Although there is still plenty of time before League of Legends receives its next patch, Riot Games is already drawing the outline changes that will come to the game in version 12.13. In addition to the release of Nilah and the rework of Sivir, the developers have teased significant changes that will affect broken champions and/or key items. The Divine Slayer is in the sights of the teams of the American studio. Currently, this item is the fifth most purchased in the entire gameso this is a very important decision for the developers.
A little blow behind the neck
The adjustments to this very popular item are, along with the changes that Master Yi will receive, the only changes to the game’s balance already made by the developers on the PBE server. In his case, the intention of the developers seems clear. Item power is a bit reduced overall, but it will be especially visible in the confrontations against the tanks. It will become much less effective against champions that accumulate the most health and resistances, inflicting less damage while the heal it brings will also be reduced. This change will be especially noticeable for ranged attacking characters.
The changes, in addition to helping tanks resist better, will also open up new new build options for characters that used it. Trinity Force became a very interesting option, after receiving some buffs. In terms of statistics and effects, it is an excellent alternative to the Divine Slayer, able to offer better results in a large number of situations. However, most League of Legends players don’t find it too appealing due to its much more subtle effects than its main competitors.
Possible consequences
This nerf should impact the SoloQ and Competitive meta. Today Wukong is the best jungler in the game, and the Divine Slayer accentuates this. The King of the Monkeys is omnipresent whether in soloQ, or in official competitions. It’s hard to say if this will make him go away, but his potency will clearly be reduced. Vi will also take the full brunt of this nerf, as unlike Wukong, her current power is largely tied to that of the item. It should therefore be much rarer in Summoner’s Rift.
The concern that we can have concerns the future power of the tanks. Currently they are doing quite well in soloQ, and nerfing the item that best counters them is likely to see them gain even more popularity. Please note that all changes made on the PBE are subject to change during the test server cycle. While it’s clear that Riot Games wants to reduce the power of Divine Slayer somewhat, it’s possible the precise stats will change by the time 12.13 rolls out. In the worst case, these changes could even be delayed, if the developers are not satisfied with the result obtained.
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