As the MPL season nears its conclusion, Moonton Games has released a surprise update, the patch 1.8.20 balance adjustment.
This emergency patch is geared towards addressing several critical issues within the current competitive meta.
In the update, Moonton nerfed three of the most dominant healers in the current meta.
According to the developers, these adjustments were made in response to data collected from both ranked matches and the MPL, ensuring a more balanced and competitive gameplay environment.
All the changes in MLBB patch 1.8.20 balance adjustment
Mathilda
Credit: Moonton
Skill 2 – Guiding Wind
Duration of Ally’s Movement Speed Boost decreased from 2.5s to 2s
Ultimate – Circling Eagle
Wisp damage decreased from 60-70 to 40 at all levels
Cooldown increased from 30s to 40s
Base shield decreased from 600-900 to 400-600
Rafaela
Credit: Moonton
Skill 2 – Holy Healing
Movement speed and slow immunity duration decreased from 1.5s to 1s
Angela
Credit: Moonton Games
Skill 1 – Love Waves
Magic bonus decreased from 90% to 75%
Ultimate – Heartguard
Shield decreased from 1200-2000 + 200%-400% magic power to 1000-1600 + 200%-300% magic power
Ixia
Attributes
Physical attack growth: 10 to 7.5
Wanwan
Passive – Tiger Pace
Increased how much Wanwan’s dash speed increases with her attack speed to bring it in line with the pre-nerf version
Arlott
Ultimate – Final Slash
Cooldown decreased from 30-24s to 24-18s
Aldous
Skill 1 – Contract: Soul Steal
Soul Steal upper limit increased from 500 to 650
Ultimate – Contract: Chase Fate
Damage decreased from 400-600 + 10% of target’s max HP to 250-400 + 8% of target’s max HP
Fredrinn
Passive – Crystalline Armor
Conversion ratio from crystal energy into HP: decreased from 25% to 20% (For damage dealt to Minions: 15% >> 10%)
Ultimate – Appraiser’s Wrath
Hybrid defense decreased from 30-60 to 15-35
Terizla
Skill 2 – Execution Strike
Total physical attack bonus for the first two hits adjusted from 180% to 160%-185%
Total physical attack bonus for the third hit adjusted from 300% to 220%-320%
Edith
Ultimate – Primal Wrath
Lifesteal increase from 10-30% to 5%-20%
Odette
Skill 1 – Avian Authority
Cooldown decreased from 7s to 6-5s
Skill 2- Blue Nova
Cooldown adjusted from 11-8.5s to 12-10s
How the changes will affect the MPL meta
Credit: RSG Philippines
The introduction of the Flask of the Oasis item has significantly elevated the importance of healers in both ranked matches and competitive play.
According to MPL PH hero stats, healers like Angela and Mathilda have surged into the top five most contested heroes during the pick and ban phase.
They’ve become invaluable assets, with teams either banning them or swiftly snatching them up if they remain available.
As healers ascend the hero rankings, it’s noteworthy that certain fighter heroes, including Edith and Terizla, as well as tank junglers like Fredrinn, have indirectly benefited.
Their compatibility with a sustain-heavy lineup has propelled them to greater prominence.
With these balance adjustments, it’s expected that some teams will once again prioritize initiators such as Khufra and Grock, hoping to diversify their strategies.
However, it remains uncertain whether these changes will solidify the status of these heroes as top picks in professional play.
Fans will witness the effect of these changes in the upcoming MPL SG Season 6 and MPL PH Season 12 playoffs, which will start on October 20 and October 25, respectively.
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