Akali Changes Might Wait Until League of Legends Patch 9.3
Akali changes might not hit until League of Legends Patch 9.3, as explained Wednesday by Riot Games' Andrei "Meddler" van Roon.
Meddler posted a dev blog Thursday on the League of Legends forums discussing some of the potential changes in upcoming patches, namely version 9.2 and 9.3. Meddler talks about upcoming changes to champions, loading screens, and items.
Why we're holding off on some balance changes and how they might ship in 9.3 instead.
— Andrei van Roon (@RiotMeddler) January 16, 2019
Some new loading screen features in 9.2, more to follow afterwards.
Thoughts on crit changes and overall systemic damage later this week or sometime next week.https://t.co/UyczNmi2DZ
The primary talking point was nerfs targeting champions currently regarded as too impactful relative to their competition. Although some champions have been targeted by the nerf hammer in Patch 9.2, Meddler explains that changes to some of the more controversial champions (such as Akali, Camille, and Irelia) will likely have to wait until Patch 9.3 due to need for further testing.
Meddler did not elaborate on Akali beyond stating that she "needs more time." Irelia, meanwhile, is looking to have changes beyond those in Patch 9.2 looking to give her more strength in longer fights as opposed to her current skew towards short bursts of combat.
Meddler spoke at length on potential changes to Camille's role as a jungler, specifically her Hookshot's (E) ability to stun monsters and whether this crowd-control capability should be removed. Meddler expressed a desire to not see Camille completely forced out of the jungler position, however, implying a desire to see the champion remain a flexible pick.
Other talking points were Dr Mundo and Shen as beneficiaries to changes to Sunfire Cape in Patch 9.2, and a wait-and-see approach to potential changes to Viktor and Zoe based on nerfs to items and the Ignite spell in 9.2
Meddler also spoke to expected changes to the loading screens, including a revised layout, 2019 rank changes, and performance improvements. These changes can be expected to be released in League of Legends Patch 9.2, although other planned features (such as text chat and premade voice chat during the loading screen) will take longer.
Likewise, the crit item changes are expected to be in Patch 9.3 or later rather than Patch 9.2.
Meddler cautions that these are not certain changes and are subject to change.
Images courtesy of Riot Games.