Welcome to our in-depth analysis of the winners and losers of Patch 14.18 in League of Legends! In this article, we'll be examining the champions who have emerged victorious with the latest changes as well as those who have faced setbacks.

We'll explore the impact of the patch on various roles and provide valuable insights into the optimal strategies for both the triumphant and the struggling champions. Whether you're looking to capitalize on the strengths of the winners or navigate the challenges faced by the losers, our guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to excel in the current meta.

Let's delve into the diverse landscape of Patch 14.18 and uncover the champions who have risen and fallen in the ever-evolving world of League of Legends. For the full patch notes, you can check out our preview article here or the official League of Legends patch notes.

Jungle

Winners:

Viego

With his base AD buffed from 57 to 60, and his Q (Blade of the Ruined King) slightly nerfed in terms of bonus monster damage, Viego is even more potent in this patch. His potential is something to be excited about.

What we recommend for his build order for this patch is as follows:

Start with Gustwalker Hatchling and a Health Potion. Then, progress into Kraken Slayer, Mercury Treads, and Sundered Sky. After that, go into Sterak's Gage and Death's dance, then finish up with Immortal Shieldbow or Wit's End.

For primary runes, take Precision into Conqueror, Triumph, Alacrity and Coup de Grace.

For secondary runes, take Inspiration into Magical Footwear, Cosmic Insight, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health (Based on level).

Xin Zhao

Xin Zhao received considerable buffs in this patch, with armor growth increased from 4.7 to 5.0, and his Q (Three Talon Strike) receiving damage scaling, previously 16-52 and now 16-68.

What we recommend for his build order for this patch is as follows:

Start with Gustwalker's Hatchling and a Health Potion. Build Eclipse, Plated Steelcaps, and Sundered Sky, then go into Sterak's Gage or Black Cleaver, depending on the match-up. If you took Black Cleaver as your fourth item, get Sterak's Gage as your fifth or Death's Dance and vice versa. You can finish up with Wit's End or Frozen Heart.

For primary runes, take Precision into Conqueror, Triumph, Alacrity, and Coup De Grace.

For secondary runes, take Inspiration into magical footwear, cosmic insight, attack speed, adaptive force and Health (based on level).

Losers:

Lillia

Lillia had her Passive Monster damage cap decreased, and R's sleep duration decreased, weakening her. However, if you still want to play her during this patch, you can still make her work.

What we recommend for her build order for this patch is as follows:

Start with Gustalker's Hatchling and a Health Potion. Progress into Liandry's Torment, Sorceror's Shoes and Riftmaker. Go into Zhonya's and Rylai's, then finish up with Rabadon's.

For primary runes, take Precision into Conqueror, Triumph, Haste, and Coup de Grace.

For secondary runes, take Inspiration into Magical Footwear, Cosmic Insight, Adaptive Power for both Flex and Offense and Health (based on level).

Ivern

Ivern's E shield strength and slow decreased, so he's also lost some of his potency, and it's apparent in his win rate.

What we recommend for his build order for this patch is as follows:

Start with Gustwalker's, building into Ionian Boots of Lucidity, Redemption, and Moonstone Renewer. Then go for Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and finish up with Dawncore.

For Runes, take Sorcery into Summon Aery, Nimbus Cloak, Transcendence, and Waterwalking.

For secondary runes, take Domination into Eyeball Collection, Relentless Hunter, Ability Haste, Move speed, and Health (based on level).

Mid

Moving on to the Mid-lane, it was one of Riot's main focus points in terms of nerfs.

Winners:

Sylas

The only significant 'winning' mid-laner from this patch, in our opinion. The nerfs in 14.17 didn't really affect Sylas, and he's still been thriving since the buffs in patch 14.16. He remains one of the strongest mid-laners in League, as evidenced by his high win rate in this patch.

What we recommend for his build order for this patch is as follows:

Start with Doran's Ring and two Health potions, progressing into Lich's Bane, Sorcerer's Shoes, and Shadowflame. Next, get Zhonya's and Rabadon's and finish up with Cryptbloom or Mejai's Soulstealer, depending on the match-up.

For Runes, take Domination into Electrocute, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection, and Relentless Hunter.

For secondary runes, take Sorcery into Transcendence, Scorch, Adaptive Force for both Flex and Offense and Health (based on level.)

Losers:

Lissandra

Following the buffs from the last patch, Riot decided that she was too strong and was in need of a nerf, reducing her Q AP (Ability Power) ratio by 10% (From +85% to +75%). However, she remains potent in this patch.

