Revelation VR: Red Post Collection: Quick Gameplay Thoughts: October 17, Xayah & Rakan Merch, & More

Today's red post collection includes Meddler's quick gameplay thoughts for October 17th, new Xayah & Rakan themed merch in the Riot Games Merch store, and more!

Continue reading for more information!

Quick Gameplay Thoughts: October 17

Here's Meddler's quick gameplay thoughts for October 17th, including thoughts on the return of Nexus Blitz, Runes changes in preseason, and Ezreal:

"Hi folks,

Usual Disclaimers

These posts will often contain talk about future work we're doing, or planning to do, that isn't yet guaranteed to ship. The nature of the work could change or, depending on what we discover, projects mentioned may get delayed or even stopped. If you'd like to see a Tweet whenever a new one of these posts goes up: https://twitter.com/RiotMeddler

Second Test Run for Nexus Blitz

For anyone who missed it we put up an article recently talking about what's next for Nexus Blitz. Short version is:

Nexus Blitz found an audience of players who really liked it, size of that audience was smaller than we'd been hoping for though, so we're not making it permanent, at least not yet.

We'll be bringing it back for a second test run in 8.24, so it'll be available throughout the holiday period at the end of the year. We'll then assess what should happen next with it after that.

We'll be acting on a lot of different types of feedback received, with changes including adding bans, revisions to events/rewards, clarity improvements etc.

https://nexus.leagueoflegends.com/en-us/2018/10/dev-up-next-for-nexus-blitz/

Why we're not planning to have flat pen/lethality in Rune Stats

Come preseason we'll be making it so instead of getting stats based off your choice of Rune styles you'll instead be able to pick a few choices of stat directly. One question I wanted to talk about there was why we're not planning on having flat pen/lethality be an available stat there. They're stats you could get in the old runes system and we do see requests for it to be offered fairly regularly.

Primary reasons:

Flat pen offers a larger damage increase to squishy targets than to tanky targets, in contrast to AD/AP which are more neutral. We're not looking to increase damage to squishies specifically.

Itemization has been balanced around the removal of most flat pen from pregame. Adding it back in would mean another pass on Sorc Shoes, Lethality items etc to get to a similar end spot. Disruption versus benefit doesn't seem worth it.

Secondary reasons:

Keeping number of stats lower leads to a easier and cleaner UI

Understanding whether flat pen or AP/AD will provide more damage is often a really mathy choice, rather than a clearer trade off.

State of Ezreal

Now that his update's been out for a little while wanted to share a few thoughts on Ezreal:

His AD build's performing pretty solidly, particularly given the amount his play rate's shot up, which tends to depress performance for a while as less experienced players get on a champ. We estimate that build's in a spot where it's balanced, or possibly slightly strong long term once this players have more experience with the kit changes.

His AP by contrast's looking weaker than it was pre update.

We're looking at buffing his W rank up damage as a result, given AD Ezreal maxes that last and AP Ezreal maxes it first or second. That will likely be in 8.22.

We're avoiding putting more power into AP ratios because we're already seeing the double tear builds be pretty powerful and giving him more value for AP pushes all his builds towards double tear as the way to go, removing variety."

When asked for updates on the new Fighter items, Meddler commented:

"They're being discussed a bit at the moment. Current thinking is Spear of Shojin probably still makes sense but needs some tuning. Atma's Reckoning's less clearly needed. More thoughts to come though once we've done a more thorough analysis."

On Elise, Meddler noted:

"Nothing immediately planned. For smaller balance assessments we're also at the point where anything that might be just lighter numbers tweaking will often wait until after preseason, given that'll shift balance around anyway so better to just assess once that's landed, splitting choice of stats from Rune trees especially."

When asked about the reverted Pyke changes, Meddler commented:

"Yeah still looking at Pyke, believe conclusion was that while we liked the goal of that last set of changes the delivery wasn't hitting the mark, at least not yet. We're about to lock changes for the next patch, so generally anything not in it will be gone from PBE today."

On Essence Reaver, Meddler noted:

"Potentially, It's on our list of items that aren't in great states, as with Rageblade/Edge of Night it's something we're planning to look at, but wouldn't want to make any promises beyond that yet.

As a side note this version of Essence Reaver was designed to be good for fighters as well as marksmen. Even on fighters like the ones you list though we're not really seeing it perform all that strongly. It's a reasonable choice at times, and will feel very strong when it really pops off, but doesn't seem to be out of line with other items they could be choosing instead on average."

Riot Games Merch Drop - Xayah & Rakan

The Riot Games Merch store was updated with new merch celebrating our favorite feathered couple, Xayah and Rakan! We saw these items available internationally earlier this year, and they are now available in regional merch shops!

Xayah & Rakan Duo Figure Set

"Is there any duo more perfect to be our first DUO figure set? Nope - and this feisty couple wouldn't have any other way. Xayah & Rakan kick off our DUO figure variants as #05 in the Series 3 figure line. The Rebel and The Charmer are ready to spring into action to protect each other from all of their enemies in Runeterra.

Xayah & Rakan DUO Series 3 Figures Features:

DUO sized packaging - One collectible box, Two figures (Xayah, Rakan)

Xayah & Rakan in their base skin

Xayah jumping into the fray ready to skewer foes with her lethal quills

Rakan ready to protect his partner and lover"

Xayah & Rakan Bracelets

"The Rebel & The Charmer. Two vastayas who are inseparable best friends, lovers, and partners. These bracelets are adorned with aesthetics that capture the passion and intensity between Xayah & Rakan - making these a perfect gift for any best friend, duo partner, or significant other. Not to mention it would look awesome on anyone who wants to channel the power of both vastayas.

Both bracelets are set in premium packaging which includes a variety of finishing touches that truly make this bracelet set unique.
Xayah & Rakan Bracelet Features:

Titanium feathers and skulls that represent each vastaya's signature look

Magnetic bayonet-style clasp

Braided leather

Xayah & Rakan Custom Packaging Features:

Biography page

Key splash art

"To My Rakan/Xayah" page with pull-out notecard

Card of Authenticity
Magnetic pull-over clasp featuring each vastaya's feathers respectively"

Xayah & Rakan Faux Pocket Tee

While the pocket is fake, the bond between Xayah & Rakan is quite real. The two are inseparable and always there for each other. Show off their bond with this faux pocket tee.

Quick Hits

Gordon Hayward: Never Surrender | League of Legends

"Play for free. Sign up for League of Legends - https://riot.com/playfree

Inspired by the triumphant return of Gordon Hayward, Tryndamere main and superstar NBA small forward. It's On.

Song: Judgement
From: DEVILMAN crybaby Original Soundtrack
Composer: kensuke ushio
Purchase DEVILMAN crybaby Original Soundtrack - http://smarturl.it/DEVILMANcrybaby_Or
Learn More about Gordon Hayward"

Reminders

To round out this red post collection, here are a few reminders on current promotions or limited time events!

Worlds Pick'em is back! Knockout stage brackets are NOW OPEN, so make sure to lock in your picks! Check out the article for full details on dates, prizes, and more!