LoL patch 10.2 nerfs Aphelios and Qiyana, changes Rift Herald

League of Legends’ second seasonal update brings targeted adjustments to several dominant champions that have shaped the competitive landscape. While not a comprehensive overhaul, Patch 10.2 strategically addresses balance outliers that have persisted since the season began.

The update focuses on three key areas: reigning in overpowered champions, boosting underperforming picks, and improving objective accessibility. These changes reflect Riot’s ongoing commitment to maintaining competitive integrity while ensuring diverse champion viability.

Professional play trends heavily influenced these adjustments, with particular attention to champions that have dominated both solo queue and competitive scenes.

Aphelios Weapon System Adjustments

The recently released marksman has demonstrated overwhelming power since his debut, particularly in Korean competitive environments where he achieved unprecedented ban rates exceeding 200%. This indicates systemic balance issues requiring immediate attention.

Patch 10.2 implements precise scaling reductions across Aphelios’ weapon arsenal:

• Calibrum (Sniper Rifle): Mark damage reduced to 15 (+0.2 bonus AD) with Q cooldown adjusted to 10-8 seconds based on level progression
• Crescendum (Chakram): Basic attack damage scaling modified to 130-223% total AD depending on mirror chakram count
• Severum (Scythe Pistol): Q damage per hit adjusted to 10-30 (+0.3 bonus AD) across ability ranks

Pro Tip: Aphelios players should now prioritize weapon rotation efficiency over raw damage output, focusing on optimal ability sequencing.

Qiyana Jungle Viability Reduction

The elemental empress has maintained exceptional flexibility across multiple roles, but her jungle presence has proven particularly problematic. The adjustment targets her early clear speed without compromising mid lane viability.

• W – Terrashape: Passive attack speed scaling reduced to 5/10/15/20/25%

  This strategic nerf maintains Qiyana’s core identity while encouraging more traditional lane assignments. Her W still provides valuable combat utility through bonus range, magic damage enhancement, and movement speed outside engagements.

  Nautilus Early Game Weakening

  The Titan of the Depths has remained a premier support selection due to his unparalleled engagement tools and inherent durability.

  • Q – Dredge Line: Base damage adjusted to 70/115/160/205/250 across ability ranks

    This represents a measured approach to balance – reducing early lane pressure without eliminating Nautilus from competitive consideration. Expect reduced level 2-3 all-in potential while maintaining late game team fight relevance.

    The Enlightened One receives substantial early game improvements to restore her flex pick potential across multiple roles. Professional players had increasingly abandoned Karma in favor of more reliable alternatives.

    • Q – Inner Flame: Base damage increased to 90/135/180/225/270
    • W – Focused Resolve: Base damage enhanced to 40/65/90/115/140

      These changes significantly improve Karma’s lane presence and trading potential, making her a more viable option in coordinated team environments.

      Trundle Mobility Improvements

      The Troll King’s jungle resurgence receives substantial support through enhanced mobility and crowd control capabilities.

      • W – Frozen Domain: Movement speed increased to 30/35/40/45/50% scaling
      • E – Pillar of Ice: Slow effectiveness boosted to 20/30/40/50/60%

        Combined with his new Dragonslayer cosmetic, Trundle stands to regain significant competitive relevance.

        Common Mistake: Players often underestimate the pillar placement timing – practice wall angles in training mode to maximize disruption effectiveness.

        Ziggs Late Game Strengthening

        The Hexplosives Expert gains tools to better contend with popular mid lane selections while reinforcing his late game carry potential.

        • Q – Bouncing Bomb: Damage adjusted to 85/130/175/220/265
        • W – Satchel Charge: Enemy knockback distance standardized to 500 units
        • E – Hexplosive Minefield: Slow intensity increased to 30/35/40/45/50%

          These adjustments position Ziggs as a more consistent scaling threat with improved self-peel capabilities against diving champions.

          The preseason introduction of secondary Rift Herald spawns created strategic depth but also accessibility concerns for teams with limited resources.

          Patch 10.2 addresses this by implementing health reduction:

          • Base Health: Reduced to 4750 (7125-14250 scaling from levels 6-12)

            This 25% health reduction significantly decreases the time investment required to secure this objective, making it more accessible across different team compositions and playstyles.

            Advanced Strategy: Coordinate Herald attempts around enemy jungle pathing – the reduced health allows for quicker takes during opportunistic windows.

            The cosmetic update introduces two distinct thematic lines with unique visual identities and animation treatments.

            Guardians of the Sand Collection: Rengar, Ryze, and Janna receive desert-themed visual overhauls with enhanced ability effects and thematic consistency.

            Dragonslayer Expansion: Trundle, Diana, and Olaf join the existing lineup with dragon-slaying themed aesthetics and custom animations.

            All new cosmetic options are immediately available through the in-game store with corresponding chroma variations.

            Action Checklist

            • Practice Aphelios weapon rotation patterns in training mode to adapt to damage scaling changes
            • Test Qiyana clear speeds with reduced attack speed to determine optimal jungle pathing
            • Experiment with Karma’s enhanced early damage in lane matchups
            • Coordinate Rift Herald attempts with reduced health thresholds in mind

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » LoL patch 10.2 nerfs Aphelios and Qiyana, changes Rift Herald Complete analysis of League of Legends Patch 10.2 champion adjustments, Rift Herald changes, and new skin releases