Recent changes to the popular online game League of Legends, specifically patch 25.18 released on , have sparked discussion among players regarding balance adjustments to several champions. The update, which also includes the release of T1 Worlds 24 skins, has focused on refining existing gameplay mechanics and addressing perceived imbalances.
Yunara Nerfs and Adjustments
A significant portion of the patch notes centers around Yunara, a champion introduced in version 25.14. Several key abilities have been modified, indicating Riot Games’ intention to re-evaluate her power level within the current meta. The “Cultivation of Spirit” ability has seen a reduction in its bonus attack speed, decreasing from 25/35/45/55/65% to 20/30/40/50/60% at different ranks. This change aims to temper Yunara’s sustained damage output in prolonged engagements.
Further adjustments to Yunara’s kit include alterations to “Arc of Ruin.” The base damage of this ability has been reduced to 160/320/480 (scaling with “Transcend One’s Self” rank) from a previous value of 175/350/525. The bonus AD ratio has been lowered from 150% to 120%. These reductions suggest a focus on diminishing Yunara’s burst potential.
However, not all changes to Yunara are nerfs. The “Arc of Judgment” ability has received a buff, with its impact base damage increasing from 5/30/55/80/105 to 55/95/135/175/215. The AD ratio for the impact portion of the ability has also been adjusted, changing from 85% total AD to 85% bonus AD. The lingering damage component of “Arc of Judgment” has been reworked, now dealing 60% of the impact damage per second, up from a previously defined explicit value. The base damage per second for the lingering effect has also been significantly increased, rising from 5/20/35/50/65 to 33/57/81/105/129, and the AD ratio per second has been changed from 40% total AD to 51% bonus AD. A slight increase to the AP ratio per second, from 25% to 30%, has also been implemented.
“Kanmei’s Steps” has undergone modifications as well. The bonus movement speed granted by the ability no longer decays over its duration, but its cooldown has been increased from 7.5 seconds to 9 seconds. A bug fix was also implemented to ensure the bonus movement speed is correctly applied and removed based on the player’s facing direction. Similarly, the cooldown for “Untouchable Shadow” has been increased from 7.5 to 9 seconds.
Minor Stat Adjustments and Bug Fixes
Beyond Yunara, minor stat adjustments were made in a hotfix on . Yunara’s base health was initially increased to 590 from 575 and her base attack damage to 55 from 53, but these were quickly reverted in a subsequent update, bringing her base health back down to 575 and attack damage to 53. These rapid adjustments suggest a fine-tuning process in response to initial player feedback and internal testing.
A bug fix addressed issues related to the use of Cleave items (specifically Tiamat and its upgrades) with Yunara, resolving multiple reported problems. A voice line for killing the champion Varus was restored, addressing a previously missing audio cue.
Spectator Mode Improvements
Patch 25.21 included a quality-of-life improvement for spectators, making the stack counter for Yunara’s “Cultivation of Spirit” visible in Spectator Mode. This enhancement provides viewers with a clearer understanding of Yunara’s ability usage and potential damage output during professional matches or streams.
Implications for the Meta
These changes to Yunara, particularly the nerfs to “Cultivation of Spirit” and “Arc of Ruin,” are likely to impact her viability in competitive play. The reduction in attack speed and burst damage could make her more susceptible to counterplay and less effective in extended skirmishes. However, the buffs to “Arc of Judgment” offer a potential avenue for Yunara players to adapt their strategies and maintain a presence in the meta. The adjustments to “Kanmei’s Steps” and “Untouchable Shadow” aim to balance her mobility and utility, potentially making her less oppressive in lane and teamfights.
The overall effect of these changes remains to be seen as players experiment with new builds and strategies. The League of Legends community is actively discussing the implications of patch 25.18, and further adjustments may be made in subsequent updates based on player feedback and data analysis. The ongoing evolution of champion balance is a core element of League of Legends’ enduring popularity, ensuring a dynamic and competitive gameplay experience.
