Riot Games is taking decisive action in League of Legends Patch 14.7 to address a growing imbalance: the disproportionate amount of damage output by certain Support champions. This shift away from their core utility-focused playstyles compromises the intended power dynamics within the game, prompting Riot to implement nerfs focused on Nami, Nunu, Karma, Sona, and Camille.
Why the Nerfs?
Riot Phroxzon, lead gameplay designer on League of Legends, emphasizes the importance of Supports contributing to their teams through heals, shields, and crowd control abilities. The current meta, where some Support champions rival the damage of traditional carries, undermines the strategic integrity of the game. By reducing their damage output, Riot is seeking to restore Supports to their intended roles and maintain a healthy balance across team compositions.
Champions in the Spotlight
- Karma: Karma’s resurgence as a mid laner, fueled by the new item Radiant Virtue, has been a primary concern. Her ability to spam Mantra-enhanced Qs with ease, dealing substantial damage while still fulfilling supportive duties, has led to further adjustments after the initial tweaks in patch 14.6 proved insufficient.
- Camille: Camille, the Steel Shadow, has seen a surge in popularity as a Support pick, particularly in high-level Korean play. Her ability to synergize with aggressive junglers and lock down enemy carries has been problematic. The lethality boost she receives from items like Duskblade of Draktharr further amplifies her kill potential. Riot is aiming to bring Camille back to her primary role as a top laner while acknowledging the viability of niche Support strategies.
- Nami, Nunu, and Sona: These classic support picks will also be receiving damage nerfs. These adjustments target their ability to easily outperform other champions in their role in terms of raw damage.
Notable Exclusion: Janna
Interestingly, Janna will be spared from direct nerfs within patch 14.7. However, this is not a guarantee against future changes. Riot is taking a cautious approach, as Janna’s rise in power has been largely attributed to the item Shurelya’s Battlesong. Nerfs to the item itself will indirectly have a balancing effect on Janna, and Riot will be closely monitoring her performance afterward.
Balancing Beyond Damage Nerfs
It’s important to note that damage reduction won’t be the sole focus of the Support changes. Potential adjustments could include scaling reductions, changes to skill mechanics, or even targeted buffs to enhance their traditional strengths. The ultimate goal of these changes is to encourage a supportive playstyle while preserving the unique identities of these champions.
Conclusion
Riot Games is demonstrating a commitment to the long-term health of League of Legends with these upcoming changes in patch 14.7. By addressing the excessive damage of certain Support champions, they are aiming to restore clarity to team roles, ensuring that Supports are valued for their unique utility rather than purely raw power. For a game as complex and ever-evolving as League of Legends, constant monitoring and adjustments are essential to preserve its competitive balance and the strategic depth that players enjoy.
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