Throughout its decade-long history in League of Legends, the Summoner Spell has undergone numerous changes. Now, it is once more under adjustments. Riot Games is concerned about how top laners can easily dominate their lanes using the Rift-hopping spell and aims to reduce its power and influence.

On July 8, League balance boss Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison acknowledged that this rework has been anticipated for a long time.

“It’s been a long time coming, but we’re investigating changes to Teleport to resolve its ability to wash lanes, while also still avoiding the bot lane party”

There are two main challenges in Phroxzon’s balance plan as the League team works on the Spell in preparation for the 2024 World Championship.

First, any significant changes made in Season 14 could potentially bring back the “bot lane” issue, where Teleport allows tanky top laners to join the bot lane fights too easily—a situation Riot wants to avoid.

Second, the team has yet to find a solution that works well in testing.

Phroxzon didn’t specify the exact changes Riot has been testing, and he likely won’t reveal them soon. However, he did describe the attempts as “inelegant.” We can expect to learn more about some of these planned changes later this week.

Riot has a long history of altering Teleport and its effects. Since the League alpha, the spell has seen over 100 changes. Notable updates included making it uncancellable in Season 9 and an overhaul in Season 12.

Currently, Teleport has a base cooldown of 360 seconds and transforms into a more versatile Unleashed Teleport at the 10-minute mark.

The League balance team hopes that the upcoming changes to Teleport will help create a more interactive and balanced top lane experience for players.

The next update for League of Legends is approaching. With the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) now over, the developers are focusing on fine-tuning the game after the significant changes in Patch 14.10, which altered ADC items and more.

Patch 14.11 includes a rework of Ornn’s passive ability and buffs for Pantheon and Gangplank. Pantheon will receive new AP scaling on his abilities, while Gangplank will get improvements to his base stats.

League of Legends Patch 14.11 early notes

Ornn

Passive – Living Forge

• Innate – Master Craftsman:
  • All Legendary Items can now be upgraded.
  • Upgraded Items no longer have a unique name and instead have a Masterwork Tag.
  • Item chosen to upgrade is in the first slot (still only upgrades one item per champion).
  • Upgrades are still worth 1000 Gold. Upgradable stats and values are as follows:
    • Attack Damage: 1 per 35 Gold.
    • Ability Power: 1 per 20 Gold.
    • Health: 1 per 2.66 Gold.
    • Armor: 1 per 20 Gold.
    • Magic Resistance: 1 per 18 Gold.
    • Ability Haste: 1 per 31.25 Gold.
    • Attack Speed: 1% per 30 Gold.

Gangplank

Base Stats

• Base health increased: 600 >>> 630
• Armor growth increased: 4.2 >>> 4.7

Pantheon

Q: Comet Spear

• Thrown Q now scales with 50% AP

W: Shield Vault

• Damage changed: 60-220 +100% AP >>> 5-7% max HP
• Now also scales with 0.4% per 100 bonus HP and 1.5% per 100 AP

E: Aegis Assault

• Now grants 5-30 + 2.5% bonus HP armor and MR for 4 seconds

Patch 14.11 is expected to be released on May 29, 2024. It will be available on Oceanic servers first, with other servers getting the update throughout the day.

League of Legends Patch 14.10 made extensive changes across almost every aspect of gameplay. However, Patch 14.11 is set to introduce one of the most significant changes in recent times. Riot is specifically reworking the way Ornn’s passive will upgrade items. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive into the details.

Reworked Ornn’s Passive in LoL Patch 14.11

Passive – Living Forge:

• Innate – Master Craftsman:
  • All Legendary Items can now be upgraded.
  • Upgraded Items no longer have a unique name and instead have a Masterwork Tag.
  • Item chosen to upgrade is in the first slot (still only upgrades one item per champion).
  • Upgrades are still worth 1000 Gold. Upgradable stats and values are as follows:
    • Attack Damage: 1 per 35 Gold.
    • Ability Power: 1 per 20 Gold.
    • Health: 1 per 2.66 Gold.
    • Armor: 1 per 20 Gold.
    • Magic Resistance: 1 per 18 Gold.
    • Ability Haste: 1 per 31.25 Gold.
    • Attack Speed: 1% per 30 Gold.

According to a post on League’s subreddit from May 14, Ornn’s primary mechanic, which allows him to craft and upgrade items for himself and his teammates, is being updated.

