Blitzcrank Q Adjustment

What if we made Blitzcrank’s Rocket Grab weaker in lane but reach its current strength by mid-game?

Blitzcrank’s power budget is almost entirely in Rocket Grab and, of that, almost entirely its first rank. While this uniquely front-loaded and flat power curve ensures the ability remains consistent throughout a match, it forces Blitzcrank to be designed and balanced around it, requiring his abilities be largely gated by or supporting his grab.

Fundamentally, a new Rocket Grab would have to be weaker during lane yet just as strong in mid-game and beyond. The ability relies on its range, speed, and utility, any one or combination of which could be nerfed early, with some gate condition restoring its full value later. For clarity, Blitzcrank’s meeting this condition would have to be instantly obvious and reliably foreseeable by everyone on both teams.

Off the top of my head, limiting the speed of Rocket Grab until Blitzcrank unlocks his ultimate and replacing its sound effect with a softer sound until then would be the simplest and clearest solution. Players would still jump and twitch at the sound of a Rocket Grab but be able to dodge this new, nerfed form, which could be called Steam Grab. Level 6 is a well-known power-spike for almost all champions, keeping his new curve clear for even brand new players.

Blitzcrank could then receive compensation buffs spreading his strength across his kit and power curve, making him a more full and varied champion. What do you guys think?