TFT Patch 11.9b balance changes: Key nerfs to Aphelios, Mordekaiser, and Revenant trait
Introduction to the B-Patch
Riot Games has deployed TFT patch 11.9b as a crucial balancing update before the major 11.10 overhaul. This interim adjustment specifically targets several overpowered elements that were disrupting Set 5’s competitive equilibrium.
Game design lead Stephen ‘Mortdog’ Mortimer announced these changes would address immediate balance concerns while giving players time to adapt before the larger 11.10 update.
The B-patch focuses on three key areas: reigning in overpowered champions (particularly Aphelios), adjusting the dominant Revenant trait, and fixing critical bugs affecting gameplay integrity. These changes come after extensive community feedback about certain compositions dominating the meta.
Champion-Specific Adjustments
Aphelios Changes
The Moonlight Vigilante receives substantial nerfs to his core stats: Attack Damage drops from 80 to 70 (12.5% reduction) and Attack Speed decreases from 0.9 to 0.85. These changes significantly impact his early-game dominance while maintaining his viability as a late-game carry.
Pro Tip: Aphelios now benefits more from attack speed items like Guinsoo’s Rageblade to compensate for his reduced base stats.
Ivern and Mordekaiser Adjustments
Ivern’s Daisy summon now has a tighter area of effect (radius reduced from 2 hexes to 1), requiring more precise positioning. Mordekaiser’s spell damage sees a 10% reduction at 1-star (500→450) and 8% at 2-star (650→600), though his 3-star power remains unchanged.
Common Mistake: Avoid frontlining Mordekaiser without proper tank items post-nerf, as his reduced damage output makes him less effective at trading.
Trait Rebalancing
Revenant Trait Nerf
The Revenant trait’s healing effectiveness sees dramatic reductions at all tiers: from 30/75% to 10/40%. This 66-47% decrease fundamentally changes how Revenant compositions sustain through fights.
Strategic Insight: Consider pairing Revenant champions with Mystic traits or healing items to compensate for the reduced innate sustain.
Advanced Tip: Nocturne builds may need to shift from pure damage to more defensive items like Bloodthirster to maintain viability.
Critical Bug Fixes
LeBlanc Adjustments
Two significant LeBlanc bugs have been resolved: her Ethereal Chains can no longer double-hit the same target, and her spell animation now begins immediately. These changes prevent abusive spam tactics while maintaining her core identity.
Gameplay Impact: LeBlanc players must now carefully choose targets rather than relying on chain spam, increasing the skill ceiling for effective play.
Gameplay Impact and Strategies
Meta Shifts
These changes will likely decrease the prevalence of Revenant/Aphelios comps while opening space for Forgotten and Draconic strategies to flourish. Expect to see more experimentation with Dawnbringer and Nightbringer comps as well.
Alternative Comps
With Aphelios nerfed, consider these strong alternatives:
- Vel’Koz + Redeemed comps
- Karma + Ironclad Mystic variations
- Hellion reroll strategies
Positioning Tip: With Ivern’s reduced Daisy range, place him closer to frontline units to maximize his summon’s effectiveness.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » TFT patch 11.9b notes: Aphelios nerfed, Revenant heal reduced, more TFT Patch 11.9b balance changes: Key nerfs to Aphelios, Mordekaiser, and Revenant trait