Xin Zhao’s Season 11 rework brings major ability changes and AP scaling adjustments
Introduction to the Rework
League of Legends’ veteran champion Xin Zhao is undergoing significant changes in Season 11, with Riot Games targeting his underperforming kit for a substantial overhaul. The rework focuses on modernizing his abilities while maintaining his identity as a duelist jungler.
Gameplay director Mark Yetter confirmed the changes aim to address Xin Zhao’s declining performance, with particular attention to enhancing his Wind Becomes Lightning (W) ability’s second activation for more impactful gameplay.
Despite maintaining a 50.03% win rate, Xin Zhao’s 1.23% play rate indicates waning popularity among junglers. The rework introduces mechanical changes to all abilities while adding new ability power scaling options previously unavailable in his kit.
Detailed Ability Changes
Passive: Determination
The healing component sees adjusted values with increased AP scaling (40% → 55%) at the cost of base heal reduction. This change encourages hybrid builds while maintaining sustain capabilities.
W: Wind Becomes Lightning
The most transformed ability now features:
- Static 0.5s cast time (previously attack speed scaling)
- W2 range increased to 1000 units
- New Challenge mechanic providing 3-second vision
- 50% AP ratio added to W2 damage
These modifications transform W into a more reliable engage tool while opening new build possibilities. The vision component particularly enhances jungle pathing and gank reliability.
Strategic Impact and Playstyle Shifts
Jungle Clear Optimization
The extended E range (1100 on challenged targets) combined with W’s vision mechanic creates safer and faster clearing patterns. Players should prioritize W usage on large monsters for vision and engage advantages.
New AP Build Possibilities
With 110% AP ratio on E and 55% on passive heals, hybrid or full AP builds become viable. Nashor’s Tooth and Night Harvester could unlock unexpected burst potential while maintaining sustain.
Common mistake to avoid: Overestimating early game power. While the changes improve scaling, Xin Zhao’s early dueling sees slight nerfs to base damages that require adjusted play patterns.
Expected Release Timeline
Riot plans approximately one month of PBE testing before targeting a LoL patch 11.8 release. Players can expect final adjustments based on feedback during this period.
Pro tip: Monitor PBE patch notes weekly for potential tweaks to the numbers before live implementation. Early testers should focus on providing feedback about the W2 challenge mechanic’s responsiveness.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Riot confirms Xin Zhao rework in bid to “upgrade”struggling LoL jungler Xin Zhao's Season 11 rework brings major ability changes and AP scaling adjustments