2XKO Patch 1.0.3 Nerfs Key Champions, Introduces Learning Hub, and Delivers Underwhelming Ranked Rewards

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ newest patch of Riot Games' 2XKO Patch 1.0.3 was rolled out, featuring a powerful mixture of competitive balance changes as well as major changes in the game's onboarding experience. Along with extending maintenance, this patch immediately shifts the early competitive meta through targeted nerfs, while addressing accessibility issues.

However, it has generated controversy over ranked rewards, which are considered lacking. Here's everything you need to know about the 2XKO Patch 1.0.3 champion balances.

2XKO Patch 1.0.3 Champion Balances Adds Accessibility Boost: The Learning Hub

Having the Learning Hub as the centrepiece, 2XKO's Patch 1.0.3 is its major highlight. The newly devoted area gathers all the game's training resources; thus, the transition from casual to competitive is much more straightforward now.

• Consolidated Resources: The hub unites the Tutorial, Training Mode, Combo Trials, and Advanced Lessons into one single, more intuitive section.
• New Practice Mode: The new Bot Beatdown mode presents the challenge of completing four bot difficulties that escalate one after another. What this mode really offers is a solid motivation: exclusive champion chromas on completion.

Indeed, this step is a clear indication of Riot's effort to welcome new players to 2XKO and make the game less intimidating. As for the game itself, check out our 2XKO Guide to learn more.

Competitive Changes: Major Champion Nerfs

The heart of the patch is its long list of champion balance changes aimed at reducing "oppressive strategies" and increasing the number of possible matchups. The nerfs to a handful of top characters are so powerful that the early meta will immediately change just as a result of these changes.

• Ekko: By and large, Timewinder on neutral control was changed to be "less oppressive", and his other abilities received nerfs as well, making him less viable both as a Point and Assist unit.
• Ahri: Notably, her high-damage potential was limited. Rush combo chains are now consequently, the length of burst chains in coordinated setups is reduced.
• Teemo: His aggressive neutral game has been weakened. Moreover, the developers state that nerfing his projectile-based zoning will make his harassment "more manageable" in most of the matchups.
• Yasuo: The biggest impact on his damage output comes from the noticeably reduced "H" follow-ups during the Calm stance, which in turn reduces his pressure and kill potential to the level of the other characters of the roster.
• Blitzcrank (Buff): With a few buffs to be exact, one of the most notable champions to gain power, Blitzcrank can generate steam more efficiently, and at the same time, he also got better defensive interactions against projectiles, which in turn, makes his Rocket Punch conversions more stable.

Ranked Rewards Spark Disappointment

Community disapproval mainly stems from the announcement of Season 0 ranked rewards. According to player comments, the offerings are "very disappointing" and "minimal" if compared with the rewards in other esports.

• Confirmed Rewards: Players will receive a ranked title and a ranked sticker.
• Diamond+ Exclusive: The players who will achieve Diamond and higher will be the lucky ones to get a sleek Chevron Hoodie lobby avatar.

A large number of competitive players expected that more exclusive and meaningful cosmetic items would be provided to them as a token of the accomplishment of climbing the competitive ladder. Hence, they say that the current rewards offer very little long-term motivation for the ranked grind.

The Path Forward

2XKO Patch 1.0.3 is a major update focused on player accessibility and competitive stability. The champion balances are among the most prominent features of the update as they actively shift the meta, while the Learning Hub is an indispensable step forward for the game's long-term health.

On the other hand, as Riot is positioning 2XKO in the esports industry, the quality and prestige of the ranked incentives will probably have to be considered in upcoming updates if the high level of engagement of hardcore competitive players is to be ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌maintained.

As​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ 2XKO changes, mechanically, players who are 2XKO will be able to keep their level of play if they consistently improve their skills. Our 2XKO Combo Guide is there to help you with this by explaining the basic combos of every new and returning ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌character.