Varus, the Arrow of Retribution, is once again undergoing changes as Riot Games aims to shift his playstyle from a tanky build back to his original full lethality AD build. This comes as a significant update for Varus mains who have struggled with his recent state in the meta, and these changes could make him a formidable force just in time for the upcoming Worlds.
Varus Ability Changes: More Damage, More Lethality
The first major update targets Varus’ Blighted Quiver (E). Previously, this ability scaled with 90% bonus AD. However, with the new changes, it will now scale with 110% bonus AD, significantly increasing the damage potential as players stack AD items. This shift encourages players to focus more on building damage items, maximizing the effectiveness of his abilities in the late game.
The more substantial change, however, affects Varus’ Piercing Arrow (Q). The base damage at maximum charge has seen a dramatic increase. Here’s the breakdown:
- Previous Max Charge Damage: 15 / 70 / 125 / 180 / 235
- New Max Charge Damage: 90 / 160 / 230 / 300 / 370
Additionally, the scaling has shifted from total AD to bonus AD. Previously, the Q could scale up to 145% of total AD when fully maxed. Now, it scales up to 190% of bonus AD. This change further solidifies Varus’ role as a poke champion who thrives on high AD builds, pushing him away from the tankier, more defensive builds that have been prevalent in recent patches.
Impact on Gameplay: Varus’ Return to Lethality
These changes are designed to propel Varus back into a full lethality poke build, a playstyle that Riot seems to favor for competitive play, particularly during Worlds. At level 18, a full AD build will see Varus’ Q doing over 100 more damage when fully charged, making his poke significantly more dangerous.
This update not only makes Varus a more potent champion in terms of raw damage output but also aligns with Riot’s apparent desire to see more high-risk, high-reward champions on the World stage. For Solo Queue players, this could mean a rise in Varus’ win rate, offering a more rewarding experience for those who prefer aggressive, poke-heavy gameplay.
For those looking to maximize Varus’ potential with these new changes, consider focusing on lethality items such as Duskblade of Draktharr and Youmuu’s Ghostblade. These items will fully capitalize on his new scaling and bring out the best in his reworked abilities.
If you’re interested in tracking the effectiveness of these changes or exploring optimal builds, check out Mobafire’s Varus guides for detailed insights and build paths that could elevate your gameplay.
Final Thoughts on Varus’ Buff
With these updates, Riot Games is clearly steering Varus back to his lethality roots. While this may make him a stronger contender in professional play, especially with Worlds on the horizon, only time will tell if this rework will resonate with the broader player base and improve his standing in Solo Queue.
Varus mains, it’s time to dust off those AD items and prepare to unleash a flurry of high-damage arrows.
