With every update, Riot Games shakes up the meta through champion balance, rune tweaks, and perhaps most importantly—item changes. Patch 15.11 is no exception, bringing adjustments that will affect every role, from top lane tanks to late-game carries.
This article breaks down the Patch 15.11 item changes explained: which items got buffed, which were nerfed, and what these adjustments mean for the overall state of the game. Whether you’re climbing solo queue or analyzing pro play, understanding these changes is key to staying ahead of the curve.
Why Item Changes Matter
- Power Spikes: Small stat shifts can change when champions hit critical item timings.
- Meta Shifts: Buffed items may revive forgotten champions, while nerfs can kill off old strategies.
- Pro Play Impact: Expect to see these changes immediately in competitive drafts.
Major Buffs in Patch 15.11
1. Infinity Edge (Crit Carries Boosted)
- Change: Attack damage increased; crit synergy improved.
- Impact: ADCs like Jinx, Caitlyn, and Tristana will hit their power spikes earlier, making bot lane even more influential.
2. Sunfire Aegis (Tank Junglers Rise Again)
- Change: Bonus health and Immolate burn damage buffed.
- Impact: Tank junglers like Amumu, Sejuani, and Zac become more viable, shifting the jungle meta away from pure assassins.
3. Hextech Rocketbelt (AP Assassins Empowered)
- Change: Lower cooldown, higher dash range.
- Impact: Champions like Diana and Sylas will benefit, making them deadlier in all-ins.
Major Nerfs in Patch 15.11
1. Kraken Slayer (ADC Core Item Toned Down)
- Change: True damage per hit reduced.
- Impact: Champions like Vayne and Kai’Sa lose some dueling power, making them easier to counter.
2. Sterak’s Gage (Bruisers Hit Hard)
- Change: Shield value decreased; cooldown increased.
- Impact: Bruisers like Darius, Renekton, and Sett will feel squishier in teamfights.
3. Liandry’s Anguish (Control Mages Weakened)
- Change: Burn damage reduced.
- Impact: Poke mages like Syndra and Xerath will find it harder to shred tanks.
Adjustments and Reworks
Zeke’s Convergence (Support Utility Shifted)
- Change: Ally bonus damage reworked to encourage synergy with engage supports.
- Impact: Leona, Nautilus, and Rell can make better use of Zeke’s, boosting their bot lane synergy.
Randuin’s Omen (Anti-Crit Tool Updated)
- Change: Increased armor but lowered health.
- Impact: Stronger against crit ADCs but weaker overall durability—expect situational use.
Moonstone Renewer (Enchanter Scaling Changed)
- Change: Healing and shielding now scale differently with AP.
- Impact: Champions like Janna, Lulu, and Soraka will benefit more from AP-heavy builds.
Winners of Patch 15.11
- ADCs: Infinity Edge buffs mean bot lane carries will shine again.
- Tank Junglers: Sunfire buffs revive their presence in the meta.
- AP Assassins: Rocketbelt changes make them scarier in fights.
Losers of Patch 15.11
- Bruisers: Sterak’s nerfs hit survivability.
- Control Mages: Liandry’s damage reduction lowers their impact.
- Hyper-Carry ADCs: Kraken Slayer nerfs dull their mid-game threat.
How This Affects Solo Queue vs Pro Play
- Solo Queue: Expect more tank junglers and ADC snowball lanes. Bruisers may struggle.
- Pro Play: Supports will experiment with Zeke’s and Moonstone, while Infinity Edge becomes the go-to second item again.
Final Thoughts
Patch 15.11 has delivered impactful adjustments that reshape the item meta across all roles. With Infinity Edge buffs boosting ADCs, Sunfire buffs empowering tanks, and Kraken Slayer nerfs toning down hyper carries, the game’s balance is shifting once again.
Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive fan, keeping track of these changes will help you adapt faster, draft smarter, and climb higher.
