Patch 14.12 in League of Legends has brought about significant changes, particularly in the mid lane. Known as the battleground for some of the most mechanically intensive and impactful champions, the mid lane plays a crucial role in dictating the pace of the game. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of the mid lane in Patch 14.12, covering champion adjustments, item changes, and strategies to dominate your lane.
Overview of Patch 14.12 Changes
Patch 14.12 introduced several key updates that have influenced the mid lane meta. These changes include adjustments to popular mid lane champions, item tweaks, and shifts in the overall game pacing. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant updates:
1. Champion Adjustments
Several mid lane champions have received buffs and nerfs, altering their viability and power levels. Notable changes include:
- Ahri: Ahri’s Fox-Fire (W) damage has been slightly increased, making her poke more effective in the laning phase. This adjustment encourages a more aggressive playstyle, allowing Ahri players to chip away at their opponents’ health while staying safe at a distance.
- Yasuo: Yasuo received a minor buff to his Sweeping Blade (E) cooldown, reducing the time between dashes. This change enhances his mobility, making him even more elusive and capable of outmaneuvering his lane opponent.
- Viktor: Viktor’s Death Ray (E) has been slightly nerfed, reducing its burst potential in the early game. This adjustment aims to balance his laning power, forcing Viktor players to rely more on positioning and resource management.
- LeBlanc: LeBlanc’s Sigil of Malice (Q) cooldown was increased, slightly reducing her burst combo potential. This change requires LeBlanc players to be more strategic with their spell rotations, especially during the early laning phase.
2. Item Changes
Patch 14.12 also introduced several item changes that have impacted mid lane champions:
- Luden’s Tempest: The cost of Luden’s Tempest has been increased slightly, making it a less accessible first item. This change impacts champions who rely on early magic penetration and burst damage, such as Syndra and Orianna.
- Zhonya’s Hourglass: Zhonya’s Hourglass saw a reduction in its active cooldown, providing mid laners with more frequent opportunities to use its stasis effect. This change benefits champions who rely on Zhonya’s to survive all-ins, like Fizz and Kennen.
- Shadowflame: Shadowflame’s bonus magic penetration now scales more effectively based on the target’s health, making it a stronger choice against tanky mid laners or those who stack magic resist.
3. Rune Adjustments
Several key runes have been adjusted, affecting mid lane strategy:
- Electrocute: The cooldown of Electrocute has been slightly increased, reducing the frequency of burst trades for assassins like Zed and Talon. This change encourages more calculated engagements and rewards sustained damage over short burst windows.
- Presence of Mind: The mana regeneration provided by Presence of Mind has been slightly nerfed, impacting champions who rely heavily on mana, such as Azir and Anivia. This adjustment forces players to be more mindful of their mana usage and encourages strategic mana management.
Dominating the Mid Lane in Patch 14.12
With these changes in mind, adapting your playstyle is essential to maintaining control of the mid lane. Here are some strategies to help you thrive in Patch 14.12:
1. Champion Selection
Selecting the right champion for the mid lane is crucial in Patch 14.12. Here are some of the top picks:
- Ahri: Ahri’s increased poke damage makes her a strong choice for players who prefer a safe yet aggressive playstyle. Her mobility and charm make her a versatile pick capable of both burst damage and crowd control.
- Yasuo: With the reduced cooldown on his Sweeping Blade (E), Yasuo players can take advantage of his enhanced mobility to dodge skill shots and engage in favorable trades. Yasuo remains a high-risk, high-reward pick that can dominate the mid lane with the right mechanics.
- Viktor: Despite the nerf to his Death Ray (E), Viktor still excels in controlling the lane with his range and waveclear. Players who can manage Viktor’s mana effectively will find him a strong contender in this patch.
- LeBlanc: LeBlanc’s increased Sigil of Malice (Q) cooldown requires more precise timing and patience. However, her ability to deceive opponents and burst down squishy targets still makes her a dangerous pick.
2. Itemization Strategy
Building the right items is key to maximizing your champion’s potential. Here’s how to approach itemization in Patch 14.12:
- Prioritize Zhonya’s Hourglass: With its reduced cooldown, Zhonya’s is more valuable than ever, especially for champions who need to survive burst damage. Consider rushing it early if you’re facing assassins or all-in champions.
- Adapt to Luden’s Tempest Cost: The increased cost of Luden’s Tempest means you’ll need to be more efficient with your early gold. Consider alternative first items like Liandry’s Anguish or Everfrost if the extra cost delays your power spike.
- Utilize Shadowflame Effectively: If you’re facing tanky opponents or those building magic resist, Shadowflame can provide a significant damage boost. Pair it with Void Staff for maximum magic penetration.
3. Rune Optimization
Selecting the right runes can significantly impact your laning phase and overall game performance:
- Consider Alternatives to Electrocute: With Electrocute’s cooldown increased, champions who rely on burst trades may benefit from alternative keystones like Conqueror or Arcane Comet. These provide sustained damage and poke, aligning with the slower pacing introduced in Patch 14.12.
- Mana Management with Presence of Mind: The nerf to Presence of Mind means you’ll need to be more conservative with your mana. Consider starting with a Doran’s Ring or opting for runes that provide additional mana, such as Manaflow Band, to sustain your laning phase.
Matchup Knowledge and Playstyle Adaptation
Understanding your lane matchups is critical to success in the mid lane. Here’s how to adapt to common mid lane matchups in Patch 14.12:
1. Versus Burst Assassins
If you’re facing burst assassins like Zed or Talon, it’s essential to play defensively and prioritize survival. Build early defensive items like Seeker’s Armguard and Zhonya’s Hourglass, and focus on farming safely under your turret until you can outscale them.
2. Versus Control Mages
Against control mages like Orianna or Syndra, positioning and wave management are key. Control mages excel at long-range poke and zoning, so look for opportunities to dodge their skill shots and engage when their key abilities are on cooldown.
3. Versus Sustain Mages
When facing sustain mages like Swain or Vladimir, harass them early to prevent them from scaling freely. Building Morellonomicon or other healing reduction items can help mitigate their sustain and give you an advantage in extended trades.
Roaming and Map Impact
Mid laners have a unique ability to impact other lanes through roaming. Here’s how to optimize your map presence in Patch 14.12:
1. Timing Your Roams
Roaming successfully requires a keen sense of timing. Look for windows when your lane is pushed, and your opponent is low on health or has no vision. Use your mobility or waveclear to quickly shove the lane before moving to help your side lanes or jungle.
2. Vision Control
Maintaining vision control is essential for safe and effective roams. Invest in Control Wards and place them in key areas like the river and enemy jungle entrances. This not only protects you from ganks but also gives you the information needed to plan your roams.
3. Coordinating with Your Team
Communication is key to successful roams. Coordinate with your jungle and side lanes to ensure they’re ready to capitalize on your roam. Pinging your intentions and tracking enemy summoner spells can significantly increase the success rate of your plays.
Conclusion
Patch 14.12 has brought meaningful changes to the mid lane meta in League of Legends. Whether it’s through champion adjustments, item tweaks, or rune optimizations, adapting to these updates is crucial for maintaining your edge in the mid lane. By understanding the new dynamics, selecting the right champions, and optimizing your strategies, you can dominate the mid lane and lead your team to victory. As the meta continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to mastering the mid lane in Patch 14.12 and beyond.