This new change means that Ornn will be able to upgrade nearly any item, with a few exceptions. The items that cannot be upgraded include Mejai’s Soulstealer, Vigilant Wardstone, Tear items, and all support quest items. The value of each upgraded item will now be set at 1000 gold.

Ornn’s upgrades will still apply to the first item slotted in his inventory, so players need to be mindful of item positioning. If you sell the upgraded item and purchase a new one hoping it will be upgraded, it won’t work. Additionally, the upgraded items will no longer have unique names, which is a departure from the current system.

These new changes to his passive are scheduled to be released in Patch 14.11 on May 30, 2024.

At the onset of the 2024 ranked season, League of Legends introduced substantial modifications to its in-game item shop, most notably by eliminating Mythic items. However, upcoming changes set to roll out in an imminent patch are poised to delve even deeper into item adjustments, with a particular focus on one role on Summoner’s Rift.

While the majority of players welcomed the changes implemented this season, some was left dissatisfied. Riot’s internal surveys highlighted ADC players as the most discontented with the 2024 item revisions. In response, Patch 14.10 aims to revamp ADC items, specifically addressing their interaction with power spikes.

“Back when power progression was more linear, each item felt equally as important, and item purchases felt powerful. Well that’s the world we’re looking to go back to!”

To achieve a more balanced system where power spikes are moderated and ADCs aren’t reliant on early advantages, Riot is implementing two significant adjustments. Firstly, Legendary critical strike items will receive a buff, increasing their crit bonus from 20 to 25 percent. Secondly, items will now feature only two scaling stats instead of three.

These modifications seek to grant ADC players greater flexibility in tailoring their builds to suit individual game scenarios, while also amplifying the impact of power spikes throughout a match. Although these intentions were initially introduced during the 2024 preseason ADC item rework, they are now undergoing further expansion in Patch 14.10.

“The Mythic and recent post-Mythic ADC system gave every stat you needed on a lot of items, giving a smooth power progression through the early and mid game for the role. This was powerful, but meant leads were less meaningful and item spikes felt uneven,”

Additionally, amidst numerous item adjustments, two items—Kircheis Shard and Stormrazor—are slated for complete removal from the game. Riot plans to restrict the Energized passive effect solely to Legendary items, such as Voltaic Cyclosword and Rapid Firecannon, while altering their build paths.

Riot’s overarching objective is to offer players wider options regardless of the ADC champion they choose to play. The developers will closely monitor player feedback throughout the Patch 14.10 PBE and its release on live servers.

New Mastery Emotes draw controversy across the LoL community

Traditionally, Mastery Emotes served as a badge of honor, allowing players to showcase their accomplishments on the battlefield of Summoner’s Rift. However, the latest makeover has transformed these emblems into something entirely different, drawing inspiration from the mystical realm of Mount Targon and its arcane energies.

According to Evan “Revenancer” Humphreys, the mind behind the redesign, the decision to revamp the Mastery Emotes was motivated by the thematic connection between the journey of mastery and the ascent of Mount Targon.

This narrative influence is evident in the aesthetic of the new emotes, which eschew the elegance of their predecessors in favor of a more celestial and otherworldly appearance. Gone are the steel wings and gem; in their place, players will find diamond-like wings infused with vibrant hues of the cosmic of the Targonian landscape.

Moreover, Riot has expanded the Mastery Emote system beyond its previous limitations, introducing new crests for levels 8-10 and implementing an uncapped progression system. This means that dedicated players can now display their commitment to a specific champion with an endlessly ascending number atop the emblem, symbolizing their unwavering dedication and expertise.

Despite these innovations, not all players are pleased with the new direction of the Mastery Emotes. Some critics argue that the updated designs lack the impact of their predecessors, citing the absence of intricate animations and subtle VFX that once characterized the emotes. Indeed, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that certain elements, such as the graceful flourishing of the wings and the radiant afterglow, have been noticeably toned down or omitted altogether.

In essence, Riot’s decision to modernize the Mastery Emotes reflects a desire to infuse the game with fresh themes and aesthetics while simultaneously providing players with new ways to express their mastery and dedication. However, the mixed reception highlights the challenge of balancing innovation with nostalgia in a community as passionate and discerning as that of League of Legends.

The rework received a lukewarm response, with his win rate plummeting to an abysmal number on the day of its debut on live servers.

Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison, the lead gameplay designer for League, shared insights into Skarner’s role dynamics, noting that the champion’s performance varies significantly based on mastery level. While the champion seems to excel in the top lane among less experienced players, he struggles to find success in the jungle, with a win rate of 38.59% after two days in the game.

Skarner’s micropatch buffs

Mana Growth       

• 60 >>> 45

P Monster Damage Cap  

• 75-250 >>> 100-300

Q Monster Damage Cap 

• 100/175/250/325/400 >>> 150/225/300/375/450

W Mana Cost       

• 40/45/50/55/60 >>> 50/55/60/65/70

E Cooldown

• 24/22/20/18/16 >>> 20/19/18/17/16

Despite these challenges, Riot remains optimistic about Skarner’s potential, deeming him “quite strong.” However, they emphasize the importance of mastering his ability combinations, such as prioritizing Q before E, to fully utilize his potential on the Rift.

In response to player feedback and performance data, Riot has implemented changes aimed at balancing Skarner’s abilities. Notable adjustments include reducing the cooldown of his E ability while decreasing his mana growth and increasing the mana cost of his W ability, intended to introduce more strategic decision-making into his gameplay.

Furthermore, Riot acknowledges player concerns regarding the weightiness of Skarner’s Q ability, Shattered Earth, particularly in conjunction with his ultimate ability, Upheaval. They aim to make this ability more impactful while ensuring sufficient counterplay opportunities for opponents, with ongoing adjustments in progress.

While the micropatch aims to address immediate power concerns, Riot plans to implement further adjustments in the next patch to rebalance Skarner’s performance between top lane and jungle roles. This iterative approach reflects Riot’s commitment to refining gameplay experiences and maintaining a healthy balance within the game’s ecosystem.

Despite the excitement surrounding his overhaul, Runeterra’s beloved scorpion currently boasts the lowest win rate among all champions in the game. At the time of writing, Skarner’s win rate stands at a dismal 38.17% through Platinum ranks and higher, as reported by League statistics site U.GG.

Notably, players have been experimenting with Skarner not only in the jungle role but also in support and top lane positions, yielding similarly disappointing results as they acclimate to his revamped abilities and playstyle.

In Patch 14.7, Skarner underwent a comprehensive transformation, receiving an entirely new skill set and appearance after remaining largely unchanged since his initial release in 2011.

Moreover, despite having been one of the least favored picks in the game, he now boasts 5 unique skins—a significant increase considering his historically low skin count compared to other champions in the League roster. With these updates, Skarner has gained a plethora of new strategies and tactics at his disposal.

However, it’s common for newly reworked champions or those receiving significant updates to experience a period of adjustment upon release. Similar to Briar, who initially struggled with one of the worst win rates in the game before receiving adjustments and eventually finding her place in the solo queue meta, Skarner is expected to require some time to settle into his new role.

While Skarner’s kit may appear formidable at first glance, players are still in the process of mastering his mechanics, including optimal engagement timings, effective use of his ultimate ability, and strategic decision-making to ensure survival.

Achieving a balance between durability to withstand enemy and seizing opportunities to initiate teamfights or secure objectives through strategic positioning remains key for Skarner’s success. Thus, as players continue to familiarize themselves with his updated capabilities, his win rate is anticipated to stabilize and potentially improve.

Encountering Yone in League of Legends often elicits frustration among players, especially when he goes in and out of combat with his Soul Unbound ability. However, with the recent rework of Skarner, this crystalline arachnid now possesses formidable tools capable of countering Yone.

The Primordial Sovereign has made his debut on League’s PBE testing server, where players are actively experimenting with various combos and interactions on Summoner’s Rift.

During testing, players stumbled upon a revelation: Skarner can disrupt the second phase of Yone’s Soul Unbound ability using his own E ability, Ixtal’s Impact. Yone’s Soul Unbound empowers him to temporarily forsake his physical form, traversing the battlefield in spirit form to pursue adversaries. In this state, Yone gains unique advantages, such as unit passage, the ability to attack, and access to his skills. Yet, upon the ability’s conclusion, Yone swiftly returns to his original location, resuming his corporeal form.

Traditionally, once Yone initiates the return phase of his Soul Unbound ability, he becomes unstoppable. However, the revamped Skarner now possesses a potent tool to halt Yone’s momentum dead in its tracks. Ixtal’s Impact not only grants the reimagined scorpion the ability to traverse all terrain but also enables him to seize and suppress any enemies he encounters.

