League of Legends Patch 25.17 Preview – Season 3 Champion Buffs, Nerfs & Skins

Riot Games has released Patch 25.16 and shared the preview of Patch 25.17, which also marks the start of Season 3. While the last patch heavily shifted the meta, Patch 25.17 will shift it yet again, with another combination of buffs, nerfs, and some system changes to re-balancing for pro play and solo queue.

A Meta in Flux

League of Legends Patch 25.17 is expected to release on August 27, 2025 – the start of Season 3. This update includes buffs, nerfs, skins and players will see some changes in the solo queue and pro play as well.

Image via Riot Games

Patch 25.16 saw a lot of champion updates that created trends immediately. Riot designer Phroxzon has now provided the changes coming with Patch 25.17. As always, the focus is on buffing weaker champions while nerfing champions that are too strong.

Patch 25.17 has a lot more buffs than nerfs, most notably to champions unused heavily in pro play. Riot is also testing jungle buffs for champions like Vayne, Sett, and Nilah that could open the door for different champions into the jungle as well.

Key Champion Adjustments

Some important changes include:

• Senna – More attack speed per level and stronger heal on Q. This gives better sustain later.
• Gwen – Lower armor and weaker slows on ultimate, making some fights harder.
• Kassadin – Higher AP ratios on Q and E. His power spikes earlier.
• Morgana – Lower mana costs and stronger W damage. Could be a higher pick in the solo queue.
• Nilah & Vayne – Jungle changes to make them usable in that role.
• Other tweaks – Irelia AP scaling buff, Kayn mana cost reduction, nerfs to Rumble and Singed.

System, Item Changes, & New Skins

Image via Riot Games

Item adjustments in this patch:

• Axiom Arc – Cost down from 3000 → 2750.
• Horizon Focus – New cost 2750 and +10 AP.
• Profane Hydra – Cheaper but with less AD.

These are meant to give more options for AP and lethality builds.

• New skins in the patch:
• Arcana Lulu (Battle Pass)
• Arcana Jhin (Battle Pass)
• Elderwood Alistar – 1350 RP
• Visions of the Fallen Garen – 1350 RP
• Visions of the Fallen Tryndamere – 1350 RP
• Prestige Visions of the Fallen Jarvan IV (Battle Pass)

Patch 25.17 begins Season 3 with buffs, nerfs, and item changes. It should affect both solo queue and pro play, with new skins also added.

James Steward

James Steward is an experienced writer with a deep passion for the gaming and esports space. With years of experience in the industry, he has a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, trends, and evolution of competitive gaming. His writing offers precise insights and reflects his expertise.

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