LoL Patch 13.17 PBE Preview: Champion & Item Changes

The upcoming LoL Patch 13.17 is already making waves on the PBE with a slew of intriguing modifications, accompanied by some captivating new skins.

Credit: Riot Games

As the forthcoming League of Legends patch readies for its release, Riot Games has generously shared crucial insights into the imminent balance alterations and quality-of-life enhancements set to grace Summoner's Rift.

Naturally, the patch also ushers in an array of new skins that warrant our exploration. Let's delve into a comprehensive overview of everything to anticipate in LoL Patch 13.17.

Balancing the Battlefield: Champion Adjustments

An examination of the impending balance adjustments reveals notable changes that are primed to reshape the competitive landscape. For those who harbored dreams of witnessing Blitzcrank's jungle prowess at the League of Legends World Championship, the prospect has been curtailed. Riot has orchestrated substantial revisions for this bot lane champion, alongside others.

Blitzcrank league of legends champion
Credit: Riot Games

Blitzcrank Undergoes Transformation:

Blitzcrank, a central figure in this update, is set to experience significant transformations in the upcoming League of Legends patch. However, the alterations foretell the demise of their off-meta builds, relegating them to a dedicated support role.

  • Base Stats:
    • Health: 633 >>> 650
    • Magic Resist: 28 >>> 32
    • Attack Speed: .65 >>>.625
    • Attack Speed Ratio: .7 >>> .625
  • W - Overdrive:
    • Mana Cost: 85 >>> 75
    • Attack Speed: 30% - 82% >>> 30% - 70%
    • On-hit Damage Removed
  • E - Power Fist:
    • Mana Cost: 40 to 25
    • Bonus Monster and Minion Damage Removed

This comprehensive nerf significantly alters Blitzcrank's viability in various roles, further restricting their prowess in the jungle and the top lane.

Sylas' Adjustments:

Sylas, too, experiences alterations in LoL Patch 13.17. While the champion received buffs in the previous Patch 13.16, Riot is finally addressing a bug that has lingered within Sylas' kit over the past few years.

  • E - Abscond/Abduct:
    • Knock-up Duration: 0.35 >>> 0.5s

Innovations in the Item Realm:

Riot Games introduces substantial adjustments to items within this League of Legends patch. Duskblade undergoes further refinements, while Statikk Shiv faces pronounced nerfs.

Duskblade of Draktharr:

  • Destroys Incoming Projectiles When Triggered
  • No Longer Grants Immunity to Existing Damage (e.g., DoTs)
  • Immune to Targeted and Free Target Spells; Not Immune to Turret Shots

Statikk Shiv:

  • AP Ratio Reduced from 30% to 15%

This potent nerf to Statikk Shiv prompts contemplation regarding its reintroduction into League of Legends, followed by repeated revisions.

New league of legends champion icons
Credit: @SkinSpotlights / Twitter

Other Enhancements and Additions:

  • New Champion Icons: Every existing League of Legends champion will receive new summoner's icons in LoL Patch 13.17. Newly introduced champions will also feature dedicated icons upon their release.
  • Return of Essence Emporium: The Blue Essence Emporium makes a comeback, offering players a long-awaited opportunity to spend their accrued Blue Essence on unique icons, emotes, and chromas.
  • Updated Spell Icons for Multiple Champions: As part of this patch's endeavor to contemporize older champions, spell icons for multiple champions will be refined and modernized.
  • Introduction of New Skins: Five new skins are poised for release, with Dark Cosmic Erasure Jhin skin standing out. This innovative addition is projected to incorporate a gacha system, which has been previously introduced on Riot's Chinese server and TFT.

LoL Patch 13.17's comprehensive landscape unfolds with intriguing alterations and additions, promising a dynamic shift in the League of Legends experience. Mark your calendars for August 31, 2023, when these changes come to life.