LoL Patch 13.18 Preview: Riot Games Target Nerfs Tryndamere, Jarvan IV

Now that players have been on LoL Patch 13.17, it is time for Riot Games to preview the next patch and push it onto the public beta environment (PBE) to ensure a smooth transition. Riot Games released the preview of LoL Patch 13.18 on 5th September, revealing all the changes, as it slowly prepares for Worlds 2023.

The publisher stated that it is pretty satisfied with the way new champion Naafiri landed in LoL Patch 13.17 and hence she remains untouched in LoL Patch 13.18. Notably, this patch is relatively smaller and features six buffs and six nerfs to champions.

Here's all we know about LoL Patch 13.18 which will be rolled out in another week's time.

LoL Patch 13.18: Champion Buffs, Nerfs Listed

On 5th September, Lead Designer: League Balance Team & Preseason Matt Leung-Harrison aka Riot Phroxzon just summarized the hits and misses of the previous patch and explained why Riot Games chose to nerf certain champions in LoL Patch 13.18.

According to his pointers, Naafiri landed well in the last patch and Jarvan IV benefited from Shojin and Goredrinker buffs, which Riot expected. He added, "Blue Kayn moved, but Red was neutral from Gore. Tryndamere moved a lot, even with pre-emptive nerfs, we're pulling back a bit."

Phroxzon added that we are in the last couple of patches before Worlds 2023 and that the developers are happy with the overall meta. As a result, they will only be making small adjustments in the coming patches, he noted.

The champion buffs in LoL Patch 13.18 are as follows:

• Irelia

• Gwen Jungle

• Jhin

• Kennen

• Senna (Crit Focused)

• Thresh

The champion nerfs are as follows:

• Jarvan IV

• Red Kayn

• Rell

• Tryndamere

• Xayah

• Zeri

Notably, there are no champion adjustments in LoL Patch 13.18.

System Buffs, Nerfs & Adjustments in LoL Patch 13.18

The only item that is getting a system buff is the Stormrazor and Riot Phroxzon opined that this buff will change up the attack damage carry (ADC) itemization, especially the first item choice. The system nerf is targeted at Spear of Shojin, and it is a natural nerf given that champions like Jarvan IV became overpowered because of it.

The items getting adjusted are as follows:

• Crown of the Shattered Queen

• Statikk Shiv waveclear

Phroxzon explained the Statikk Shiv adjustment, "We like where Statikk Shiv is power wise, but it's still lowering gameplay quality due to waveclear being a tad strong."

Notably, LoL Patch 13.18 will be rolled out on 13th September and here are the key timings of the patch roll out for all regions:

• Oceania: 10 am AEST

• North America: 3 am PT

• Europe West: 5 am GMT 

• Europe Nordic and East: 3 am CET

• South Korea: 8 am KR 

The game will also be down for a while for maintenance before the patching begins.