League of Legends patch 9.11 has arrived and with it comes a significant revert to the rift’s big green giant, Zac.
The Riot Games balance team reworked the bouncing blob in 2017 during patch 7.9, when several of Zac’s abilities were replaced including his ultimate, Let’s Bounce. The new ability had Zac squish himself down, scoop up enemies in his area of effect, and carry them to a target location.
The new ultimate was a part of Riot’s intention to shift Zac more towards tanking and crowd control, with less of an emphasis on dealing damage. The changes generated debate in the community regarding if these gameplay alterations had diluted the core of Zac’s kit. Riot Games is now reverting his ultimate ability to its original form.
“After assessing players’ feedback, we ultimately decided that we went too far in pulling damage out of him in our quest for a more CC-laden tank. We agree that part of Zac’s pattern of diving the back line and doing damage is core to who he is as a champion,” Riot Games said.
Zac’s W is also returning to its original state. The ability will once again deal a percentage of health damage with an additional 2 percent per 100 ability power.
Patch 9.11 is also bringing a number of expected nerfs for several pesky champions. Akali’s overall damage and energy refund is being reduced, making her less of a sustainable fighter. Jayce’s Q late-game damage will be lessened, and Karthus’ ultimate’s total damage will be decreased.
Other champions are getting some notable buffs, including cooldown reductions for Janna and base stat improvements for Gragas. League’s latest champion, Yuumi, is receiving some hotly anticipated bug fixes and quality of life additions, including her W now properly giving her assists when she attaches to a killing champion.
Lastly, Little Demon Tristana will be making her debut this patch. The skin voted on by the playing community will be available in the shop along with a set of flashy chromas. The release of Little Demon Tristana will mark the second cosmetic directly chosen by fans, following Resistance Illaoi.
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