The New Meta Power Struggle in Gwen and Kai’Sa Buffs vs. Caitlyn/Corki Nerfs

The March update (25.06) for League of Legends has already reshaped the meta, pitting the recent buffs and nerfs and causing some balance shifts that might affect the players who main these characters. 

Gwen and Kai’Sa emerged as winners this time round, while Caitlyn and Corki faced new challenges. 

Here’s how these changes impact gameplay and player pick rates and preferences.

Gwen as a Bruiser

Gwen’s March buffs aimed to pivot her toward bruiser builds, reducing reliance on pure AP scaling. Key adjustments include:

• Base HP buffed (650 +110), becoming tankier during the early game.

• Passive AP scaling reduced (0.55% tHP damage), but Q final hit damage boosted (70-170 base).

• E cooldown shortened (12s-8s) with scaling damage increased (25% AP), for more consistent trades.

• Ultimate slow normalized (60% first hit, 25% repeats) for better lockdown.

These changes push Gwen toward hybrid builds, rewarding players who focus on sustained fights over burstouts. While her jungle viability dipped slightly, her lane presence remains strong, though her W’s short duration still limits her in extended team fights.

As you probably know, Gwen has been a valuable pick in pro play for her AP in the top lane, as well as the lack of counters. If you know a team that relies on Gwen, it could be a good chance to see how well they adapt to the new changes and the improvements brought in, especially if you bet on League matches. Right now, one of the early adopters of esports betting, BetMGM, is offering all sorts of bonuses for those using their promo code that you can learn more about it here on this Action Network page.

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Kai’Sa: Assassin ADC Dominance

Kai’Sa’s buffs solidified her as a mid-game assassin ADC:

• Killer Instinct (Q) cooldown reduced, allowing faster repositioning.

• Hybrid scaling (attack speed + AP) complements items such as Guinsoo’s Rageblade and Nashor’s Tooth, allowing for burst and sustained damage.

• Ultimate mobility allows her to chase or reposition, making her a high-risk, high-reward choice.

Her ascendance mirrors the meta shift towards ADCs, though vulnerability in her early game remains. Players who had perfected her mechanics can now excel in mid-game team fights.

Caitlyn and Corki: Nerfs and Adaptation

February and March nerfs hit these staple heroes quite harshly:

Caitlyn:

• W headshot damage was reduced (40-220 → 35-215), and ultimate scaling was nerfed, weakening her late-game utility.

• Ezreal’s armor growth nerf indirectly hurts her, as she relies on poke against squishy targets.

Corki:

• Base armor slashed, making him fragile against AD champions.

• Mid-lane viability dropped, forcing players to opt for safer picks like Kai’Sa or Jhin.

Both champions still see play but require precise timing and positioning. Caitlyn’s early-game dominance remains intact, while Corki’s late-game scaling demands flawless execution.

Community Impact and Meta Shifts

The buffs and nerfs reflect Riot’s push for diversity in builds and roles:

Gwen’s bruiser pivot challenges players to rethink her itemization, while Kai’Sa’s rise rewards aggressive ADC playstyles.

Caitlyn/Corki nerfs opened lanes for Jhin and Lucian, who scale better into late-game team fights.

Anti-lane swap measures and bounty system tweaks reduce early-game snowballing, giving nerfed champions breathing room.

The March updates reshaped LoL’s power dynamics, favouring adaptable champions like Gwen and Kai’Sa while testing veterans of Caitlyn and Corki, which may not be liked by a hefty part of the community.

Pick Rate Shifts: Who’s Up and Down?

Post-patch data reveals stark pick rate changes:

Gwen’s pick rate surged from ~8% to 12% in the top lane as players exploit her hybrid potential. Her jungle viability dropped to 3%, reflecting her lane-focused meta role.

Kai’Sa’s ADC pick rate doubled (5% → 10%), overtaking Caitlyn in mid-tier play. Her assassin playstyle appeals to mechanically skilled players.

Caitlyn’s pick rate fell from 15% to 9%, though she remains a staple in pro play for her utility. Corki’s mid-lane presence halved (6% → 3%), with many players sidelining him until balance adjustments.

While nerfs haven’t erased these picks entirely, they demand sharper mechanics and strategic flexibility. As the meta settles, expect hybrid builds and assassin ADCs to dominate—until the next patch disrupts the balance once more.