Patch 13.17 Shakes Up the LoL Pro Scene!

Okay, folks, let’s dive headfirst into the chaos that is Patch 13.17 and its impact on the League of Legends professional scene. Last week was a rollercoaster, and frankly, I’m still recovering from the sheer number of upsets and strategic shifts we witnessed.

The biggest change? Hands down, the nerfs to the “Trinity Force rush” build on several top-tier ADCs. Before the patch, you practically *had* to build Trinity Force first on champs like Aphelios and Zeri. Now? Not so much. Teams are scrambling to find new viable build paths, and it’s fascinating to watch. We’ve seen a resurgence of older items like Navori Quickblades and even some experimental off-meta choices popping up in pro play. It’s a true testament to the adaptability (or lack thereof) of professional players and coaches.

Then there’s the jungle. Oh boy, the jungle. The buffs to Nocturne, initially seen as a small adjustment, have completely blown up in Riot’s face. He’s become an absolute monster in the pro scene, with several teams successfully building him as a tanky initiator, leading to some truly brutal early-game ganks. It’s almost comical how quickly he’s taken over, and we’re seeing bans skyrocket. Expect some serious nerfs incoming in the next patch, I’m betting on it.

Let’s not forget the champion changes. The re-work of Aurelion Sol was a gamble, and while some teams have managed to integrate him into their compositions, it’s been mostly disastrous for others. Trying to force him into situations he’s not designed for has cost teams some hard losses. It’s going to take time to really understand his new kit and potential in the pro meta.

Speaking of adaptability, some teams have handled the patch changes with grace. Team “Phoenix,” for example, flawlessly integrated the new meta-defining items into their strategies, utilizing the increased effectiveness of certain support items to dominate the bottom lane. Their aggressive early game playstyle, powered by their jungle’s Nocturne pick, has earned them a surprisingly high number of wins this past week. They’re a sight to behold.

On the flip side, we’ve seen some legendary teams stumble. Team “Dragonslayer,” previously considered a strong contender for the championship, has had a brutally rough week. Their reliance on the pre-patch meta has left them ill-equipped to deal with the changes, and we’ve seen their win rate plummet. Their stubbornness to adapt has made for compelling—and slightly sad—viewing.

The impact on player rankings has been equally dramatic. Several previously top-ranked players have seen their standing drop significantly due to their inability to adapt. Meanwhile, previously less-heralded players, who have mastered the new meta, have quickly risen through the ranks. This shows the cutthroat competitiveness of professional play and the importance of constantly learning and evolving one’s strategies.

The past week has truly been a masterclass in how quickly the professional League of Legends scene can shift. One patch can completely redefine the meta, forcing teams and players to re-evaluate their strategies and adapt quickly, or get left behind. The coming weeks promise to be equally exciting as teams continue to grapple with the new balance and explore the full potential (and limitations) of the changes. We’re likely to see more surprising strategies, unexpected picks, and a fresh shakeup in player rankings. The race to adapt is on, and it’s going to be a wild ride!

This analysis only scratches the surface. There are so many nuanced changes and subtle interactions between champions and items that we haven’t even touched upon. It’s a testament to the depth and complexity of League of Legends and what makes it such a compelling esport to watch and analyze.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the meta continues to evolve. And don’t forget to tune in to the next big tournament – the action is going to be insane!