How the new MLBB patch 1.8.20 balance adjustment will affect the MPL meta

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

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

Skill 2 – Holy Healing

• Movement speed and slow immunity duration decreased from 1.5s to 1s

Angela

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

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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