League of Legends Patch 25.16 Preview: Flexibility is the New Meta

“When the game is in a pretty balanced state, we’re particularly interested in getting champions into multiple roles (in a way that doesn’t break the game) that can add a bit of freshness back.”

That’s the direction for Patch 25.16, according to Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison, Lead Gameplay Designer on League of Legends. Instead of major system shakeups, this patch introduces a wide set of changes aimed at giving champions more role flexibility and opening up picks like Sylas jungle, AD Sion, Viego mid, and AD Mordekaiser.

Here’s what’s coming in Patch 25.16.

Champion Buffs: Role diversity front and center

Several champions are getting buffs to help them succeed in less traditional roles, adding new options across all elos. Among the most notable:

Qiyana is receiving changes for both mid and jungle play, while Sylas is being encouraged into the jungle as well. Nautilus gets buffs aimed at jungle viability, and Sion receives adjustments for AD-focused builds.

Other champions being buffed:

• Brand
• Gnar
• Illaoi
• Kalista
• Master Yi
• Morgana
• Rek’Sai
• Rakan
• Zyra

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Champion Nerfs

A number of champions are being brought down in strength to maintain champion diversity and create space for other picks. Yuumi is receiving another nerf following previous adjustments that didn’t lower her performance enough. Nocturne is also being targeted due to upcoming Hexplate changes.

Other nerfed champions:

• Jarvan IV
• Lulu
• Rell
• Shaco
• Trundle
• Xin Zhao

Champion Adjustments

A few champions are receiving smaller adjustments aimed at enabling more build or role flexibility.

• Mordekaiser is being supported for AD-oriented builds
• Varus is being tuned to better balance between on-hit and lethality setups
• Viego is receiving changes related to mid lane viability
• Warwick is being adjusted to support both jungle and top lane usage.

System Changes

There are only two system changes in this patch:

• Hexplate is receiving buffs in this patch. To compensate, Nocturne is being nerfed due to his synergy with the item.
• Baron Nashor’s in-combat health regeneration is being removed, a change aimed at making smite fights more consistent. 

Yunara

Yunara is not receiving any changes this patch. According to Riot, she is currently in a good state. Popular in her role, occasionally seen in pro play, and not drawing a high ban rate. Kraken Slayer and Blade of the Ruined King builds are becoming more common, especially at higher levels of play.

You can read the full post from Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison here: