Riot Games Prepares for MSI 2025 with Competitive Updates

LOS ANGELES, CA — Riot Games is gearing up for the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2025, which will be played on League of Legends patch 25.13. Lead Gameplay Designer Matt Leung-Harrison announced these plans on June 4, 2025.

Leung-Harrison emphasized that the next two patches will focus on competitive play, ensuring a healthy game state ahead of the tournament. “The current meta is in a healthy state, and we are not planning significant changes,” he stated. Instead, the developers will make minor adjustments to champions.

Top lane champions Rumble and Gwen have been thriving, prompting developers to reduce their power slightly. Riot Phroxzon noted that adjustments are necessary for balance. Garen will receive further incentives to encourage Attack Damage (AD) builds after previous changes fell flat, as the gap between key items Black Cleaver and Phantom Dancer remains too wide.

Meanwhile, Aatrox also requires adjustments to restore his power level from the previous patch. Jax, who has lost some relevance, is set to receive a small buff to reclaim his position in the game.

Mordekaiser is underperforming, largely due to an indirect nerf to Liandry’s Anguish. Developers aim to bolster his competitiveness, as he has a shallow mastery curve. Lee Sin, who has seen a decline in usage among coordinated play, will also receive updates to enhance his unique strategic identity.

While Riot plans to avoid boosting too many AP junglers ahead of MSI 2025, Nidalee is underperforming across both solo queue and professional tiers and will receive a minor boost. Vi remains a dominant choice in the pro meta, so adjustments will be made to her as well.

Rammus will receive changes to improve his selection rates, reshaping him as a durable champion with high mobility. Developers also considered potential updates for Bard but opted to enhance his strengths. Neeko, a strong support, will undergo balance changes that shift power away from her early-game harass while maintaining her utility throughout the game.

These updates reflect Riot’s commitment to creating a balanced and competitive environment ahead of MSI 2025.