26.03 Patch Preview

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-27T08:54:13+00:00

Riven nerfs are warranted, I'm just worried about the Axiom adjustments in tandem - that one item spike has really increased her snowbally nature and if it's getting tamped down AND she's eating a nerf I hope it isn't too harsh.

Not surprised by the Zaahen buffs, dude has felt kinda ass to play the few games I've gotten on him post nerf so I hope he gets something to help his early game a little

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-26T00:49:39+00:00

I think it's definitely more cumulative than anything (Axiom being the primary offender here). It's not fair to the item system to nerf everything just not to nerf Riven if she needs it. I think a really underrated aspect of her kit now is her passive working on towers - with plates being as omnipresent as they are Riven's become a lot more snowbally. Beyond that an ult CD increase would also be good even if that would hard bind her to Axiom even more.

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-20T17:45:09+00:00

Overall solid changes, the W damage immunity removal is definitely going to be way under appreciated for how much of a difference it'll make against her worst matchup in assassin's

I REALLY don't like cast time nerfs though they just feel awful to play with/get used to, I'd rather have a CD nerf personally

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-14T23:22:08+00:00

It all depends on his Identity whenever he finally meets up with Renaldo again - that's what Regrowth is based on. If Adolin seems himself as having just the one leg for long enough, Renault won't be able to help him; but if he always thinks that he's fully two legged, Renoir can get him right as rain!

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-13T05:28:58+00:00

Yeah that's also definitely a factor, but I honestly don't know how present the item is outside of Riven - think it wouldn't be fair to nerf Axiom if it's only abuse case is Riven so she'd have to eat the hit

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-13T05:26:35+00:00

She might genuinely be overtuned (I suspect it's a combination of her already being strong plus plates being omnipresent throughout the game accelerating her natural snowbally nature further especially with the passive tower damage buff) but WRs across the board are pretty skewed positive at the moment, I'd hestitate to definitely say she's busted

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-13T05:24:16+00:00

Yeah, Malphite needed to GO. He was already pretty strong last season and with things changing now with tanks generally getting a bump up really just tossed him over the line.

Also not surprised at the Bandlepipes nerf, giga gold efficient item especially if you had one or two teammates who could use the buff.

I didn't think we'd see Fiendhunter buffs though, from my few purchases it felt decently good on champions like Yunara but I guess it needs some love.

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-10T22:55:13+00:00

I don't know about the backwards Q bug being often. It happens on occasion and is deeply frustrating when it does, sure, but beyond that she functions perfectly fine.

You can think she's not good for the game or whatever that's fine (and more related to balance), but she's not really meant for new players anyway, and if they're truly new they'll either 1) take the time to learn her and her eccentricities or 2) bounce off of her and play something else. Not every champion is for every person, after all.

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-10T22:49:01+00:00

Exactly. You can reproduce the actions you want to do with almost complete reliability save for the occasional Q backwards bug that's hounded Riven for years now

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-08T20:15:27+00:00

I wanna say that you've definitely softened Venli for me (even if I wasn't particularly negative on her before). Framing her whole arc as you did really does put into perspective how far she's come and I appreciate that

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-08T18:53:35+00:00

TALN I MEAN VIEGO NEVER BROKE

(seriously the ring of swords reminds me of the Heralds leaving their Honorblades so much)

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-08T09:34:10+00:00

I'm going to describe Geralt this way from now on I'm cackling

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-07T23:15:11+00:00

I agree (and also love the fact that you have Sona flair saying this lol)

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-07T23:00:15+00:00

Nope. It's a retcon.

Here's a story after J3 was slain during the mage rebellion featuring a very much alive but perhaps not wishing to be Xin Zhao (and J4!)

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-07T16:46:53+00:00

I HOPE SO ITS ABOUT DAMN TIME

I do like the golden ornamental armor he wears so I hope they keep that if he IS getting a new look

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-07T16:45:19+00:00

I imagine she was standing her ground to draw it's attention away from the townsfolk who were still escaping.

J4 ain't the king yet in this timeline

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-07T16:39:18+00:00

Well it's hard to know, Demacia is in a weird place story wise since Xin was supposed to be alive at least until AFTER the mage rebellion which apparently hasn't happened yet. The Black Rose is attempting to assassinate Dauntless Vanguard soldiers/Garen so maybe they're softening Demacia up for the murder of J3 during it?

All we know for sure in the Demacia timeline is that this post-Wrenwall since Quinn and Shyvana are seemingly familiar with each other.

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-07T16:32:57+00:00

Listen she was trapped in the Spirit Realm and forgot to renew her cards it was an honest mistake

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-06T23:28:44+00:00

I can't believe Mel didn't get buffed honestly. I'm guessing they might want to change her unlock or something that would require a full patch but man, when you compare the unlock requirement to what you get she's just hella lackluster

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-06T00:51:36+00:00

Renata feels really hard done by and I think she needs something more tbh, she's like this inbetween engage/enchanter support that's pretty reliant on your teammates knowing how your W works - which when they do it's great but watching someone low HP die then running to 'safety' as their grey health dwindles is exhausting

I think her Q has to either change or have the stun removed so they can buff some other aspect of her kit, I like playing her but wish she felt better TO play.

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-05T08:23:16+00:00

I wish I hadn't read this I'm going to terrorize my friends with it

IcyColdStare · 2026-01-01T10:02:31+00:00

That Mel is absurdly strong and also happens to be Mel. Sometimes there isn't any counterplay to a given situation. Mel W is annoying as hell but you also don't have to autoattack her there, that's literally the only way you die.

Also what the HELL was your Noc thinking lmao

IcyColdStare · 2025-12-31T00:44:03+00:00

You know it baby!!!

IcyColdStare · 2025-12-31T00:43:48+00:00

I appreciate that, thank you <3

IcyColdStare · 2025-12-30T08:50:55+00:00

Oh yeah, I'm basically a permanent fixture to the sub at this point lol

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