David Turley @RiotPhreak
Patch 14.22 full preview. This patch we hope to put the systems in place that will make mid assassins more functional and more balanceable going forward. We’re finishing our work on first-slot ADC items. The rest of this patch is small-scale balance aimed at solo queue outliers.
Shiv: A redesign to give ADCs less “random” chip damage while still being an early wave clear item. No more ARAM pentas.
Yun Tal: Scaling first-slot AD-Crit item. It’s meant to be weaker than Collector/ER on purchase but outscale them as auto-crit champs fit that power curve.
Smite: You can still smite “around” an epic to get it despite body-blocking. This tuning mitigates issues for players who smite the ground right after a Voidgrub dies, causing them to smite another one in the camp. Will now only happen if they’re packed close together.
Katarina: Lowering her need to wait for later levels in order to reach high mobility. Also this R CD should give her a lot more laning power.
Kayle: Bring up her late game carry potential, simple as that. She should be the best late game top carry on average.
Rumble: No pro on this patch means no more pro jail. He already deals more than enough damage in early lane, so we choose durability for the low-mobility melee champion.
Swain: Trying to mostly buff his base kit and provide both damage and durability since he should have both.
