League of Legends Patch 8.3: 5 things to know

It’s hard to believe that it’s the third patch of season 8 already. Over the past few weeks, we’ve had awesome patches filled with much needed balance changes to some of the preseason problems. But 8.3 brings us the first major content release of this season. We have two holiday events and, far more importantly, a very cool Swain rework.

That being said, we are also getting some helpful balance changes. A few of the runes that were a bit too powerful have been moved around on the board, making it impossible to pick both at once. Powerful champions like Katarina and Kog’Maw are also getting nerfed into the dirt, which is music to the ears of so many solo queue players.

There’s even more out there in 8.3, so you can head over here for a full list of changes.

1. Swain got a rework

Remember that creepy old weirdo who loves all the birds? The one with the haircut that just makes ... no sense at all? Well, he’s a little different this patch. After years and years of crusty old Swain, new, sexy Swain is here to take over. When Patch 8.3 hits, Swain will be transformed into his new Vladimir-like self. For those of you who want to get some last minute games in with old Swain, time is running out. But for those who can’t wait for the bird-brain to get a face lift, a lifetime of good, good Swain games await you soon.

Riot Games

2. Perfect Timing and Magical Footwear are now in the same tier of runes

It’s no secret that the Inspiration rune tree was a little too strong, and one of the reasons was the incredible gold value you could get by combining the free Stopwatch from the Perfect Timing rune and the free boots from the Magical Footwear rune. As of Patch 8.3 that combination will no longer be an option as Magical Footwear and Biscuit Delivery have now switched places putting it in the same tier as Perfect Timing. Both runes are also worth 50 less gold now when upgrading them later in the game.

3. Unsealed Spellbook gives less cooldown reduction to Summoner spells

Unsealed Spellbook was dangerously close to becoming the best rune on every champion at the end of Patch 8.2. Riot has fixed this by nerfing the rune’s Summoner spell cooldown reduction from 25 percent to 15 percent. This should help to keep it out of the lanes it doesn’t belong in, like bottom lane, while hopefully still allowing it to keep interesting champions viable in top and mid.

4. Katarina and Kog’Maw both got big nerfs

Katarina and Kog’Maw have been two of solo queue’s most monstrous champions on Patch 8.2, but thankfully both are getting hit with significant nerfs this time around. Katarina is losing damage when she picks up a dagger which is getting dropped a little in the early game and a huge amount late. For Kog’Maw, the changes revolve around his W, Bio-Arcane Barrage, which is going to do two percent less max health damage to his targets at max level.

Riot Games

5. Lunar Revel and Valentines skins are on their way

It’s one of those rare patches where we’re getting two holidays in one go. It’s almost too exciting! Lunar Revel Warwick, Lux and Nasus are hitting the Rift in 8.3. These gorgeous skins are colored in gold and are godlike in their form. League’s most annoying love birds, Xayah and Rakan, are getting this year’s Valentines day skins as well. Sweetheart Xayah and Rakan went through some changes on the PBE and now look positively lovely. Look for both of these groups of skins to hit in the next few weeks.