@Riot Akali Possible Buffs

Aka Hikari·9/19/2013, 2:27:13 PM·7 votes·1,529 views

Hello everyone, I just created a NA account to post my ideas here :d

[My real summoner name is Kami Phoenix, I'm a high elo player (D1 90LP+ for 6 months now derp derp w/e), and a big Akali player (refer to my guide on Solomid.net for more informations).]

So basically Akali is pretty balanced after her nerfs, maybe a little underpowered tho especially at high elo.

Actually buffing Akali without making her overpowered isn't hard :

Make her Q animation faster. ATM if you R + Q while jumping your Q will be delayed compared to the R which is pretty annoying.
Remove the cast time on E - Zed doesn't have any, why should Akali have one ?

These two changes could make her a lot more confortable to play.

15 Comments

FF12249/19/2013, 5:24:42 PM2 votes

I agree Akali is clunky in her current state and needs some QoL. Those changes though would buff her instant burst which is EXACTLY what riot is trying not to do. (Rengar) In my opinion Akali should be a fighter-assassin such as Diana. She should have weaker burst, but lower cooldowns. Just my person opinion though.

Sayath9/19/2013, 9:57:23 PM2 votes

Reducing cast time is a very dangerous territory. Certainly, playing-as it feels awesome. However, making Crescent Slash instant like Zed's E means that a double MotA detonation happens that more quickly. In general, this reduces the time available for the opponent to react to the situation - reducing potential counterplay.

As I've analyzed in past threads (http://forums.na.leagueoflegends.com/board/showthread.php?t=3402930 and http://forums.na.leagueoflegends.com/board/showthread.php?t=3485169) that's the wrong direction to take. Fundamentally, Akali needs more individual counterplay, not less.

Regarding Crescent Slash in particular removing the cast time will only become an option, a possibility, once its detonation of MotA is significantly gated or entirely removed. Before it would only worsen a situation already in critical condition.

Feel free to add me on EUW (Sayath) / NA if you want to discuss this issue in detail. I always enjoy seeing a different perspective. Over the past few months I've invested lots of time, in order to mark the problems that plague Akali and find potential solutions. Maybe you can help?

Lichblade9/22/2013, 12:09:35 PM2 votes

@Kami, I understand your love for the champion I have read your guide on solomid, its very well written.

On topic the suggested changes that you have gave won't actually solve Akali issues in the long run, these QoL changes always look good on paper when the champion is considered 'weak' but when they become OP then we will be banging our heads on the table thinking 'why did we gave this change in the first place.

This is what happened to her E procing off Q, now they can't simply remove it because alot of players are probably attached to it as mentioned by Sayath.

Out of all the ideas I'm surprised that you didn't thought the best way to help Akali in D1 is a change into how her W works seeing that players always counter it.

Akali players needs to start realizing that she needs to be balance on her own - Stop comparing to other Assassins like Kass or Fizz, As Sayath as mention that is no excuse to make Akali Op or frustrating to play against, thats why Akali was nerfed in the first plce and why she doesn't deserved to get buffed until we have fully relieved her frustrating elements.

When that is done then Akali is allowed to get buffs here and there.

Ukire9/19/2013, 8:24:08 PM1 votes

I agree, with the ease of being able to counter Akali with oracles, pinks, or Lee Sin's having these two slight changes would help her burst potential to make her more of a presence in higher elo games.