Yasuo buffs, Akalis nerfs, and more coming in League of Legends Patch 9.17
Riot have revealed which champions will be targeted with balance adjustments in the next League of Legends update, Patch 9.17.
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Patch 9.17 is due to arrive in-game on August 18, and players can expect to get a preview of many of the changes on the Public Beta Environment in the meantime, but Lead Gameplay Designer Mark Yetter has now revealed which champions will be getting adjustments.
The last few patches haven’t had enormous effects on the game’s meta, with Riot having stated back in Patch 9.14 that they didn’t want to make any fundamental changes or upset the state of the game too much until the end of the season.
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That being said, there will continue to be balance changes to keep more powerful champions in line, or give a boost to those that are particularly struggling.
The newly-reworked Pantheon is getting a boost in the Jungle.With the newly-reworked Pantheon arriving in Patch 9.16, it’s little surprise to see him on the list for some adjustments now that the full playerbase has got their hands on him. It’s not his main role of top-laner that’s being targeted, however, but instead Riot are seemingly looking to make him more viable in the Jungle with Patch 9.17
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Fans of Galio will be pleased to see him on the buff list again. The champion took an enormous hit in Patch 9.14, dropping below 1% pick rate, and has had only minimal improvements since to recover. While it’s unlikely the champion will be returned to his former glory, Riot are at least giving him a boost of some sort.
On the nerf list are three champions making frequent appearances in pro play, with Aatrox, Akali, and Qiyana all being targeted.
While the patch is always subject to change until it goes live, and this list may not be definitive, the following champions are due changes for Patch 9.17.
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Champion Buffs
- Galio
- Ryze
- Kindred
- Yasuo
- Kalista
- Lucian
- Zyra
- Leona
- Pantheon Jungle
Champion Nerfs
- Aatrox
- Akali
- Qiyana
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Champion Changes
- Kayle
- Aurelion Sol
- Neeko
Details on the nature or extent of the changes have yet to be revealed, although Yetter did state that Neeko’s adjustments are only “small usability improvements on her passive”.
