TFT Patch 10.2 makes Assassin units relevant again, nerfs Sivir

William Davis Published 23/01/2020

Teamfight Tactics has been updated once again with Patch 10.2.

Patch 10.2 brings significant changes that will completely modify the meta. Now more than ever, the game is at a point where multiple strategies are viable. Players no longer have to fight for the same units, but instead can experiment with builds and try to out-smart each other with creative setups.

Game and item changes in TFT Patch 10.2

Patch 10.2 reduces the duration of games by lowering the time for PVE Planning rounds. The time was reduced from 30 seconds to 20 seconds. Small and medium loot boxes no longer grant gold, and the possible income from the boxes was reduced. Full items drop less often and there are fewer chances of getting a Force of Nature on the carrousel.

On the subject of items, the ones with the most relevant changes are Bloodthirster, Guinsoo’s Rageblade, Iceborn Gauntlet, and Luden’s Echo.

Bloodthirster Lifesteal: 50%
Guinsoo’s Rageblade Attack Speed per stack: 5%

Bloodthirster and Guinsoo’s Rageblade are the ideal items for Olaf. The fact that both of these items were buffed means that some players might get back to the Berserker meta, with Olaf as their main carry.

Iceborn Gauntlet Freeze Duration: 2.5 seconds

Iceborn Gauntlet was reworked in Patch 10.1. After the unit uses its spell, the next basic attack freezes the target. The duration of the freeze was increased by a full second. That may not sound like much, but it’s more than enough time to win or lose a game.

Luden’s Echo Damage: 125/175/250

Luden’s Echo is one of the items that escalates with the holder’s star level, making it even more important to raise a unit to three stars. It is a good option for Veigar, who received double buffs in Patch 10.2.

Trait changes in Patch 10.2

TFT Patch 10.2 effectively kills the “Blender” strategy that consisted of turning Nocturne into a Blademaster. Riot Games hit the Blademasters in Patch 10.2 by closing the loopholes that made them overpowered.

Blademasters can no longer get more extra attacks than the ones granted by the trait. Also, the chances to proc the trait were reduced.

Blademaster

Chance to get extra auto-attacks: 35%

Assassin, Desert, and Warden units got significant buffs for higher breakpoints.

Assassin

Critical Strike Damage Bonus: 50%/150% ⇒ 65%/225%

No matter the meta, Assassins always find a way to fit into compositions. This trait was usually considered a complementary trait, rather than something players should go all-in on. Patch 10.2 changes that and might make running six assassins a viable strategy.

Desert

Armor Reduction: 50%/90% ⇒ 40%/100%

Desert champions can fit into multiple compositions, whether they are used with Berserkers or Summoners. This buff makes them a good option to counter compositions that have strong armor stats like Wardens. Although it’s not a guaranteed win, considering the buffs that Wardens got in Patch 10.2.

Warden

Armor Bonus: 150%/300%/999%

999% armor sounds like a crazy number but getting six Wardens is not only possible but viable. It’s similar to the Brawler strategy with one carry that was popular in Set 1. Getting one strong carry with six protectors might be a good option in Patch 10.2.

Finally, the Woodland trait just got interesting. Patch 10.2 added a new six Woodland breakpoint that can only be achieved by getting a Lux Woodland. At six Woodlands, every Woodland unit will replicate itself at the beginning of the battle. That means five extra units will appear on the board.

Champion changes in Patch 10.2

The unit with the most significant buff is Veigar. The Tiny Master of Evil got a triple buff in Patch 10.2 that will make him a strong pick.

Veigar

Spell Damage: 325/650/975

On top of that buff, Veigar can use the Shadow trait or the extra AP that is granted by the Mage trait. There are multiple viable compositions with Veigar as the main carry. Add a newly buffed Luden’s Echo and the little Mage will be unstoppable.

Ezreal is another unit that got a buff and can benefit from a Luden’s Echo. Ezreal is an underrated unit in Set 2 Rise of the Elements. As a Ranger-Glacial, there are several niches where Ezreal can fit and become the main carry. Because Ezreal is so unpopular, this unit tends to be available and easy to get to three stars. It means a heavy investment of gold, but the results make it worth it.

Ezreal

Health: 650
Ability Damage: 225/450/900

While some champions got better, others got nerfed. In Patch 10.2, Sivir got hit the hardest even though her main trait, Desert, got improved.

Sivir

Spell Bounces: 5/7/9

It will take Sivir a while to get strong and even if a player gets to three stars, it won’t have the same strength as before. Sivir can still be useful in a four Desert comp but she is no longer the carry that can shred through the enemies.

For the full patch notes, visit Riot Games’ website.

William Davis

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