Xerath mid lane just got stronger in LoL, here’s how

Xerath mains just got a big buff for the mid lane with LoL patch 25.07.

Patch 25.07 for League of Legends brings a host of silly jokes,  visual updates, and some interesting mechanical changes.  LeBlanc fans finally get the long-awaited visual update for the champion, with updates to her skins and animations. Joke updates such as Pengu Garen also are also proving popular, though it will only last for the duration of patch 25.07.

Pengu Garen Skin Spotlight – PBE Preview – League of Legends

Competitive players have more pressing changes to look at. The biggest change may be for Xerath. Riot Games noted that Xerath’s role has become confusing as of late. Although initially designed as a mid-laner, Xerath has become better known as a support champion of late.  Riot hopes to change that with its latest patch.

Xerath gets major buffs for mid lane in patch 25.07

Xerath’s damage output has been adjusted to suit his preferred mid lane prowess. Xerath was initially designed as a “premier artillery mage mid-laner.” Players slowly transitioned the champion into a support role, and it reflected in his play rate with nearly half of players opting for Xerath in a support role, The champion does have effective counters in engage supports, but can still be an annoying lane opponent to deal with.  The buffs from recent patches have also made Xerath tempting choices.

Riot hopes the following changes will make Xerath more attractive to mid lane builds:

• [Q] Arcanopulse – 70 / 110 / 150 / 190 / 230 (+ 90% AP)
• [W] Eye of Destruction – 50 / 85 / 120 / 155 / 190 (+ 65% bonus AP)
• [E] Shocking Orb – 70 / 100 / 130 / 160 / 190 (+ 45% AP)
• [R] Rite of the Arcane – 170 / 220 / 270 (+ 45% AP)

The changes make item builds that focus on leveling and roaming much more rewarding. The lower base damage changes for Xerath’s W and E mean it’s better to level up while solo as opposed to sharing the bot lane as support.  Some fans welcomed these changes as putting Xerath back in the mid lane where he’s intended to thrive.

Ivern, Naafiri see significant changes in LoL patch 25.07

While many heroes got changes in LoL patch 25.07, Ivern got some notable buffs while Naafiri sees some soft nerfs. Ivern’s early game has been massively improved. His [Q] Rootcaller now lasts longer in the early game than it previously did. The ability now starts at 1.6 seconds, and increases from there by 0.1 until it’s maxed out. Riot hopes Ivern’s pick rate will improve because as it stands, Ivern is one of the least popular heroes in League of Legends. A stronger early game could Ivern out of this rut.

Meanwhile, Naafiri’s base stats and passive monster damage have decreased in the early game, making her less oppressive when playing in the jungle. Fortunately for Naafiri mains, her [Q] Darkin Daggers now deal 100% damage to minions.  Some players feel these nerfs weren’t significant enough, but it does communicate that Riot is keeping a close eye on Naafiri’s power levels after its recent buffs to the champion.

Few other changes were so significant. Players were more interested in the April Fool’s jokes, such as Jhin costing “1,234” Blue Essence, a reference to his obsession with the number four, and Vel’Koz costing 1,618 Blue Essence, the numbers for the golden ratio in mathematics. Quickplay has also been officially replaced with Swiftplay everywhere in the game.