'League of Legends' Midseason Update: What's Changing on the Rift?

League of Legends is halfway through its eighth season, which means it's almost time for a midseason update. These patches tend to be monumental, shaking up the meta in ways that nobody asked for. Whether it's the reworks of juggernauts, assassins or mages, or a complete overhaul of the game's Runes system, Riot Games always unleashes crazy changes on the game's unsuspecting playerbase.

Riot Axes, the games' system designer, posted some of the changes coming to League of Legends during the Midseason on the game's forum. Here's everything we know so far:

  • Won't Be The Biggest- Riot Axe said that this year's midseason update won't be very large. "Changes will come over a couple of patches, and it'll be smaller scope," Axe writes. That doesn't mean the changes will be any less important, but it's safe to say we aren't going to see anything like the Elemental Drakes popping up all at once.
  • Marksmen Changes- ADCs have been in a weird spot during season 8. They currently are the most powerful role in League, out-damaging bruisers, mages and junglers. A bad marksman will lose you a game, while a top laner can get by by just not dying. Changes to Marksmen will come in patches 8.10 and 8.11. Riot's developers want the mid-game power spike when a Tristana, Varus or Caitlyn pick up two items to be less game-defining.
  • Snowballing- Riot Games has struggled to balance bruisers that can define the early game. Champions like Riven and Renekton can snowball out of control or be completely useless in the late game. "Fighters, Assassins, ADCs, and Mages" that rely heavily on snowballing will be hit by the midseason patches, Riot Axe wrote. Mages are less of a problem because even if they are behind, they can still provide utility to the team.
  • Infinity Edge- Currently, the 150 percent damage buff you gain on your critical hits after you buy Infinity Edge is beyond powerful, so the midseason update plans to tweak the item.
  • AD Item Reworks- Alongside IE, reworks are coming to "Essence Reaver, Last Whisper and Lord Dominik's Regards" and changes to "Phantom Dancer" Axe said.
  • ADC Nerfs- Though Axe didn't mention who, a few ADCs will be getting base stat changes. Here's hoping that they buff Lucian and Kai'Sa who could seriously use some love.

What are some changes you hope are coming in the League of Legends midseason? Tell us in the comments.

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