PBE Balance Changes - 08/21 - Comments

Sir Rouge·8/21/2018, 11:20:54 PM·2 votes·1,500 views

Annie:

Basic attack range increased to 625 from 575.

Context from Riot from patch 5.9 (where they nerfed it from 625 to 575): ''For a bear-toting powder keg of midlane murder, Annie's ranges have always made it difficult to interact. Though her attack range is still above average, keeping it in-line with her spells helps opponents skirt the dangerous line between 'On-Fire' and 'about to be''' From what I remember, this was mostly a nerf to support Annie. To be fair, maybe her old aa range won't be a problem in season 8 as it was in season 5, but it's kind of wierd that they're reverting something they felt was non interactive.

Bard:

Tempered Fate (R): Cooldown lowered from 130/115/90 to 110/95/80.

On one hand, I'm glad they're looking to buff Bard with something that's not damage related and that is proactive. On the other hand, I don't think such a high impact ultimate should have this low CD. It might make good Bard's have the power to be too snowbally, as Bard's not even doing that bad right now.

Kassadin:

Riftwalk (R): Cooldwon lowered from 6/4/2 to 5/3.5/2.

Random buff, but seems fine. As long as they don't buff his late game.

Kayn:

Shadow Step (E): Duration increased from 5/6/7/8/9 seconds to 8/8.5/9/9.5/10 seconds. ---> Shadow Assassin bonus movement speed increased from 70% to 80%.

I guess they want more junglers to be overpowered. This buff is absurd. Buffing something that's non interactive again.

Master Yi: Meditate (W): - Cooldown lowered from 35 to 28. - Damage reduction increased from 50/55/60/65/70% to 60/62.5/65/67.5/70%

Random change, but it seems fine.

Rengar: Thrill of the Hunt (R):

Camouflage duration increased from 12/16/20 to 12/20/28.
Cooldowwn lowered from 130/100/70 to 110/90/70.

Worst change of them all. 1: Going against their own philosiphy from patch 7.3 ''Thrill of the Hunt’s duration is long enough that instead of needing to predict a fight (or commit to starting one at all), Rengar can just chill in the shadows, scaring the enemy team into inaction for long stretches until one of them wanders an inch too far. We’re tightening the leash on Knifecat’s ability to dine-and-dash large groups while keeping his efficacy at solo missions largely intact.'' When nerfing it from 14/22/30 seconds to 12/16/20 seconds. They have to be kidding. They want to go back to something that was a problem. 2: Putting power in his most braindead way to get a kill. He's gonna have a lower cooldown than Syndra's and Veigar's single-target burst/no utility ultimates. 3: He's already performing very well toplane and well in the jungle. What are you guys doing?

Ryze:

Overload (Q): Ap ratio lowered from 45% to 35%.

I think Ryze is the most balanced he has every been, in both soloq and competitive. I guess they don't like his playrate in competitive.

Varus:

HP per level increased from 86 to 89.
Base HP lowered from 549 to 499.

Probably directed at competitive, since he's balanced in soloq. But lol Varus nerfs before Jhin ms nerfs.

Wukong:

Attack speed increased from .658 to .711.

Took out a lot of his burst, putting a bit of aa dps to compensate. Good buff direction, but don't even know if that kind of buff will even help him, since it doesn't fit his single viable playstyle. It's pretty random and probably almost worthless (except for jungle).

This is looking pretty sad. While a couple of these seem ok, a lot seem to be going against their own (previous) philosophy or don't seem to be making sense at all. I can't believe this is what's taking up their time. This is their priority? What are they doing? It's kind of a slap in the face.

Waiting for the next couple days where they hopefully change some of these/actually address problematic items/champions.