By mid-year, developer RiotGames plans to make some changes to mages like Malzahar for its MOBA League of Legends (LoL)
As mentioned in the official LoL forum a few weeks ago, there are currently 6 mages on the “list” to be redesigned in order to better fit their playstyle into the current LoL . Even though it will take some time before the mage update appears, RiotRepertoire is already giving insights into the upcoming changes to the mages in LoL.
So far, there are no defined (damage) numbers for the new abilities, but there is a general idea of what to expect from the new Malzahar. The changes are based on player feedback, as players were asked in the forum to share their thoughts on the 6 announced champions. It was mainly about what defines the LoL champion and what differentiates them from other mages.
Malzahar: The burst should go
Currently, Malzahar is a champion that is more classified as a “burst champion”. This means you use a combination of all spells (as much as possible) on the opposing champion and watch them die. This is mainly because Malzahar has no spells to escape from other champions and is thus forced to “burst” someone. The champion designers now want to change Malzahar so that he does not have to play like an All-In champion, but instead gets more “breathing room” and adapts to the current play in LoL.
Traits likely to be retained:
- Strong against mobility/assassins through Void Grip (R).
- Unique farming opportunities through Malefic Visions (E).
Traits that are unsatisfactory and want to be improved:
- A simple W>E>R combination makes an opponent disappear quickly without them having a chance to defend themselves.
- Malzahar has little room for action.
- The Voidlings are unique, but do not usually play a major role (except for AD Malzahar).
This is how Malzahar should look after the changes in LoL:
- Malzahar’s kit should play in a way that immediately recognizes the champion – many cool spells and visual effects.
- He will feel less like a burst mage.
- Low range and low mobility remain, but he will be less vulnerable.
- AP Malzahar players will pay more attention to properly using their Voidlings.
- AD Malzahar will still be an option.
- His kit will make it clearer how one could have fought better or how opponents could fight better against him.
- Playing Malzahar will still not be mechanically demanding in the future.
These are the first details about the rework of Malzahar. We are excited to see when there will be the first concrete contributions to his new abilities. What do you think the developers at Riot will do to make him “less vulnerable”?
