In Patch 25.S1.4, we see a significant shift in the balance of League of Legends, particularly with nerfs to tank items and buffs to several champions. Join us as we dive into the details of all the changes, from item adjustments to champion buffs and nerfs, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the upcoming patch.

Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Merc Treads receive a cost reduction, enhancing accessibility for players.
- Buffs to champions like Ashe, Ekko, and Gangplank aim to increase their viability in the current meta.
- Significant nerfs to tank items and champions, including the Abyssal Mask and Heartsteel, shift the balance towards more damage-oriented playstyles.
- Infinity Edge adjustments will allow ADCs to complete builds more efficiently while still maintaining a balance in power.
Introduction
Patch 25.S1.4 brings a wave of changes that significantly impact the balance of League of Legends. While tanks face a decline due to item nerfs, several champions, including Yasuo, Gangplank, and Ekko, have received much-needed buffs. This patch is pivotal for players looking to adapt to the evolving meta, as it not only alters item effectiveness but also reshapes champion viability across various roles.
Items
Merc Treads Buff
The cost of Merc Treads has been reduced from 1300 to 1250 gold, making this essential item more accessible for champions who rely on its tenacity and magic resistance. This change allows players to invest in crucial survivability earlier in the game, enhancing their overall effectiveness in team fights.

Symbiotic Souls Buff
Symbiotic Souls has received a movement speed increase from 35 to 40, providing champions using this item with an additional boost to their mobility. This buff can enhance the effectiveness of champions who depend on quick repositioning during engagements, allowing for more dynamic gameplay strategies.

Abyssal Mask Nerf
The nerf to Abyssal Mask sees its magic resist reduced from 50 to 45. This change diminishes its effectiveness as a staple item for many mages and tanks alike. Players will need to consider alternative options to maintain their defenses against AP threats.

Fimbulwinter Nerf
Fimbulwinter’s shield scaling has been adjusted, with the base shield dropping from 100 scaling to 180 to a flat 100. This nerf reduces the item’s effectiveness in providing sustained protection, particularly for champions who rely heavily on shields to survive burst damage in fights.

Heartsteel Nerf
The passive damage to max health conversion on Heartsteel has been decreased from 10% to 8%. This change will affect tank champions’ overall durability and damage output, requiring players to re-evaluate their build paths to maintain effectiveness in their roles.

Plated Steelcaps Nerf
Plated Steelcaps will now have its attack damage reduction lowered from 12% to 10%. This change impacts the item’s ability to mitigate physical damage, particularly against auto-attack reliant champions, making it less appealing for tank builds.

Unending Despair Nerf
Unending Despair’s base damage has been adjusted, with its passive damage dropping from 8 scaling to 15 to zero. This alteration limits the item’s effectiveness, requiring players to adapt their strategies when utilizing it to maximize damage output.

Infinity Edge Adjustments
Infinity Edge sees a cost reduction of 150 gold, making it easier for ADCs to complete their build. However, its AD is reduced from 70 to 65. This adjustment shifts the item’s efficiency, allowing for faster completion while slightly lowering its damage potential.

Champions
Ashe Buffs
Ashe is receiving several buffs to enhance her competitiveness in the current meta. Her Q ratio is increased from 110 scaling to 130%, and her W ratio from 100 to 110%. Additionally, her base damage is boosted by 50 at all ranks, making her a more formidable presence in lane and team fights.

Ekko Buff
Ekko‘s outgoing Q damage will be increased by 10 at all ranks, potentially altering his breakpoints in both mid-lane and jungle roles. This buff could allow Ekko to secure kills more efficiently, enhancing his viability as a carry champion.

Gangplank Buff
Gangplank is set to receive a scaling buff with his AD growth increased from 3.7 to 4.2. This change will improve his scaling into the late game, making him a more threatening pick in both solo queue and competitive play.

Jayce Buff
Jayce will see a buff to his ranged W, with the attack speed increase going from 300 to 1,000%. This change enhances his poke potential and overall damage output, making him a more viable pick in various matchups.

Nautilus Buff
Nautilus will have a slight increase in his Q base damage, going up by 15 at all ranks. This change enhances his all-in potential, allowing him to be more threatening in both laning and team fight scenarios.

Sion Buffs
Sion is receiving some much-needed buffs in Patch 25.S1.4. His base armor will increase from 32 to 36, and his base health regeneration will rise from 7.5 to 9. These adjustments are aimed at enhancing his survivability, especially given the recent nerfs to tank items that could have diminished his effectiveness on the battlefield.

