Riot Games has long been praised for its commitment to evolving League of Legends through regular balance changes. From item reworks to champion nerfs and buffs, the developers aim to keep the game fresh and fair for millions of players across all skill levels. However, this constant state of flux raises a crucial question: Are Riot’s balance changes ruining pro play?
In the competitive sphere, where every small detail can determine the outcome of a match, frequent patches can disrupt preparation, confuse metas, and sometimes overshadow skill with sudden, meta-defining shifts. While the goal of balance changes is to fine-tune gameplay, their impact on professional play isn’t always positive. Let’s explore four key areas where Riot’s approach to balancing may be hurting the competitive integrity and spectacle of pro-level League of Legends.
1. Patch Roulette: Pro Teams Can’t Keep Up
One of the biggest frustrations among pro teams is the unpredictability of Riot’s patch schedule. Major patches often roll out just before or even during competitive events like the LCS, LEC, or international tournaments. This creates what many refer to as “patch roulette,” where the meta shifts so rapidly that teams struggle to build consistency or long-term strategies.
Teams invest countless hours scrimming, analyzing matchups, and developing draft plans—only for a sudden nerf to a core champion or item to render that prep useless. For example, a mid-season change to jungle XP or ADC scaling can instantly shift the power dynamic of entire roles. This constant upheaval can lead to matches that feel experimental rather than elite, diminishing the quality of pro play.
2. Champion Diversity or Confusion?
One of Riot’s stated goals with balance patches is to increase champion diversity. Ideally, this leads to a broader, more exciting champion pool. But in practice, it sometimes causes the opposite in pro scenes. Instead of variety, we often see a meta dominated by a small handful of overpowered champions.
In some cases, newly buffed champions become “must-pick or must-ban,” leaving little room for innovation. Players may be forced onto unfamiliar picks or away from their signature champions, resulting in awkward performances and less engaging matches. In turn, viewers see less personality in team compositions and more of the same rinse-and-repeat draft strategies dictated by the latest patch notes.
Riot Games (image via Getty)3. Mid-patch balance Skews Competitive Fairness
Balance updates between stages or even mid-series can skew the competitive field. In a scene where teams are only separated by razor-thin margins, these changes can favor teams with more adaptable players or deeper champion pools while punishing those who have worked to master a stable but now-outdated meta.
What’s worse is when international tournaments like MSI or Worlds are played on brand-new patches. This gives little time for teams to adapt and encourages volatile gameplay over disciplined, strategic execution. While adaptability is a valuable trait, winning a major championship shouldn’t feel like gambling on who can decode the patch notes faster.
Riot Games (image via Getty)4. Viewership Experience Suffers
League of Legends thrives not only as a game but as a global esport watched by millions. Viewers tune in to see mastery, strategy, and innovation. But when patches constantly upend the game, the viewership experience can suffer. Rapid shifts in meta mean storylines struggle to develop—will a team known for their teamfighting style still shine if Riot suddenly buffs split-pushing champs?
Frequent changes also alienate casual viewers who may not fully understand the impact of the latest jungle changes or item reworks. The barrier to entry becomes higher, reducing engagement and enjoyment for those trying to follow the competitive scene casually. Stability, at least during key moments of the season, would go a long way in improving the pro play-viewing experience.
