The 2XKO team has been busy since the last announcement, and they're ready to share what's next. Patch 1.3.1, arriving on September 8, is set to bring significant changes to the game's core systems, champion balance, and content. In a recent dev blog, several team members offered a pre-preview of what players can expect, focusing on long-term health and player satisfaction.

Core Gameplay Adjustments: Defense Gets a Boost

Balance lead yohosie highlighted improvements to defensive mechanics to counter the game's fast-paced offense. Pushblock is getting increased distance but with slightly more recovery frames. Additionally, players can now tag after a Break or pushblock to instantly phase out their Assist, reducing the risk of these defensive options. However, Assists will take more true damage, making them less recoverable, pushing the game towards more decisive outcomes rather than timeouts.

  • Pushblock distance increased, recovery frames slightly increased.
  • Tagging after Break or pushblock now phases out Assists instantly.
  • Assists take increased true damage, reducing recoverable health.
  • Freestyle penalty reduced; no penalty when Assist is hit after Pushblock, Burst, or if Assist is dead.
  • Hurtboxes standardized across similar-sized champions.
  • Getup attack now requires a hold for a few frames for easier wakeup options.

Champion Balance: Focusing on Frustration and Diversity

Win rates and pick rates are healthy across the board, but the team is now looking deeper. They're addressing move diversity and frustrating outcomes. Senna is getting help as her Base form specials underperform, while Akali will see tweaks to encourage use of Twilight Shroud. Offensive stability is being improved for Yasuo, Darius, Teemo, and Warwick, while defensive frustrations from Illaoi and Teemo's throw setups are being reduced. Thresh's normals are also being tuned down to give opponents more breathing room.

The team emphasizes that these changes aim to maintain the champion diversity seen in recent Majors and ensure long-term enjoyment. This is the last major balance patch, with future patches focusing on bug fixes and polish.

Lux and Samira: New Champions on the Horizon

Lead producer Riot GutsyBat shared details on Lux, the next champion. Lux is an all-rounder, capable at all ranges but not excelling in any one area, debunking any zoner labels. She's designed to be accessible for newcomers while offering depth for veterans, with strong normals, a solid fireball, a reliable DP, and an air dash. Her full gameplay reveal is scheduled for next week.

Samira, the polar opposite of a zoner, is also in development. Her primary goal is to 'unleash creativity,' rewarding players for open-ended offense and originality. More details are expected in October.

Skincapade: New Cosmetics and Halloween Vibes

Art production coordinator Riot HaiP gave a peek at the skins arriving in 1.3.1. Players can look forward to Faerie Court Lux, which will be her launch skin, and a set of Demonic skins for Teemo, Illaoi, and Warwick, perfect for the Halloween season. Additionally, a 'Good vs. Evil' theme will feature Yasuo leading a Sentinel team against dark forces, with more details to come.

The 1.3.1 patch is a significant step for 2XKO, with a focus on improving the game's foundation and delivering exciting new content. The team's dedication is clear, and they're grateful for the community's support. As yohosie put it, 'Fighting games are forever,' and these changes aim to make 2XKO a game players love for years to come.

Source: Riot Games, 'So, What Happens Now? (Patch 1.3.1 Pre-Preview)' - https://2xko.riotgames.com/en-us/news/announcements/so-what-happens-now-patch-131-pre-preview