Teemo Jungle Buff
Teemo jungle is getting a boost as his bonus damage to monsters will be increased from 125% to 145%. This change could make him a more viable option in the jungle, allowing players to leverage his unique playstyle and surprise opponents.

Yasuo Buff
Yasuo‘s passive crit damage will be increased from 90% to 100%. This enhancement aims to bolster his damage output, making him a more appealing pick in the current meta. With the changes to Infinity Edge, Yasuo players might find themselves hitting harder and faster than before.

Hwei Nerfs
Hwei is facing several nerfs in this patch, with his Q and W abilities taking significant hits. The Q base damage is being lowered by 20 at rank one, while the W damage is reduced by five across all ranks. Additionally, the AP ratio on his abilities will drop, making him less formidable in the late game.

Kalista Nerf
Kalista continues to be a concern in higher tiers of play. To address this, her W damage is being adjusted, dropping from 14% scaling to 18% of max health to 10% scaling to 18% max health. This nerf aims to reduce her overall damage output, especially in late-game scenarios.

Kog’Maw Nerf
Kog’Maw is also receiving a nerf as his Q base damage will decrease from 90 scaling to 290 to 80 scaling to 260. This change is intended to bring him in line with other ADCs, reducing his dominance in the late game and making him easier to manage.

Lulu Nerfs
Lulu has been one of the most overpowered champions recently, prompting Riot to implement several nerfs. Her W attack speed is reduced by 5% at all ranks, and the cooldown of the ability is increased by one second. Additionally, her E shield is being lowered from 80 scaling to 260 to 80 scaling to 240, impacting her overall utility in team fights.

Warwick Nerf
Warwick is also being adjusted, particularly in the top lane. His Q mana cost will increase by 10 at all ranks, making it more challenging for him to sustain his abilities. This change aims to balance his power in both jungle and top lane roles.

Twitch Nerf
Twitch will see a change in how his R ability interacts with maximum Archinist. His ultimate will now be treated as AoE damage, reducing the damage boost from 14% to 9%. This adjustment is set to lower his burst damage potential during team fights.

Mel Adjustments
Mel‘s kit is undergoing various power shifts this patch. Her Q missile speed is being reduced from 5,000 to 4,500, and her Q cast range is down from 1,000 to 950 units. Additionally, the duration of her W ability is being shortened, and the base reflect damage is also reduced. These changes aim to balance her power in both support and damage roles.

Diana Adjustments
Diana jungle is facing a significant nerf as her passive damage to monsters will drop from 300% to 225%. However, her Q base damage will increase by 10, and her W base damage per orb will also see a small increase. This means while her jungle clear will be slower, her mid-lane presence may become stronger.

Elise Adjustments
Elise is gaining changes that will keep her neutral in support roles but buff her jungle viability. Her spiderling base damage is increased, and the spider form W attack speed buff is going up. These adjustments are designed to enhance her jungle clear while maintaining balance in other roles.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Patch 25.S1.4 introduces a range of exciting changes to League of Legends, reshaping the current meta and offering players new strategies to explore. With buffs to champions like Ashe, Ekko, and Gangplank, alongside significant nerfs to tank items, players will need to adapt their gameplay and champion selections to thrive in the evolving landscape. Whether you’re a tank enthusiast or a damage dealer, understanding these adjustments will be crucial for maximizing your performance in the upcoming patch. Be sure to stay updated on all the latest strategies and tips to ensure you can navigate these changes effectively!
FAQ
What are the major changes in Patch 25.S1.4?
This patch includes buffs to champions like Sion, Yasuo, and Ekko, while nerfing others like Hwei and Kalista, along with significant item adjustments.
How will these changes affect the current meta?
With the buffs and nerfs, players will need to rethink their champion picks and strategies, especially in higher tiers of play.
Where can I find more detailed guides on these changes?
Check out our extensive blog for more insights and guides on how to adapt to these changes!
What is the purpose of Patch 25.S1.4?
The purpose of this patch is to balance the game by adjusting the effectiveness of certain champions and items, ensuring a more competitive environment.
How do the changes impact tank champions?
Tank champions face significant nerfs in this patch, particularly due to item adjustments that reduce their effectiveness, pushing players to explore alternative builds.
Are the buffs to specific champions significant?
Yes, the buffs to champions like Ashe, Ekko, and Gangplank are designed to enhance their viability and encourage players to utilize them in various roles.
What should I focus on when adapting to these changes?
Players should focus on re-evaluating their champion picks and item builds according to the new meta, as well as understanding the strengths and weaknesses of adjusted champions.
When will these changes go live?
The changes included in Patch 25.S1.4 are expected to go live on Thursday, February 20th, so players should prepare ahead of time.