Riot Games has released the patch notes for League of Legends: Wild Rift version 5.2a, introducing significant changes to the mobile MOBA. The update, set to roll out from August 1st to August 14th UTC, brings a new game mode alongside various champion and item balancing adjustments.
This patch aims to address several balance issues while also presenting fresh content to keep players engaged.
Hextech ARAM: Hexfication in the Howling Abyss
The most notable addition in patch 5.2a is Hextech ARAM, scheduled to launch on August 9th. This new mode combines the All Random All Mid (ARAM) mode’s randomized champion selection with the augment system similar to that seen in Arena mode.
Hextech ARAM will allow players to enhance their champions with various augments as the match progresses, adding an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability to the already chaotic ARAM format. This feature is likely to refresh the ARAM experience for veteran players while potentially attracting new ones to the mode.
In addition to the introduction of Hextech ARAM, the latest League of Legends patch also comes with two new events.
“The Great Rift Challenge” begins on August 1st, allowing players to earn Hextech Rift Badges and other rewards. Additionally, “Project A: A Rift Study” kicks off on August 13th, featuring a competitive leaderboard where top-ranked players can earn Poro Energies and Orange Gemstones.
Wild Rift Patch Notes: Balancing Champions and Items
Alongside the new game mode, patch 5.2a brings a series of balance changes to several champions and items. These adjustments aim to address perceived imbalances and shake up the current meta.
Several champions are receiving buffs, including Vi, Kha’Zix, and Samira. Vi, in particular, is getting early-game improvements to help her performance, with reduced cooldowns on Vault Breaker and increased damage on Excessive Force. In contrast, champions such as Evelynn, Talon, and Hecarim are being nerfed to bring them in line with other picks.
The patch also introduces changes to items and runes. Riftmaker is receiving a slight buff to its Omnivamp, increasing from 12% to 13%, while Liandry’s Torment is getting its early power reduced. The Arcane Comet keystone rune is being strengthened, potentially making it a more attractive choice for mage players.
Additionally, Riot has addressed the hacking and cheating issue in the latest patch notes, announcing bans for over 1,300+ accounts in recent weeks and committing to banning 3000+ more after patch 5.2a goes live. The developers emphasize that while cheating in Wild Rift is relatively rare, its impact on player experience can be significant.
These changes collectively reflect Riot Games‘ ongoing efforts to fine-tune Wild Rift‘s balance and keep the game fresh for its player base. As with any significant update, the impact of these changes will likely become clearer in the weeks following the patch’s release.
What do you think about these changes? Are you excited to try out Hextech ARAM, or are you more interested in seeing how the balance changes shake up the meta? Let us know in the comments below!
