Patch 8.2 shakes up Support Itemisation

The OPL moves to patch 8.2 this weekend, bringing some major changes – the likes of which we have never seen in an in-season patch.

One of these impacts the support role as a whole. As a refresher, here’s what has changed:

– Sightstone and all three tier 3 support items have been removed
– Tier 1 support items now gain the sightstone active once the quest has been completed (500g earned)
– Once quest is complete you get 1 ward charge immediately, then 3 ward charges every time you base
– 3 new tier 3 support items added, same stats as the old ones (Remnant of the Watchers, Remnant of the Ascended, Remnant of the Aspect) For the full patch details, head over to the official post.

I dislike the changes, it feels like a indirect nerf to my favourite champions
Jake “Rogue” Sharwood

This is without a doubt one of the largest changes to hit the support role of late.  It’s predominantly intended to do two things; stop other roles from building these support items (Relic Shield ADCs, Frost Queen Vladimir top lane), and free up the spending habits of supports.  Now supports can build impactful items much sooner than before, where there was an 800g Sightstone barrier to get around.

Reactions have been mixed however, which is understandable with the removal of 3 activatable items that supports had access to before.  I talked to some of our OPL supports to gauge their reaction.

Cuden from Sin is on board:  “I like the changes because I thought it was not fair when other roles were able to use support items more than supports. The items were designed for supports so when other roles use [them], it messes up the balance of the game.”

Order’s Rogue isn’t a fan.  Telling me “Personally I dislike the changes, it feels like a indirect nerf to my favourite champions. Having to focus on getting the warding upgrade when you’re playing Relic Shield Thresh is a pain and on champions that like to run ‘Future’s Market’ it nerfs your ability to get an early Sightstone + boots buy. Whilst at the same time buffing the boring playstyle of upgrading your support item and hitting creeps in lane.”

The items were designed for supports so when other roles use [them], it messes up the balance of the game.
Mike “Cuden” Le

Differing opinions always make for interesting games.  Personally I think this is a healthy change.  Losing the activatable items in Talisman of Ascension, Frost Queen’s Claim and Face of the Mountain is a sacrifice that seems well worth in the name of balancing the game.  I am looking forward to seeing how item prioritisation changes now that Sightstone is off the table – we might be in for some new builds.

Tune into the OPL this Saturday at 2pm AEDT to find out how this change and the others in patch 8.2 impact competitive play.