The Worlds 2024 patch is approaching, and Riot is looking to scale back ADCs’ power in the solo lanes. Only Corki seems to have been affected by the changes, but how many champions can Riot crack down on heading into Worlds?
ADC champions are still amongst the most powerful in the solo lanes in League of Legends, and Riot is looking to stop this ahead of the 2024 World Championship. As always, ahead of a new patch, League’s lead gameplay designer, Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison, posted to X (formerly Twitter) to tell players what’s coming.
In the patch, Riot is targeting three ADC runes: Absorb Life, Cut Down, and Fleet Footwork. Many ADCs that are still dominant in the mid lane have been using these runes to significant effect. Combined with ADC items, runes, and XP changes, this means ADCs can still hold a strong presence in competitive play. “In 14.16, we see early signs that the nerfs to 1 item spike (BORK), individual champion nerfs (Corki, Lucian) are looking at least reasonably effective,” said Phroxzon.
Corki and Tristana have been the two powerhouses in the mid lane for quite some time in competitive play. In the LCS regular season, Tristana was the second most-picked mid laner at 19 games with 20 bans to her name, according to stats site gol.gg. In the seven playoff games thus far, she’s yet to be picked, and Azir is starting to climb the ranks. Corki remains relevant in pro play, with three games in the LCS Championship.
Riot’s also making some changes to the frontrunners in the bottom lane ahead of the World Championship patch, 14.18. According to Phroxzon, Ezreal and Ashe will be two of many ADC’s that Riot will be “tapping down.” Players can expect these changes when Patch 14.18 rolls out on August 28.
