Winners and Losers - Patch 12.6

Now that the changes from the latest patch have settled, let’s take a look at some of the patch’s biggest winners and losers.

Hecarim

Hecarim was a top tier pick for a while before Patch 12.6 landed thanks to his strong ganks, mobility, and potent team-fighting ultimate. However, the nerfs to his late game damage have drastically reduced his win rate, as he is now struggling with a 46% win rate in Platinum ranks and above. It’s probably best to leave this horse in the stable until he receives some compensatory buffs.

Nidalee

Nidalee received several buffs in the latest patch:

• Human W (Bushwhack) - mana cost decreased to 30/35/40/45/50 from 40/45/50/55/60
• Human E (Primal Surge) - mana cost decreased to 50/55/60/65/70 from 50/60/70/80/90
• Cast range increased to 900, up from 600
• Cougar W (Pounce) - AoE damage radius increased to 250, up from 225

These buffs are mainly focused on increasing the utility of her human form, particularly as the cast range of Primal Surge is now the same as Bushwhack. This seems to have helped her win and play rates, as her play rate has increased by 3% and her win rate is now above 50% in Platinum ranks and above. Though she isn’t the strongest jungler on the patch, there aren’t too many viable AP junglers so picking her when your team is full AD can help diversify your damage profile.

Darius

Darius was already in a very stable spot in the meta before the latest changes dropped, but 12.6 buffed the base damage on his ultimate. This has improved his ability to execute targets in team fights to reset his ultimate, and increased his split pushing power with his ability to win 1v1s in a side line. His play rate has increased by 3% while his win rate remains at a steady 51% in Platinum ranks and above, and is one of the strongest picks in the top lane.