League of Legends Patch 14.22 Overview: Katarina Buffs, Sylas Nerfs, Minion Changes, and Additional Updates

The preview for League of Legends patch 14.22 has been released, with David Turley (known as @RiotPhreak on X) presenting a comprehensive overview of the upcoming changes. Several champions are set to receive buffs aimed at enhancing their competitive edge, while others, such as Aatrox, Sylas, Corki, and more, will face nerfs. Additionally, tweaks will be made to minion behaviors and the mechanics around smite targeting.

This article reviews all the modifications highlighted in the League of Legends patch 14.22 preview.

Champion Changes in League of Legends Patch 14.22 Preview

Buffed Champions

Blitzcrank
Briar
Fizz
Irelia
Katarina
Kayle
Rumble
Swain
Varus
Vayne
Vel’Koz
We
Wukong

Nerfed Champions

Aatrox
Anivia
Corki
Illaoi
Jax
Lily
Mordekaiser
Poppy
Seraphine
Shen
Sylas
Syndra
Udyr

Additional Champion Adjustments

In Ambe
K’Sante

System Changes in League of Legends Patch 14.22 Preview

Nerfs to Systems

Barrier

System Adjustments

1) Minion Movement Speed

Top and Bottom Lane Minion Waves: Minions will now gradually decelerate during the first 14 minutes instead of crashing into the enemy all at once.

2) Smite Targeting Adjustments

Epic Monsters Smite Targeting Radius: Reduced from 300 to 125.

This aims to lessen the likelihood of inadvertently smiting the wrong Voidgrub.

3) Opportunity Changes

AD Buff: Increased from 50 to 55.
Movement Speed Removal: Change from 4% to 0.
Preparation Lethality Increase: Updated from 10/6 to 11/7 (melee/ranged).
Build Path Revision: Changed from Serrated Dirk + Rectrix + 925 gold to Pickaxe + Serrated Dirk + Long Sword + 475 gold.

4) Youmuu’s Ghostblade Changes

AD Reduction: From 60 to 55.
Movement Speed Addition: Changed from 0 to 4%.
Cost Reduction: From 2900 to 2700 gold.
Build Path Update: Now requires Serrated Dirk + Rectrix + Pickaxe + 150 gold instead of Serrated Dirk + Rectrix + Pickaxe + 150 gold.

5) Statikk Shiv Modifications

AD Reduction: From 50 to 45.
Attack Speed Decrease: Reduced from 35% to 30%.
Cost Adjustment: Lowered from 2900 to 2700 gold.
Electrospark: Changed mechanics.
Electroshock: Updated behavior.

6) Yun Tal Wildarrows Changes

AD Reduction: From 60 to 50.
Attack Speed Addition: Now provides 20% attack speed.
Critical Strike Chance Removal: Changed from 25% to 0.
Cost Increase: From 2950 to 3000 gold.
Serrated Edge: Removed from the build.
Practice Makes Lethal: New mechanic added—every attack grants +0.2% Critical Strike Chance, stacking up to +25% (with different stacking rates in ARAM).
Flurry: New addition that gives a burst of +30% Attack Speed for 4 seconds upon attacking an enemy champion.
Build Path Changes: Updated from Pickaxe + Noonquiver + 775 gold to B.F. Sword + Scout’s Slingshot + Long Sword + 750 gold.

This wraps up the preview for League of Legends patch 14.22.

Source