League of Legends: Emergency Buffs for Briar After Poor Win Rate

League of Legends' developers have taken immediate action to buff Briar shortly after her release due to her significantly low win rate.

Riot Games

Briar made her debut on live servers as League of Legends' latest champion on September 13. However, her launch came with some challenges. Right from the start, Briar experienced one of the worst win rates in League of Legends history.

With a dismal 36% win rate, it was evident to the developers that Briar needed an extra boost to improve her chances of success. Lead Champion designer Riot August, announced a series of buffs to enhance her resilience in a hotfix released on September 14.

The hotfix increased her HP from 590 to 610, while her ability, Chilling Scream (E), had its Damage Reduction raised from 35% to 40% and its cooldown reduced from 18 seconds to 16.

Riot August Tweet
Twitter

Although these buffs are not massive, they should provide her with better survivability. Riot August explained, "We're taking a cautious approach here because we anticipate that she will become more potent as players become more familiar with the intricacies of her kit."

This is not the first time a newly introduced champion received a hotfix buff due to poor performance. Both Zeri and K'Sante underwent buffs immediately after their release because of their low win rates. Despite subsequent nerfs, both champions saw regular use in high-level play.

Briar buffed League of Legends
Riot Games

Briar's kit and playstyle are unique and demand strategic decision-making, rewarding skilled gameplay. This is why many players initially opposed a hotfix buff.

K'Sante also had a complex kit, but once players grasped how to play him effectively, he became highly popular. Therefore, players will need to wait and see if Briar's low win rate is a result of players still learning her kit or if she genuinely requires further buffs.

League of Legends

League of Legends

League of Legends (LoL) is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Riot Games. Released in 2009, the game features fast-paced, team-based gameplay, where players control champions with unique abilities and battle to destroy the enemy's Nexus. League of Legends is known for its deep strategy, diverse champion roster, and competitive nature. The game includes various modes, such as Summoner's Rift, ARAM, and rotating game modes, offering diverse experiences for players. LoL is a major player in the esports scene, with professional leagues and tournaments worldwide. The game is praised for its engaging gameplay, regular updates, and vibrant community, making it one of the most popular and enduring titles in the gaming industry.

Genres
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
Platform(s)
PC
Release Date
Oct 27, 2009
Price
Free
Developer(s)
Riot Games
Publisher(s)
Riot Games
ESRB Rating
T