The state of Kog'Maw

Carrie Pigeon··2 votes·523 views

So Kog'Maw at the moment is hovering around a 47.75% winrate in the ADC role and a .37% playrate in the ADC role (according to Champion.gg) in this patch and a 54.57% win rate and a .59% playrate inthe AP mid role. This is a bit concerning for a champion designed to be a bot lane marksman. One thing that has recently be placed on the PBE was a change reducing Kog'Maws E to a 50% from a 70% AP ratio while giving his W 3/4/5/6/7% HP damage instead of 2/3/4/5/6% HP damage. This is a bit of a Bizarre change in my eyes for two reasons. Riot has recently buffed two items which were or are core on Kog'Maw being Guinsoos Rageblade and Blade of the Ruined King both of which will be hitting live on 11/22/2016. Without seeing the effect these two item buffs have to Kog'Maw they are buffing his W while nerfing his E. The other reason I find this a bit off is Kog'Maw is seen to have a better time mid lane than bot lane and this change is making it clear that Riot does not want Kog'Maw to be a mid laner. Kog'Maw seems like a balance nightmare as his last rework was completely reverted (minus his ultimate changes) and due to the fact he is made to be an insane late game hypercarry however according to Champion.gg his winrate per game time is low until the 30-35 minute mark at a flat 50% however any time afterwards it drops down. This shows that Kog'Maw can't even be a proper late game hypercarry as his winrate actually begins to fall as the game drags on.

I personally love Kog'Maw due to his mixed damage and ult however I don't think Kog'Maw can be balanced with his current kit. I feel as if a full rework to Kog'Maw may be needed. What are your thoughts?

5 Comments

Rebonack1 votes

Probably needs a full VGU, both because his kit is a mess and because he doesn't visually fit with the rest of the Void critters anymore.

Riot could probably fix Kog with Shyvana level changes, but that would require actual effort on their part.

Carrie Pigeon1 votes

{quoted}

Probably needs a full VGU, both because his kit is a mess and because he doesn't visually fit with the rest of the Void critters anymore.

Riot could probably fix Kog with Shyvana level changes, but that would require actual effort on their part.

I agree completely as depressing as it is to say. I feel like Kog'Maw is one of the few if not the only champion who is completely balanced around having a team to protect him.

Dracocrash1 votes

He does not need a rework, he needs buffs.

Carrie Pigeon1 votes

[{quoted}](name=NoganksOnlyFarm ,realm=EUW,application-id=3ErqAdtq,discussion-id=9A8UpEOL,comment-id=0001,timestamp=2016-11-22T07:06:14.336+0000)

He does not need a rework, he needs buffs.

You can say the same for any champion. This issue with Kog'Maw tragically is when he does receive buffs he becomes such a powerhouse (especially so when he has a team comp meant for him) to the point he isn't fun to play against. Kog'Maw in general is just a hard champion to balance due to his late game hypercarry dream often leaving a worthless character for around 30-35 minutes of the game until he can powerspike however is still facing the weakness of being extremely squishy and needed great positioning. One thing Riot is showing with the current buffs is that they demand he be played as they intended which is as an ad botlaner and not an ap midlaner (despite it currently having a higher success and play rate). I feel as if this is a case with a champion they should be seen as a failure and have a great tuning of skills or a VGU since the unintended playstyle has been much more successful.

Dracocrash1 votes

he was balanced in season 5, before riot reworked him, and then half- reverted him.

More from Gameplay

More by Carrie Pigeon