Meet the update 14.20 and the event "Days of players"

This is the first set of changes since the start of the third split. We are happy that the pace of battles has normalized and the snowball effect has become less frequent, but we were not able to avoid problems. Of course, after all, last time we changed about a hundred items! In the past few weeks, we have closely monitored player feedback and game metrics to understand how these changes have impacted gameplay. The transition to a more balanced environment is crucial, and we recognize that while some adjustments have been successful, others have led to unexpected challenges. Our primary goal with these updates is to enhance the overall player experience. We believe that a balanced game not only fosters competition but also encourages a more enjoyable and strategic approach to gameplay. As we analyzed the current state of the game, we identified key areas where adjustments were necessary to maintain fairness and competitiveness. One of the most significant changes we’ve observed is the reduction in extreme snowballing scenarios, where one team gains an overwhelming advantage, making it nearly impossible for the other to recover. This was a common issue in previous matches, leading to frustration among players. We have made efforts to address this by adjusting the scaling of certain items and tweaking champion abilities to ensure that matches remain competitive, even when one side has a lead.

However, as we implement these changes, we acknowledge that not all outcomes are predictable. Some items may still outperform our expectations or fail to provide the intended balance. Therefore, we are committed to ongoing adjustments and will continue to gather data and feedback from the community. This iterative process is essential for refining our approach and ensuring that each champion and item serves its intended purpose within the game. Additionally, we are excited to introduce new features that will further enhance gameplay. These include new items that encourage diverse strategies and champion builds, as well as quality-of-life improvements that streamline the gaming experience. Our team is constantly brainstorming new ideas and gathering input from players to ensure that we are moving in the right direction. We appreciate the passion and commitment of our players, and we are thankful for the constructive feedback we have received. Your insights are invaluable to us as we navigate this evolving landscape. As we look ahead, we are dedicated to fostering a balanced, competitive, and enjoyable environment for all players, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer.

Key Features of the Update

In this patch, we’re making several pivotal adjustments aimed at refining the gameplay experience across multiple champion classes and item builds. Key changes target a more balanced performance in the early game, specifically for champions relying on critical hits. As a result, we’re adjusting items like Debt Collector, Essence Thief, Statikk Shank, and Yuntal’s Wild Arrows. These changes will benefit marksmen (ADC) champions by enabling them to deliver more consistent damage in early skirmishes, thereby improving their standing against opponents with high-burst damage profiles. We’re aware that ADCs have often struggled to remain viable in earlier stages of matches, often needing to reach critical late-game levels to shine. By strengthening these items, marksmen champions will find themselves more resilient, adaptable, and impactful as they progress, supporting a more balanced game state for players who rely on critical hit damage to lead their teams to victory. In parallel, we’re toning down a few powerful mage items and aiming to reduce the early-game impact of mage-junglers. Our goal is to lessen the overbearing influence these champions can have, especially when their high-clear speeds allow them to dominate and control key objectives faster than intended.

The mage items impacted are geared towards explosive burst mages who, by design, are potent but have sometimes become overwhelming, overshadowing other champions who take longer to scale. These tweaks aim to level the playing field by ensuring that players choosing non-mage roles can also make meaningful contributions early on. We believe these changes will pave the way for ADCs and other non-magic-based classes to regain their place as formidable presences across various game phases. While these updates represent the first step in recalibrating balance for marksmen and other roles, players can anticipate further refinements as we continue to gather feedback and data from live gameplay. Champion-specific adjustments have also been a focus in this patch, with roughly a dozen champions undergoing refinements to streamline their utility, damage, or overall presence in the game. These updates may alter champion synergies, creating new opportunities for players to explore different strategies and adapt their playstyles. Whether it’s by amplifying or slightly dialing down certain abilities, we’re focused on enabling a healthier and more diverse champion roster that better aligns with our core gameplay principles. As we monitor the outcomes of these updates, expect to see additional champion adjustments in the near future, catering to a broader spectrum of champions that may need fine-tuning to align with the evolving meta.

As part of this patch, we’re thrilled to introduce the “Player Days” event in celebration of League’s 15th anniversary! Unlike our 10-year milestone, which included multiple announcements and new projects, this time, we’re focusing on bringing players a slew of in-game rewards, bonuses, and surprises to show our appreciation for the dedication and passion that players bring to League of Legends. Players can expect a variety of gifts that range from exclusive skins and icons to bonus blue essence and experience boosts. The “Player Days” event is designed to bring the community together and celebrate the remarkable journey that League of Legends has had over the past decade and a half, so don’t miss out on the festivities – you can find all the details on how to claim your rewards in the announcements section below. On top of that, we’re unveiling the much-awaited TMO update for Teemo, one of League’s most iconic champions. The TMO (Teemo Optimization Overhaul) includes an updated set of abilities and revamped visuals aimed at modernizing the beloved Yordle while preserving his mischievous nature and unique playstyle.

Teemo’s TMO update is the result of extensive community feedback, where players expressed a desire to see Teemo brought up to current gameplay standards without altering his core identity. Alongside these tweaks, we’re also introducing updates to our penalty system, aimed at addressing game abandonment. These refinements will focus on discouraging disruptive behavior while rewarding players who maintain a commitment to fair play and positive gaming experiences. As part of this system update, players can expect clearer MMR adjustments to reward positive contributions and further enhancements to our reporting and evaluation process. Looking forward, this patch also includes the much-anticipated Clash World Championship 2024, where teams from across the globe will have the opportunity to compete in one of the most thrilling, competitive experiences in the game. The World Clash Championship promises exciting rewards, elevated stakes, and new features that will allow teams to showcase their skills and strategic prowess in the Summoner’s Rift.