What we recommend for his build order for this patch is as follows:

For her build order, start with Doran's Ring and two Health potions, going into Malignance, Sorcerer's Shoes, and Shadowflame. Next, get Zhonya's and Rabadon's, finishing up with Cryptbloom or Void Staff, depending on the match-up.

For primary runes, take Domination into Electrocute, Cheap Shot, Eyeball Collection, and Ultimate Hunter.

For secondary runes, take Sorcery into Manaflow Band, Transcendence, and Adaptive Force for both Flex and Offense and Health (Based on level.)

Aurora

Last for our Mid laners for winners and losers is Aurora. This patch's nerfs hit Aurora like a truck, reducing her R Maximum Jump Distance from 400 all the way down to 250, her Wall Jump Forgiveness from 700 to 450, and the duration from 3/3.5/4 to 2/2.5/3 seconds.

If, for whatever reason, you still wish to play her in your ranked games, here's what we would recommend.

What we recommend for his build order for this patch is as follows:

Start with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions, into Malignance, Sorcerer's Shoes, and Liandry's Torment. Then, Cosmic Drive and Rabadon's, finishing up with Zhonya's or Void Staff, depending on the match-up.

For primary runes, take Domination into Electrocute, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection, and Ultimate Hunter.

For secondary runes, take Precision into Presence of Mind, Cut Down, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health (+85).

ADC

Winners:

Jinx

Jinx was already a formidable force to go up against, and in this patch, she received an increase in her Attack Speed Growth from 1% to 1.4%; though it may seem insignificant, her win rate says otherwise.

What we recommend for his build order for this patch is as follows:

For her build order, start with Doran's Blade and a Health potion, progressing to The Collector, Berserker's Greaves, and Opportunity. Next, get Mortal Reminder and Infinity Edge, then finish up with Rapid Firecannon, Bloodthirster, or Runaan's Hurricane, depending on the match-up.

For primary runes, take Precision into Press the Attack, Presence of Mind, Alacrity, and Cut Down.

For secondary runes, take Inspiration into Cash Back, Jack of All Trades, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health (+85).

Kai'Sa

Whereas Kai'Sa didn't receive any direct buffs, she is more potent due to other ADCs and items being nerfed.

For her build order, start with Doran's Blade and a Health Potion into Statikk Shiv, Berserker's Greaves, and Gunisoo's Rageblade. Then, get Nashor's Tooth or Terminus, depending on the match-up. After that, build Zhonya's and finish up with Rabadon's.

What we recommend for his build order for this patch is as follows:

For primary runes, take Precision into Press the Attack, Absord Life, Alacrity, and Cut Down.

For secondary runes, take Inspiration into Magical Footwear, Biscuit Delivery, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health (+85).

Losers:

Miss Fortune

The last on our list of winners and losers for this patch is Miss Fortune. Riot is reverting one of the buffs they gave her in patch 14.13, reducing her base AD from 55 to 53. Bloodthirster, her first item, also got hit in this patch, causing her to lose a chunk of strength. However, her pick rate is still decent due to her being relatively easy to play.

What we recommend for his build order for this patch is as follows:

Start with Doran's Blade and a Health Potion and build into Bloodthirster, Essence Reaver, and Infinity Edge. Then Lord Dominik's Regards or Mortal Reminder, depending on the match-up. Next, get Rapid Firecannon and finish up with Edge of Night.

For Runes, take Precision into Press the Attack, Presence of Mind, Alacrity and Cut Down.

For secondary runes, take Inspiration into Magical Footwear, Biscuit Delivery, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health (+85).

 

 

Patch 14.18 has brought significant changes to the landscape of League of Legends, shaping new opportunities for some champions while posing challenges for others.

As we've explored the winners and losers of this patch, it's evident that adaptability and strategic decision-making are crucial for navigating the dynamic meta. Whether you're capitalizing on the strengths of the winners or seeking to overcome the obstacles faced by the losers, understanding the nuances of each champion's adjustments is essential.

We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights to enhance your gameplay and make informed choices in the ever-evolving world of League of Legends. No matter the winners and losers, if you put enough practice, you will emerge victorious with enough perseverence.

 

For the latest League of Legends news, follow Strafe Esports. To follow everything on Worlds 2024, check out our full guide. Also, follow the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews with players and coaches.

Credit: Riot Games

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