Every patch shifts the balance of League of Legends, sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically. In this Patch 15.17 Breakdown: Balance Changes Explained, we’ll review the buffs, nerfs, and adjustments introduced in this update, analyze how they impact solo queue and pro play, and highlight the champions and items most affected.
Whether you’re a casual player or aiming to climb, understanding balance changes is crucial for adapting to the new meta.
Champion Buffs in Patch 15.17
Ahri
- Increased mana regeneration.
- Charm cooldown reduced by 1 second at all ranks.
Impact: Ahri is more consistent in lane trades and skirmishes, pushing her into a higher priority pick mid.
Sejuani
- Base armor increased.
- Permafrost (E) stun duration slightly buffed.
Impact: A stronger frontline option in jungle, boosting her synergy with melee-heavy comps.
Ezreal
- Mystic Shot (Q) AD scaling increased.
Impact: A minor buff that strengthens poke builds and his mid-game damage output.
Champion Nerfs in Patch 15.17
Zeri
- Attack speed growth reduced.
- Spark Surge (E) cooldown increased early.
Impact: Zeri’s oppressive scaling is slowed down, making her weaker in the early game and riskier to blind pick.
Camille
- Hookshot (E) cooldown increased.
- True Damage on Precision Protocol (Q2) reduced.
Impact: Top lane Camille loses some all-in strength and mobility, lowering her dominance in split-push scenarios.
Jarvan IV
- Dragon Strike (Q) damage reduced.
Impact: Lowers his early clear and gank power, though he remains viable for his engage utility.
Champion Adjustments
Akali
- Shuriken Flip (E) speed increased, but damage lowered slightly.
Impact: Focuses her more on mobility and outplays rather than raw burst, making her skill ceiling even higher.
Nautilus
- Passive root duration reduced, but base health increased.
Impact: More durability, but slightly less CC lock. Still a staple engage support.
Item Changes
Luden’s Companion
- Damage proc reduced.
Impact: Lowers burst potential for mage assassins, pushing them toward scaling items.
Divine Sunderer
- Healing reduced.
Impact: Weakens bruisers who rely on sustain, balancing champions like Camille and Jax.
Zhonya’s Hourglass
- Build path cost adjusted, slightly cheaper.
Impact: More accessible to mages, increasing their survivability in mid-game teamfights.
Rune Changes
Fleet Footwork
- Healing reduced for ranged champions.
Impact: ADCs relying on sustain during lane phase (like Caitlyn) are slightly weaker.
Electrocute
- Damage slightly increased.
Impact: Buff to assassins and burst mages, rewarding aggressive playstyles.
Meta Predictions After Patch 15.17
- Mid Lane: Ahri and Sylas rise in priority, while Akali remains viable for high-skill players.
- ADC Role: Zeri nerfs shift focus back to Kai’Sa and Jhin as safer options.
- Jungle: Sejuani’s buff makes her one of the best tank junglers, balancing out bruiser dominance.
- Top Lane: Camille falls from S-tier, opening room for champions like Renekton and Malphite.
- Support: Nautilus stays strong, but enchanters like Janna gain value in anti-dive comps.
Pro Play Implications
- Expect fewer Zeri/Camille priority bans.
- Ahri and Sejuani may return as contested picks.
- Bruiser junglers like Jarvan IV lose early tempo, giving space to tanks.
- Mages benefit from cheaper Zhonya’s, boosting survivability against dive comps.
FAQ: Patch 15.17
Q1: Which champions should I main after Patch 15.17?
Ahri mid, Sejuani jungle, and Kai’Sa ADC are all strong options.
Q2: Is Zeri still viable after nerfs?
Yes, but her early game is weaker. She’s less dominant and requires better team support.
Q3: Did tanks get stronger in this patch?
Yes. Sejuani buffs and Zhonya’s cost reduction both help durability-based comps.
Q4: What item is most affected?
Luden’s Companion nerf will significantly affect mage assassins.
Conclusion: Adapting to the New Meta
This Patch 15.17 Breakdown: Balance Changes Explained shows a clear effort by Riot to tone down oppressive champions (Zeri, Camille, Jarvan IV) while buffing reliable mids and tanks (Ahri, Sejuani). The result is a more balanced environment with room for diverse picks in both solo queue and pro play.
The best way to adapt? Focus on versatile champions who thrive in multiple comps, and always keep an eye on item and rune changes that shift the mid-game power curve.