In a video demonstration, Skarner is seen using Ixtal’s Impact to charge forward, intercepting Yone’s trajectory as he reverts to his physical form. Instead of allowing Yone to pass through him unhindered, Ixtal’s Impact seizes Yone mid-animation, thrusting him back into the fray and nullifying the sanctuary of his original body’s location.

This newfound tactic serves as a potent countermeasure against Yone players accustomed to exploiting the safety net of their Soul Unbound ability. Skarner’s positioning along Yone’s return path can abruptly terminate his dash, ensnaring him in a vulnerable state.

Whether utilized as a specialized mid-lane deterrent against Yone or as a formidable jungler, Skarner has quickly demonstrated his potential to reshape the meta in League of Legends.

The long-awaited VGU of Skarner, League of Legends’ crystalline scorpion champion, has finally been unveiled, bringing a fresh look to this classic character.

However, the update has not been met with universal acclaim, particularly when it comes to the redesigned skins accompanying the rework. Among these, the Guardian of the Sands skin has been a focal point of criticism for its perceived lack of value, despite its relatively high cost of 975RP.

A detailed critique surfaced on a Reddit thread dated March 19, where users delved into the specifics of their disappointment with the Guardian of the Sands Skarner skin. The thread’s original poster, Bubblegum1109, highlighted a particular grievance with the skin’s recall animation.

They lamented the loss of the original skin’s simple yet satisfying recall, criticizing the updated version for merely adding “sand” effects to the base recall animation. This change was seen as indicative of Riot Games’ willingness to “cut corners” on modern skin updates.

The discussion expanded as he drew comparisons between the Guardian of the Sands skin and other skins priced similarly or even lower. They pointed out that skins such as Hextech Galio and Crabgot, both priced at 520RP, received significant upgrades including new particles, sounds, and even voice filters, making Skarner’s update seem lackluster in comparison.

The sentiment that Riot Games had not put forth their best effort with Skarner’s new skins was echoed by many respondents to the thread. Accusations of “pure laziness” were common, with fans expressing their disillusionment, particularly those who had favored the Guardian of the Sands skin prior to its rework.

Furthermore, dissatisfaction was not limited to the Guardian of the Sands skin. Another skin, Earthrune Skarner, was mentioned by players as having been “absolutely robbed” in its transition. The rework transformed this skin from its original Earth Elemental theme to a more robotic appearance, further fueling the disappointment among the Skarner player base.

The rework of Skarner, including these controversial skin updates, is scheduled to be implemented with the upcoming League of Legends Patch 14.7, set to go live on April 3. The community’s feedback has been loud and clear, but whether Riot Games will address these criticisms and make adjustments to the skins in question is still uncertain.

After an extensive two-year development period, the unveiling of Skarner’s new abilities and visual updates sparked a range of reactions within the community. While many appreciated the improved aesthetics and modernization of his kit, others expressed disappointment over the lengthy timeframe for the rework.

Players feel 2 years of reworking Skarner was a disappointment

Some players voiced concerns that the two-year development cycle didn’t seem commensurate with the final outcome. They felt that despite the visual enhancements and adjustments to his abilities, the rework didn’t fully capture the essence of the time and effort invested.

Opinions were mixed regarding the quality of the rework. While some praised the updated appearance and more dynamic gameplay elements, others criticized the lack of significant innovation or departure from his previous iteration. They questioned whether the extended development period truly resulted in a transformation that justified the wait.

“They said it took 2 years because they had no idea what identity or what path they wanted to use with Skarner. Def took a long time.”

“In all seriousness, the animations looks good and stuff, but i am disappointed that it took 2 years to make a kit that is almost as boring as current Skarner and somehow make him visually more uninspired.”

Several players speculated on the reasons behind the prolonged development timeline. Some suggested that uncertainty surrounding Skarner’s identity or the direction for his rework may have contributed to the delay. Despite acknowledging the improved animations and overall visual appeal, they expressed disappointment in the perceived lack of innovation in his gameplay mechanics.

In summary, while the rework has brought about positive changes, the community remains divided over whether the extensive development period yielded satisfactory results. As players continue to explore the champion, their feedback may shape future decisions regarding reworks and updates.