance’s, movement speed. The on-hit damage on his W - Blighted Quiver is also slightly increased. In LoL Patch 12.9, Braum’s Passive - Concussive Blows target cooldown will be slightly reduced at levels one, seven, and 13. Additionally, his E - Unbreakable damage reduction has been increased. Thresh is also on the receiving end of some major changes to his Passive-Damnation since Riot is increasing the ability power (AP) and AD per soul. Thresh’s W - Dark Passage soul ratio is also being increased.

LoL Patch 12.9: Nerfs to champions

Rengar, Master Yi, Nidalee, Ahri, Renata Glasc, and Sion are the champions that are significantly getting nerfed in LoL Patch 12.9. Since three of the champions are jungle champions, let us take a look at what’s changing in their kits.

Rengar’s W - Battle Roar bonus monster damage is getting reduced. For Master Yi, Riot is targeting his Ultimate - Highlander. His attack speed while on his ultimate will be reduced after LoL Patch 12.9. Nidalee’s nerf on LoL Patch 12.9 is straightforward as she gets her base health reduced.

Ahri is a champion who was recently given a mini-rework. Now, Riot is looking to curb her powers by reducing the cooldowns on her E - Charm and R - Spirit Rush. In the case of the latest champion, Renata Glasc, the company is reducing her base armor and her passive damage is also being reduced. Notably, Renata's passive damage will now stop scaling at level nine after LoL Patch 12.9, whereas, currently it stops at level 11 in-game. Sion’s Zombie structure damage is significantly reduced to battle the “inting Sion strat” that most top-laners use.

Champion Adjustments in LoL Patch 12.9

The major champion adjustments in LoL Patch 12.9 are the much-awaited mid-scope updates for Taliyah and Olaf. Additionally, Riot is also experimenting with a plethora of changes to Pyke’s kit. Since these changes are extensive, detailed patch notes will be released later and Phroxzon has only shared some of the significant ones on this LoL Patch 12.9 preview.

For Olaf, Riot is nerfing his jungle clear but is buffing him in terms of his other abilities. His W - Vicious Strikes will grant Olaf a shield and his R - Ragnarok can be refreshed indefinitely with a basic attack or E - Reckless Swing.

The biggest change to Tailyah’s kit is that Riot is bringing back her area of effect (AOE) damage on her Q - Threaded Volley. Her burst power is getting reduced but units dashing through her E - Unraveled Earth will be stunned.

Pyke has been one of the supports in League of Legends who has constantly switched between mid and support roles. Now, Riot is hoping to nerf his mid-lane potential and make him a viable support champion. Hence, Pyke will be receiving a big nerf to his R - Death From Below and its gold sharing. Pyke will no longer be counted as an assist for his solo kills. In essence, should Pyke ever get a solo kill, his R will not consider him as assisting himself, and only give him the gold from the kill.

Lastly, Renekton is also receiving some changes to his ability kit. His HP, and AD growth are getting buffed, whereas his W - Ruthless Predator is getting nerfed early on in level 1 but is buffed at maximum level. His R - Dominus’ damage is also getting buffed.

Item Adjustment in LoL Patch 12.9

The only item that is getting adjusted in LoL Patch 12.9 is the Hullbreaker. This item has been the talk of the town for quite some time and also received nerfs in the earlier patches. Now, Riot is targeting its resists, which will now be 10-75 Backloaded. Additionally, bonus tower damage will now only be applied to attacks.

LoL Patch 12.9 is expected to go live on the servers on 11th May, according to the official patch schedule. Since the changes are still on the Public Beta Environment, they can get modified or changed prior to the official patch release.