Although a new champion named Bel’Veth was released just a few days ago in League of Legends, all eyes are already on the next hero. According to Riot Games, this one is supposed to be a “non-traditional AD Carry.” A leak now gives a closer look at Nilah and her abilities.
What does the leak say? For several weeks now, there has been speculation about what type of champion the next AD Carry will be. Riot itself has already revealed that the next bot laner will be a “colorful but deadly stranger”. Mist and water are expected to play a role. Additionally, he is not supposed to be a classic AD Carry.
As early as April, YouTuber Ryscu reported on an AD Carry that will be a kind of “water Yasuo with short range” (via YouTube).
Since June 14, there have been numerous tweets and messages sharing the skill set and a concept art of Nilah, the presumably new champion. The descriptions from Ryscu match, as does the statement that she will be an unusual AD Carry.
However, as with all leaks, it is important to note that the information has not yet been officially confirmed and that even correct information can change until the full release.
Nilah is supposed to be a kind of melee ADC
What abilities is the new champion supposed to have? Nilah is expected to be a ranged fighter with short range. She can attack from a distance of 400, which is roughly the range of Urgot and slightly less than that of Graves (425). For comparison: Classic AD Carries generally have ranges of 525 (Jinx, Kai’Sa, Kalista) to 650 (Caitlyn and Aphelios).
Nilah’s attack speed is expected to be low, but her passive allows it to increase with each hit (up to 6 stacks). Additional hits beyond the 6 stacks will then deal bonus damage.
- Her “Q” is expected to be a short dash, after which she will hit twice with her next attack. The damage of the second hit is supposed to be higher if more enemies are nearby. Additionally, the ability passively causes the next 3 attacks to deal more damage after a skill has been used.
- Her “W” is a projectile that explodes upon hitting an enemy or terrain, dealing damage and slowing enemies in a mist cloud around it. This cloud lasts for 10 seconds but dissolves after 4 seconds if an ally enters it.
- With her “E,” she throws a whip at the opponent that remains over a range of 1,000. After that, Nilah can use the ability again to hit another enemy or a piece of terrain. If successful, the ability can be used a third time. Then all targets are pulled together, receive damage, and are slowed. Upon collision, enemies are stunned. You can hold the ability to pull yourself along with it.
With her ultimate, Nilah creates an arena that lasts for 7 seconds or until she leaves it herself. Nilah hits every enemy in the arena, regardless of the range, and gains bonus movement speed and ignores collisions. Enemies attempting to leave the arena will be thrown back to the center (once per enemy). The arena serves as terrain for her “W” or “E.”
What stands out? Nilah’s “E” strongly resembles an ability that was originally meant for Gwen but was removed during development. However, this is not unusual, as the champion Jhin was also primarily developed from abilities that were discarded for Kindred.
Nilah sounds interesting, but not as an ADC
What are the reactions to the leak? Very mixed. On one hand, many players find the concept of Nilah very interesting. Many players are eager to try out the whip as soon as possible.
However, many have concerns about Nilah’s position. They do not necessarily expect her to be an AD Carry in the bot lane but rather see her as a mid laner, top laner, or possibly even a support who uses slows and the whip to set up enemies for the AD Carry.
Some are also afraid that Nilah could become a new Yasuo or Yone. Both are not popular in the community because it is often not fun to play against them, even though statistics show they are not overly strong.
What do you think of Nilah and her abilities? Would you like such a champion?
Nilah would also be another female champion, which has recently led to discussions. One developer explains why so many female heroes are appearing:
97% of all female players in LoL only use female champions: “If we bring a man, we abandon them”
