Riot Games has unveiled plans to update the jungler, Xin Zhao. Changes will be made to his passive and abilities, as well as the possibility of new buffs,
Mark Yetter, gameplay design director, revealed that Xin Zhao has been struggling in Season 11 of League of Legends, with his power and player satisfaction falling short.
The studio highlights three main reasons for this update:
- Showcase the unique ranged gameplay with the second activation of his Z - Wind and Lightning - that it fits better into his combos
- Offer / renew new versions for Xin with significant gameplay improvements
- Increase champion success rate by roughly 2% in the jungle
Overview of changes
Heal value changed: 10-112 (+ 10% AD) (+ 40% AP) → 7-92 (+ 10% AD) (+ 55% AD)
Physical damage bonus decreased: 20/28/36/44/56 → 15/24/33/42/51
Xin Zhao gives a waist blow in front of him with his spear, then throws a thrust for a delay of 0.5-0.4 seconds (depending on his attack speed.)
First activation
Size: Damage increased by 33% based on critical strike chance
Size: No longer applies life steal at 33% efficiency
Mana cost increased from 45 → 60
Second activation
Thrust: increased range: 900 → 1000
Thrust: damage decreased: 40/75/110/145/180 (+ 80% attack damage) → 30/65/100/135/170 (+ 75% attack damage)
Cooldown decreased: 12-8 → 12-6 seconds
New - Slash: Now challenges champions and monsters and grants vision on targets for 3 seconds
New : Range of the spell increased by 1100 for challenged targets
Cooldown decreased: 12 → 11 seconds
Jump speed decreased from 3000 → 2500
New - AP Ratio: 0% → 110%
Duration increased: 3 → 5 seconds
Duration is no longer increased by spells or basic attacks
The biggest change will be Xin Zhao's W2 combo – which will be the "the best part" according to Yetter – Wind Becomes Lightning ability will "challenge" champions and monsters, and providing vision for three seconds. Pairing this with the extended cast range should help his clear. He will also receive a 2% buff in the jungle role.
All new skins for Caitlyn, Garen, Wukong, Yone and Leona join the school-based Battle Academia skin line in League of Legends, first being put through their paces on the PBE.
