My thoughts on 5.16

I am posting this for multiple reasons. One is, I admit, self-gratification. However, I also feel that perhaps other people can derive benefit from my thoughts and opinions. DISCLAIMER: Note that I have not played very much 5.16, and largely work from my experience on the PBE, other people's responses, and my own theory crafting.

Mordekaiser- I do not think that he is in a very good state right now. I feel that the rework was not, by itself, an improvement, but that it is a step on the path. Riot did say that they were trying something a little very strange, and I do applaud them for at least trying. That said, he needs a lot of attention in his current state. I personally disapprove of the three champions that need to duo lane to reach the ceiling ( ). Having a mechanic that can only work with teammates forces people to follow the lane meta or be unable to reach the ceiling. (To be clear, unlike some other posters I am fine with Riot supporting a meta with roles and counters and agree with their general philosophy that people should be free to go against the intentions, but that that shouldn't be their meta.) However, the change to Mordekaiser is unlikely to be reversed. I do like him now being hybrid- disregarding all balance, it just makes sense to me thematically. He hits people with a mace, physically, and use magic to trap their souls. I think he needs numbers and ratios nerfs, but is otherwise mostly fine.

Skarner- I believe that this is just meh. I love the concept of the new passive, and how it sets him apart, but feel that it's going to be quite the effort to balance Spire'd Skarner and normal Skarner. Sort of like old Sona- she was either not buffing enough to be meaningful, or too much. Fans demanded a bit too much buffing.

Garen- Warmog's new change makes full build tank Garen terrifying, but I think that's not the point. I love the new changes, though as with any post rework/ new champion, an eye will need to be kept on him.

Darius- I don't really know how he is now.

Juggernauts as a whole- I think this is good and hope for more "group" updates like this and the goal of differentiating champions more. I am disappointed that the changes did not do a lot thematically.

The rest? I don't really know. Updates MIGHT follow.