Why is League of Legends patch 12.8 a great update for MSI 2022?

League of Legends patch 12.8 was a massive patch with unit changes, champion buffs, buffs, and adjustments.

As the 2022 Mid-Season Invitational is played in Patch 12.8, the changes made in this patch will make a significant difference to the event. In fact, the latest patches have focused on the pro scene, bringing changes that will inevitably affect the MSI 2022.

With that in mind, here’s why patch 12.8 is the best patch Riot Games has released yet.

League of Legends patch 12.8 had plenty of champions in Summoner’s Rift to bring back what was left. A total of 14 champions were scooped: Bardi, Ezreal, Fidelstix, Cassadin, Gin, Mordecaiser, Pop, Sejuan, Silas, Tristan, Velcoz, Vladimir, Xerrat and Zoe. While most were reasonable, it seemed pointless for champions like Ginny and Tristan to get upset. Jhin’s Deadly Flourish (W) root length increased and his captive audience (E) now recharges faster. Additionally, damage reduction against monsters has been removed. On the other hand, Tristan’s AD growth has increased to power up his late game. Basically, it was great to see champions like Bard, Cassadin, Vladimir, and Xerrat take a back seat. Champion fans are almost certain to make an impact on the pro meta scene at MSI 2022, as the champions who have competed are much more alive and the champions already in the lead even stronger.

Next are the champion cows from patch 12.8. Only three champions were nervous this time, Jinks, Soraka and Khaia. Jinx and Xayah were popular ADCs in the robot line. Jokes base health decreased, Xayah (Q) Dual Daggers base damage decreased late, and chill increased in late hours. Additionally, Soraka is an excellent supporter, able to heal her team in seconds and possibly help her allies through the rift. But patch 12.8 was nervous about his Astral Infusion (W), which allowed him to heal less well. This means patch 12.8 is giving other ADCs and support champions a chance to shine. Coming from someone who has often played or fought against Jinks and Haya, this nerf was a fair addition to the upgrade. This patch is sure to impact MSI 2022 as the two strongest and most popular AD Carry champions are up in the air.

Champion Nerfs and Buffs, as well as Swein and Kai Saam, have both received updates. Swain has Mana lovers with all of his abilities, changes to crowd control abilities, and long-term (R) demonic elevation. Meanwhile, Riot Games replaced Kai’Sa with Void Seeker (W) AP damage. He was very strong for a while and they adapted him to play more around their passive individual pope. I felt both of these changes were big changes because Swain was almost never seen in Summoner’s Rift in Season 12 and Kai’Sa is so strong compared to other champions. The only part I didn’t like was the weeding and breeding. Hopefully this issue will be resolved as more fixes are released in the future.

Another big change to balance the game was changing the point on the timer. The Stopwatch was an item that was considered too powerful and “broken” because it allowed players to enter Stasis. This rendered champions defenseless and determined for 2.5 seconds, but they were unable to move, cast spells, attack, or use anything during that time. Many thought gambling was frustrating. If players already own a Zhonya Guardian Angel or Hourglass, they can no longer be purchased. While not a big deal in pro play, it will prevent any player from abusing a stasis.

All in all, it’s clear that the arrival of Patch 12.8 will make the MSI 2022 pro meta-scene much different than originally thought.