TFT Patch 17.4: Arbiter Rework, Champion Buffs, and Bug Fixes

Teamfight Tactics patch 17.4 brings quality-of-life changes to Arbiter, N.O.V.A., and Psionic traits, alongside champion buffs and nerfs to shake up the meta.

Riot Games has rolled out Teamfight Tactics patch 17.4, a mid-set update aimed at broadening viable strategies by buffing underperforming traits and champions while nerfing dominant ones. The patch introduces a significant rework to the Arbiter trait, adjustments to Psionic items, and a series of champion changes designed to bring more diversity to the meta. Lead game designers Katie "Riot Ukime" Guo and Rodger "Riot Prism" Caudill outlined the changes in a recent developer update.

Arbiter Trait Rework: Input/Output Overhaul

The Arbiter trait has received a major rework in patch 17.4, focusing on redistributing its input and output offerings. Previously, Arbiter allowed players to generate Leona copies through various triggers, but the consistency was too high, especially at the three-Arbiter threshold. The new changes aim to make the trait more balanced and less dominant. Key adjustments include:

Arbiter (Gain Leona, Every 3 Attacks): Reduced from 10/18% to 8/12%

Arbiter (Gain Leona, Spend 50 Mana): Reduced from 12/20% to 10/15%

Arbiter (Gain Leona, Every 4 Seconds): Reduced from 15/22% to 14/18%

Arbiter (Gain Leona, Each Interest): Reduced from 20/30% to 20/25%

These tweaks are intended to curb the "Spam Leonas" strategy that had been overperforming, while still keeping the trait viable for creative play.

Champion Changes: Buffs and Nerfs

The patch introduces a variety of champion adjustments to shift the meta. Underperforming champions like Ezreal and Aurelion Sol received buffs, while dominant picks like Vex, Blitzcrank, and Xayah were nerfed. Here's a breakdown of the key champion changes:

Ezreal: Base AD increased from 40 to 45

Talon: Ability Damage reduced from 430/645/1000 AD to 400/600/1000 AD

Zoe: Ability Damage reduced from 73/110/180% AP to 68/102/180% AP

Aurelion Sol: Mech Ability Damage increased from 82/123 AP to 86/130 AP

Morgana: Mana cost reduced from 30/90 to 30/80

Xayah: Base AD reduced from 52 to 49

Blitzcrank: Max Mana increased from 20/100 to 30/120

Vex: Ability Damage reduced from 30/45 AP to 27/40 AP

These changes are designed to weaken the fast-9 Vex/Blitzcrank strategy and Xayah compositions, while giving a boost to champions like Aurelion Sol and Morgana that have fallen out of favor.

Trait and Augment Adjustments

Beyond Arbiter, several other traits received buffs to improve their viability. Space Groove, which has struggled despite previous unit buffs, now offers longer Groove duration and increased healing and attack speed per Groovian. Stargazer also received a boost to its Huntress base attack speed and Medallion damage amp. Additionally, the Misfits augment will no longer appear on 4-2 to reduce its risk-reward imbalance.

Space Groove (3) Groove Duration: Increased from 3s to 4s

Space Groove Heal Per Groovian: Increased from 8.5% max HP to 9.5% max HP

Space Groove AS Per Groovian: Increased from 11% to 12%

Stargazer Huntress Base AS: Increased from 12% to 15%

Stargazer Medallion Base Damage Amp: Increased from 12% to 15%

Misfits: No longer offered on 4-2

Bug Fixes and Disabled Items

Patch 17.4 also addresses several bugs that were affecting gameplay. Notably, the Ekko's Patience artifact has been temporarily disabled due to a bug causing double damage. Other fixes include issues with Arbiter triggering twice without the proper active, Arbiter's Economy triggering too often, and Varus' Boon granting incorrect health values. These fixes aim to stabilize the meta and ensure fair play.

Fixed a bug where Arbiter could grant 2 triggers without Arbiter 3 active

Fixed a bug where Arbiter's Economy triggered more often than intended

Ekko's Patience (Artifact) temporarily disabled due to a damage bug

Fixed a bug where Varus' Boon was granting incorrect health