{"id":390361,"date":"2026-04-09T19:24:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T19:24:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/390361\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T19:24:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T19:24:11","slug":"akali-brings-the-smoke-in-patch-1-1-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/390361\/","title":{"rendered":"Akali Brings the Smoke in Patch 1.1.5"},"content":{"rendered":"

Akali header art by\u00a0Lambsplash (Duy An)<\/a><\/p>\n

Welcome back to the Weekend Warmup. Akali teleported into 2XKO just two days ago, and we\u2019ve already seen a huge outpouring of love and creativity from the FGC. I have been mixed several times since I started writing this paragraph.<\/p>\n

These creators of all types have already mastered the art of the kunai (or pencil, or buttons) and brought Akali to life through beautiful works of art in and out of game. Check \u2018em out, throw \u2018em a follow, and stay tuned for an update on Patch 1.1.5 below.<\/p>\n

Lambsplash (Duy An)<\/p>\n

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Source: https:\/\/x.com\/Lambsplash\/status\/2040167709866864992<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0Wavechan<\/p>\n

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Source: https:\/\/x.com\/ireneylee\/status\/2040144553370624489<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0Andi_Wandi_Rana<\/p>\n

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Source: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DWxjm7-j3Y-\/<\/a> \u00a0<\/p>\n

goku_kennnn<\/p>\n

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Source:\u00a0https:\/\/x.com\/goku_kennnn\/status\/2041896525698408924\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

astrodart<\/p>\n

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Source:\u00a0https:\/\/x.com\/astrodid\/status\/2042011512156377268<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Props to everyone who creates anything for 2XKO. Appreciate y\u2019all always.<\/p>\n

Game UpdatesPatch 1.1.5 early reactions<\/p>\n

We\u2019re still early, but we\u2019ve got some initial reads on how 1.1.5 is landing. Passing the keyboard to balance lead, Yohosie, to share more:<\/p>\n

Hey. I’m Yohosie, one of the big dorks that balances the game. We\u2019re fresh off a balance patch that changes foundational aspects of 2XKO, and want to discuss how this impacts future plans.<\/p>\n

Future plans.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re going to be less focused on champion changes in the next few patches, and more focused on core rules and quality-of-life updates. Champions do not need a page of updates, and we can focus on high-impact items. This is not out of caution, but out of necessity.\u00a0Players deserve a stable experience, and champions now have 1 or 2 moves that could use an adjustment, and not a large list of recovery, hitstun, and active frame adjustments.<\/p>\n

We also have another Fuse coming, which might get wild.<\/p>\n

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Core system changes<\/p>\n

Our core systems needed an update to make the game more engaging in neutral and on offense\/defense, and with Handshake Tag dominating on offense (post-freestyle-tag), defense (pushblock parry), and neutral (the entire game), it was a clear linchpin that had to be addressed.<\/p>\n

This change (alongside meter and Break adjustments) has a massive impact on balance, and we\u2019re excited to see if this leads to a healthier game. Because of this, we\u2019re going to be resting for a patch to see how these core rules adjustments shake out the meta. That doesn\u2019t mean there won\u2019t be changes in our next patch, but we don\u2019t expect them to significantly alter the meta. It\u2019s important we proceed with caution to ensure we\u2019re not making shotcalls in advance that end up widening the tiers once the meta stabilizes.<\/p>\n

As an example, if we make a call today that Blitzcrank is weak and needs buffs, but they end up being the best champion in the game after this patch has settled, buffing them would have a dramatic impact on the meta and ruin the competitive experience. You can apply this to your most difficult match-up or your favorite main \u2013 making change before observing the impact could lead to negative outcomes.<\/p>\n

Speaking of the meta, we\u2019re pretty happy with current champion representation. Players feel like they are able to play their favorite champions and not be at an overwhelming disadvantage. That\u2019s a big improvement from where we were, and we\u2019re excited to see what players discover in 1.1.5.<\/p>\n

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Fuses<\/p>\n

We\u2019re aware that Freestyle is quite strong. We attempted harsh adjustments internally to attempt to bring it in-line, but every change we\u2019ve tried ended up making the Fuse less fun, which means that many players would have a less enjoyable time with our game. Any change we make must be fun, feel organic, and stay true to the fantasy of Freestyle \u2013 if we make any change at all. Handshake Tag being -3 is a step in the right direction, and we\u2019ll see how it shakes out.<\/p>\n

How we make decisions<\/p>\n

When making decisions, we use 3 primary tools: eyes, hands, and data.<\/p>\n

Eyes: We watch game footage to analyze how champs are performing. Specifically, we watch tournament footage and in-game matches over fighting game streams, as it allows us to form our own opinions on balance.Hands: We grind games to figure out what is unfun to fight, and what is just powerful \u2013 and that\u2019s a massive difference. If something is good, that doesn\u2019t mean that we need to change it. But if fighting something is repetitive and uninteractive, it deserves to be changed for the health of the game.Data: We look at the data to determine if any champion has a surprisingly high Pick Rate or Win Rate. Specifically, Pick Rate is our most important metric, as at the highest levels of play, individual player performance can impact win rates. If Ekko is seen in 40% of matches (it has never gotten this high) it implies that he is a must-pick champion, even if Ekko has a 50% win rate. Data also lets us have insights into how new players are engaging with our champions and fuses so we can ensure they\u2019re having a balanced experience on their path to mastery.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s more nuance here, but we can summarize our balance philosophy as if something is ass, just change it. We can\u2019t change everything immediately, and getting the right solution is important, but solving problems and listening is how we deliver a better experience for all of you.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s all from me. Thanks for playin\u2019.<\/p>\n

-yohosie<\/p>\n

2026 Preview<\/p>\n

In case you missed it, we dropped a preview of our next few releases (timing subject to change) on our next steps. Enjoy theorycrafting on what a new Fuse could be!<\/p>\n

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Upcoming DatesApr 9: Spirit Blossom event beginsApr 9: Spirit Blossom Megabundle + skin sets availableApr 9: Run it Back Megabundles + skin sets available\u00a0Apr 21: LVL UP EXPO begins (Las Vegas)Closing Thoughts<\/p>\n

Banger week for fighting games. To all the Invincible VS and Guilty Gear Strive enjoyers, have a great time testing the new stuff. For Akali players, meet me in the lobby if you want a free win. I am but a humble Juggernaut Blitzcrank player, don\u2019t mix me I\u2019ll die.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But overall, we might be back? I feel prosperity in the air. A sixth champion is on the roadmap, Evo Japan is around the corner (the team is cooking a really dope hype film, I\u2019m excited), Twitch Rivals yesterday was a banger, and there\u2019s lots more coming that we\u2019re excited to see y\u2019all dive into. Keep the feedback coming, and for those of you that have been with us for the last few years, thank you\u2014you have more impact that you\u2019ll ever know. Back to it.<\/p>\n

\u2014@draggles<\/p>\n