Ready for MSI! LoL Patch 25.13 Preview: Gangplank Buffs, Vi Nerfs, and More

Gather up everyone, MSI patch is ready! Though the list of changes arriving to League of Legends with Patch 25.13 may be smaller than recent updates, it is set to bring important tune-ups to the game all the same. Keep in mind that, give that this is the patch that MSI 2025 will be played on, this new patch will last a total of three weeks, as opposed to the usual two.

Let's now go ahead and have a look at some of the most important champion tweaks, buffs, and nerfs coming our way when Patch 25.13 goes live on Wednesday, June 25th.

Will Gangplank Rise Up?

Will the latest buffs be enough for Gangplank to show up at MSI 2025? (Credit: Riot Games)

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the coming patch will be Gangplank without a doubt. The Bilgewater pirate will see the mana cost of his [Q] Parrrley reduced in Patch 25.13, potentially making his already strong laning phase one that pro players just won't be able to pass up at MSI.

Moreover, Gangplank will also be receiving a cooldown reduction to his [R] Cannon Barrage; a global ability that was built for the highest level of play. Could Gangplank be preparing for a plunder in the top lane?

Vi Gets the Axe — Again

Someone really didn't want Vi at MSI. (Credit: Riot Games)

Patch 25.13 would mark the third time Vi gets nerfed in 2025 alone. This time, the Piltover Enforcer will receive a hit to her endurance as the strength of her [P] Blast Shield is reduced.

It is no secret that Vi has been a recurrent problem in pro play for some time now. The champion's [R] Cease and Desist can immediately shut down an enemy carry on the spot, something Riot has been forced to balance the champion around. Now, with an undertuned kit everywhere else, it will be interesting to see whether the strength of her ultimate will still prove enough for Vi to be picked at MSI 2025.

Rammus Rolls Up the Hill

Rammus was in dire need of some buffs following his rework. (Credit: Riot Games)

After his recent rework, Riot Games is still testing how best to tune Rammus' numbers. Patch 25.13 is set to bring large buffs to the champion, all of which are mainly meant to boost Rammus' tankiness, particularly as the game goes on.

With MSI right around the corner, it seems unlikely any jungler at the tournament will want to take Rammus out for a spin on stage. Still, given the potential surprise value of the pick given that players will not have much experience playing against the champion since his rework, could it be that his coming buffs can push someone to pick Rammus late into an extended Fearless series?

The Mid Lane Meta — A Giant Question Mark

What will the mid lane meta look like in Patch 25.13? (Credit: Riot Games)

With both Azir and Ahri becoming two of the biggest losers of the previous update, Patch 25.13 is delivering yet another twist to the mid lane meta. Once more, two champions that are pro-play-inclined are getting hit by the nerf hammer.

First up, Ryze, who had recently received considerable buffs, is receiving a double-handed nerf to his [W] Rune Prison, tapping down on his power in lane a tad.

And then we have Twisted Fate, a different mid lane champion with a very similar story. Like Ryze, the Card Master received considerable buffs recently, only to be tapped down a notch in the coming Patch 25.13. The nerf, which will target his [R] Destiny, is sure to be felt the most at the highest level of play.

With all of Azir, Ahri, Ryze, and Twisted Fate looking a little bruised, it will be interesting to see whether players at MSI stay true to these picks or if new champions can rise to the top of the mid lane pecking order.

Ready for MSI 2025

This is it, this is the patch that will crown the champions at the second international tournament of the year. Though Riot certainly didn't go too bananas with Patch 25.13, the coming buffs and nerfs should prove enough to leave a few question marks in the air for MSI come draft time. So, expect teams and players to continuously adapt to the new patch throughout the tournament, potentially throwing curveballs at their rivals in the process.

All information about LoL Patch 25.13 was taken from an X (Twitter) post made by Matt "Phroxzon" Leung-Harrison, the Lead Gameplay Designer for League of Legends. If you'd like to have a look at the complete list of changes, make sure to check out the post!

Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest League news and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured image credit: Riot Games

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