@Meddler Question on Vel'Koz Q Buffs

Protroid·Aug 6, 2015·6 votes·4,484 views

Hey!

So I'm a Vel'Koz main, and when I opened up surrender@20, this evening, I proceeded to (very manly I assure you), squee with delight that his Q range and reactivation is getting a slight buff.

I'm really curious to find out what the context of these changes are, because in the past year after Vel'Koz's release, Vel'Koz hasn't really seen too many changes. He has received only one buff (A base armour increase to 16 from 12) a few patches after his initial release, a few quality of life changes to his W and R, and exactly 0 nerfs. The last time he even appeared in the patch notes was in 5.6, which was a change that allowed him to cancel his ult via thresh lantern.

TL:DR; What are rioters thinking about Vel'Koz right now?

11 Comments

RiotMeddlerAug 6, 20158 votes

We think Vel'koz could use a small amount of extra power. We're reducing his Q reactivation time to 0.25s (most common ability cast time, so a very minor feel change from 0.3s) and increasing the range of the secondary missiles to 1100 (from 900) to match the original missile's range as a result. We're looking to put power into Q specifically since it's a pretty signature spell for Vel'koz, with a cast style that rewards experienced Vel'koz players noticeably more than people that are just good with skillshots in general.

ModAcademy KaynAug 6, 20152 votes

This may be not topic, but what is with the Viktor changes going on? More scaling, with no base stats anymore?

RiotMeddlerAug 6, 20154 votes

I believe the intent there's to nerf Viktor's early/mid game, when snowballed in particular. Haven't been part of the Viktor conversations directly though, so might be some additional context I'm unaware of.

ModAcademy KaynAug 6, 20152 votes

I assumed that it was to lower the early/mid game, but one thing has me concerned. Viktor is about upgrading.

In terms of scaling, it is kinda like a overtime growth, which is like a plant growing. Viktor isn't a plant, he's a machine who goes from one version to another. The scaling on it seems kinda un-thematic imo.

Just my two cents.

ProtroidAug 6, 20151 votes

Wow, thanks for the reply!

Just going off of wiki numbers, is it intended for the split projectile to have a longer range than the initial projectile? (1050 VS 1100).

Also if you are still around, can you say if there are any other plans for Vel'Koz in the near future? Or where you feel Vel'Koz is right now in terms of balance?

Also, for the folks playing along at home, these changes mean that Vel'Koz's Q's max possible range is now 1,520~ from 1,382~. Thanks geometry!

JofeyyAug 6, 20151 votes

Pls dont use this as an excuse to nerf him later. VK is in a good state right now that could be tilted either way very easily.

atomicwitAug 6, 20151 votes

{quoted}

We think Vel'koz could use a small amount of extra power. We're reducing his Q reactivation time to 0.25s (most common ability cast time, so a very minor feel change from 0.3s) and increasing the range of the secondary missiles to 1100 (from 900) to match the original missile's range as a result. We're looking to put power into Q specifically since it's a pretty signature spell for Vel'koz, with a cast style that rewards experienced Vel'koz players noticeably more than people that are just good with skillshots in general.

I don't play Vel'Koz much but I think with armor nerfs (which will lead to more high damage junglers and tops, more Talon players etc.) and Zed buffs he would definitely need help.