League of Legends Patch 13.20, released on October 11th, 2023, has stirred up quite a storm within the LoL community. The patch introduces numerous changes, and most notably, it’s the junglers who find themselves in the hot seat due to a series of substantial nerfs. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the jungle nerfs and their impact, identify the junglers most affected by these changes and explore how they can still make their mark in the game.
League of Legends Patch 13.20: Junglers’ Nightmare
League of Legends Patch 13.20 delivers a range of alterations to the game. These modifications were initially deemed too disruptive for the Worlds patch, bringing a rework of the champion K’Sante, adjustments to the Jungle role, and changes in anti-snowball mechanics.
However, the change that really got everyone talking in the community is the jungle nerf. Let’s take a closer look at what this is all about.
Patch 13.20 Jungle Nerfs
Not every alteration in this patch affects the jungle negatively, but a significant majority of them do. These changes are substantially diminishing the role’s overall power:
Smite
One of the most prominent changes that garnered attention is Smite’s revamp. Smite has been upgraded to automatically target the epic monster with the lowest remaining health. This alteration aims to alleviate the anxiety of players who have struggled with crucial smiting moments.
However, this newfound convenience comes at a price.
- Smite’s damage to champions and pets has been scaled back, transforming it from a nuke into more of a slow effect.
- While it may not obliterate enemies as swiftly, it still serves its intended purpose.
Base Drake Bonuses
The base bonuses granted by Drakes have also been adjusted with the intention of reducing their impact on the game.
- Cloud Drake: Slow resistance and out-of-combat movement speed drop from 7% to 5%.
- Hextech Drake: Ability haste and bonus attack speed decrease from 7.5 to 5.
- Infernal Drake: Attack damage and ability power are reduced from 5% to 3%.
- Mountain Drake: Bonus armor and magic resistance decrease from 8% to 5%.
- Ocean Drake: Health restoration decreases from 2.5% missing health every 5 seconds to 2%.
Rift Herald and Baron Nashor
Other jungle creatures in League of Legends have not been spared. The local gold from Rift Herald has been halved, dropping from 200 to 100. Moreover, Baron Nashor now boasts an increased base health, climbing from 12,600 to 15,000.
Junglers Who Are Most Affected by the Nerf
Given the changes detailed above, it’s evident that these adjustments significantly affect certain junglers, particularly those who rely on early-game dominance and fast clears. Champions such as Kha’Zix, Evelynn, and Lee Sin, who thrive on swift kills and low health, are hit hardest by the nerfs.
Additionally, junglers dependent on Drake buffs for early kills also find themselves in a tight spot. Champions like Lee Sin, Master Yi, or Nunu Willump, who rely heavily on these buffs, now face extended farming periods due to the nerfs.
How to Still Be Effective as a Jungler
While the jungle nerfs in LoL might appear daunting, it’s essential for players to adapt to the new reality. In light of these changes, embracing a more tanky jungler approach becomes a viable strategy. Carrying your team is ideal, but the nerfs do have a silver lining for tanky junglers.
- For instance, champions like Gragas and Shyvana fit the mold of tanky junglers who are less affected by the nerfs.
- As a tanky jungler, you don’t need early kills to contribute effectively to your team.
- You can focus on steady farming and be the guardian savior when skirmishes erupt on the battlefield while maintaining jungle monster kills.
