Tank items to receive buff in LoL patch 11.2, Galeforce nerfed

League of Legends enters its second major update of 2021 with patch 11.2, bringing substantial adjustments to the item ecosystem and champion balance. Gameplay design director Mark “Scuffy” Yetter has provided early insights into Riot’s strategic direction for this crucial balancing patch.

This update continues Riot’s ongoing effort to refine the preseason item system overhaul while addressing emerging meta imbalances. The development team focuses on creating healthier build diversity across multiple roles, particularly addressing the dominance of specific mythic items that have constrained strategic choices.

Patch Preview 11.2:
-Buffing up options outside of Sunfire for tanks (and giving support tanks more choices)
-Shurelia’s shift to make it attractive to enchanter/mage supports

More details tomorrow, still work in progress. pic.twitter.com/Q0RzkRNT40

— Mark Yetter (@MarkYetter) January 11, 2021

Understanding Riot’s balancing philosophy is crucial for adapting to meta shifts. The developers prioritize creating multiple viable build paths rather than simply buffing or nerfing individual champions. This approach encourages strategic diversity and rewards players who can quickly adapt their itemization strategies.

Turbo Chemtank

• Cost 3200 >> 2800 gold
• Build path items’ gold costs adjusted
• Ability Haste 15 >> 20
• Magic resist 50 >> 25
• Mythic passive 5% tenacity and slow resist >> 5 ability haste

Frostfire Gauntlet

• Cost 3200 >> 2800 gold
• Build path items’ gold costs adjusted
• Ability Haste 15 >> 20
• Armor 50 >> 25

The tank item meta has undergone significant turbulence since the preseason began. Sunfire Aegis initially dominated the landscape, providing such overwhelming power that tank champions saw immediate win rate spikes. This created a problematic dynamic where marksmen and assassins struggled to impact games against properly itemized tanks.

These strategic adjustments aim to revitalize champions like Amumu, Malphite, and Cho’Gath who have fallen out of favor. The 400 gold reduction on both items represents a substantial power spike timing adjustment, allowing tanks to reach their core items earlier in the game.

Advanced players should note that the stat reallocations shift these items toward different strategic niches. Turbo Chemtank now emphasizes engagement and ability spam with its increased ability haste, while Frostfire Gauntlet’s changes create more specialized armor-focused builds.

Items nerfed

• Galeforce
• Hextech Rocketbelt
• Imperial Mandate

The mobility and burst damage provided by Galeforce has transformed marksmen gameplay dynamics. What began as one of the weaker mythic options has evolved into a cornerstone of ADC itemization, providing unprecedented positioning tools for champions traditionally lacking escape mechanisms.

Strategic analysis reveals that Galeforce’s dash ability has created dependency issues among marksmen players. The item’s active provides both defensive disengagement and aggressive playmaking potential that fundamentally alters champion power budgets.

Common mistake: Over-relying on Galeforce for positioning rather than developing fundamental spacing skills. Advanced players should practice scenarios without the item to maintain core mechanics.

Hextech Rocketbelt and Imperial Mandate join the nerf list to address broader systemic issues. Rocketbelt’s mobility creep affects assassin balance, while Imperial Mandate’s proc damage has proven too efficient in coordinated play.

Riot’s champion adjustment strategy for patch 11.2 encompasses fifteen champions across multiple roles. The buff list features nine recipients while six overpowered picks face nerfs.

Dr. Mundo receives targeted improvements ahead of his comprehensive rework, suggesting Riot is laying groundwork for his upcoming kit modernization.

Marksmen specifically targeted for buffs include Caitlyn, Varus, and Senna – all currently struggling in the preseason meta. These adjustments aim to increase viable options in the bot lane where champion diversity has significantly narrowed.

The nerf list reveals Riot’s continued struggle with healing balance. Aatrox, Olaf, Darius, Nunu & Willump, Maokai, and Akali all utilize sustain mechanics that have proven difficult to balance against burst damage and grievous wounds effectiveness.

Shaco’s inclusion on the buff list indicates Riot recognizes his current weakness in the jungle role, potentially addressing his early game clearing issues or scaling problems.

League of Legends patch 11.2 follows the standard deployment schedule, hitting live servers globally on January 21. This timing positions the update perfectly for weekend gameplay testing and meta experimentation.

Viego’s release represents one of the most anticipated champion launches in recent memory. The Ruined King’s arrival typically follows patch deployment by 2-3 days, allowing stability verification before introducing new gameplay elements.

Strategic preparation tip: Review your main champions’ potential itemization changes before the patch hits. Consider creating custom item sets for the new tank options and preparing alternative builds for marksmen affected by Galeforce nerfs.

Server maintenance typically begins around 3 AM PST for NA regions, with patches rolling out globally throughout the day based on regional maintenance schedules.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Tank items to receive buff in LoL patch 11.2, Galeforce nerfed Complete guide to League of Legends patch 11.2 featuring tank item buffs, champion adjustments, and Viego release details