Patch 12.20 Overview

The latest patch to hit the Rift targets some of strongest and most popular champions at Worlds, and buffs some struggling champions; let's break down the biggest talking points.

Aatrox and Maokai

Who would have thought it'd be the top lane that would have the two most contested champions at Worlds? Aatrox and Maokai have dominated the pick/ban phases and been two of the best champions at Worlds, so have received some nerfs:

• Aatrox Passive (Deathbringer Stance) - heals 80% of post-mitigation damage, down from 100%
• Maokai Passive (Sap Magic) - healing based on maximum health reduced to 4% - 10% (based on level) maximum health, down from 4.5% - 12% (based on level) maximum health
• Ultimate (Nature's Grasp) - cooldown increased to 120/110/100 seconds, up from 120/100/80

These nerf primarily targets their sustainability, meaning any damage they receive will stick more. Maokai will also have fewer opportunities to engage with his ult in the mid/late game.

Jungle

Elsewhere in the jungle, Elise has received a huge QoL buff her to human-Q range. Prior to this buff, her Q range was slightly shorter than her auto attack range making it very awkward to land a Q-auto combo. The range on human-Q has therefore been buffed:

• Q (Neurotoxin) - range detection changed to center of Elise to edge of target’s hitbox, changed from center of target’s hitbox
• Cast range decreased to 575, down from 625

This should make playing Elise's human form feel a lot smoother, and can help land important Electrocute procs. Evelynn has also received some buffs to her ganking power, with increased damage and CC duration:

• Q (Hate Spike) - bonus magic damage to marked target increased to 15/25/35/45/55 (+25% AP), up from 10/20/30/40/50 (+25% AP)
• W (Allure) - charm duration increased to 1.25/1.5/1.75/2/2.25 seconds, up from 1/1.25/1.5/1.75/2

To complete the trio of buffs to ganking junglers, Rammus's movement speed has been dramatically buffed:

• W (Defensive Ball Curl) - self slow removed, down from 30%
• Ultimate (Roaring Slam) - dash speed increased to 110%, up from 105%

Rammus shines when he is able to get reach the enemies and stick on them, but is countered when they are able to kite him. This increased movement speed should help with this major weakness, making it easier to land that all-important CC.

Top Lane

Easily the coolest buff on the patch goes to Askhan, who can now swing using his E for an unlimited duration. It's difficult to say how useful this buff will be in reality, but it does give him the chance to pull off some awesome outplays and manoeuvres.

Gwen has recieved some damage buffs to her Q, after falling slightly out of the meta for the last few patches:

• Q (Snip Snip!) - damage per snip increased to 10/15/20/25/30 (+5% AP), up from 10/14/18/22/26 (+5% AP)
• Final snip damage increased to 60/85/110/135/160 (+35% AP), up from 60/80/100/120/140 (+35% AP)

Lastly, Jayce has always struggled in the late game if he's not split pushing, as he can be instantly blown up. He now receives extra armour & MR based on his bonus AD, rewarding Jayces who are particularly fed. His W hammer regen has also been buffed to give him more flexibility:

• W (Lightning Field) - mana restoration increased to 10/12/14/16/18/20, up from 6/8/10/12/14/16
• Ultimate (Transform Mercury Hammer) - bonus armour & MR increased to 5/15/25/35 (+ 7.5% bonus AD), up from 5/15/25/35

Summary

With a slew of buffs to the ganking power of junglers, keep your eye out for these aggressive junglers in the early game. They'll be looking to take advantage of stronger ganks and snowball their lanes, so don't be afraid to play a little more defensive if facing these champions!