Hack Mechanics Nerfed to Combat Gold Inflation
The most significant change in Patch 14.2 comes in the form of substantial nerfs to the Hacks mechanic, which has been flooding the economy with excess resources. Gold Hack Bribes have been reduced from 3/4/6 to 2/3/5, while Prismatic Hack Bribes saw similar reductions from 4/6/8 to 2/3/5. The value of "Lots of Orbs" Hack Orbs has also been decreased from 10/16/25 to 6/12/18.
According to Riot, these changes aim to help lower-cost reroll strategies compete with capped 4- and 5-cost boards that have been dominating the meta due to resource abundance. Additionally, Trait Category Hacks will no longer appear on Wandering Trainers Encounters, and Hacked Orbs containing Health Pickups will automatically move to players after two rounds.
Trait Overhauls Focus on Underperformers
Exotech items received a comprehensive rebalance to ensure more consistent power across options. Cybercoil saw buffs to its Armor/MR (50 to 55), Mark Duration (5 to 8 seconds), and Heal Percent (10% to 12%). Holobow received substantial Attack Speed and Crit buffs, while Hyperfangs now stores more damage.
The Golden Ox trait received significant buffs at higher levels, with damage amplification increasing from 13/20/25% to 12/24/30% and gold chance jumping from 20/50/75% to 20/60/100%, making the (6) Golden Ox chase trait much more appealing.
Nitro saw adjustments aimed at weakening early tempo plays while strengthening reroll strategies, with HP Per Scrap reduced from 14 to 11, but Scrap Per Star Level increased for higher-star units.
How Will These Changes Affect Your Gameplay?
The trait adjustments should create more viable team compositions, particularly for those who enjoy running Golden Ox or Nitro reroll strategies. Players will need to be more selective with Hacks, as they no longer provide as much economic advantage as before.
Champion Balance Targets All Cost Tiers
Underperforming champions across all cost tiers received attention, with significant buffs to 1-cost units like Poppy (ability AP damage nearly doubled) and Shaco (AD% increased to 300%). Two-cost units Naafiri and Twisted Fate also saw damage increases.
Among 3-cost units, Jarvan IV received substantial buffs to AD, shield strength, and ability scaling, while popular picks like Rengar saw slight nerfs to maintain balance. Four-cost Annie got damage increases, while Cho'Gath's health scaling mechanics were completely reworked.
At the 5-cost tier, Samira received a modest AD buff from 60 to 65, which should help her maintain relevance in the late game.
Augments and Item Adjustments
Silver Champion Augments for Jax, Poppy, and Sylas all received significant buffs to make them more competitive options. Prismatic Circlets were substantially improved, with most now granting additional item components and featuring different champion options.
The Trenchcoat item is now easier to trigger (60% HP threshold instead of 66%) and creates a stronger clone (33% HP instead of 25%), while Marksman Emblem's armor shred was doubled from 1 to 2 per damage.
Mode-Specific Changes and Quality of Life Updates
Double Up mode received more Gift Armory options and slightly reduced gold from PVE rounds to prevent excessive 3-star 4-cost boards. Hyper Roll saw numerous balance adjustments, including buffs to Golden Ox, Shaco, and Zac.
Mobile players will appreciate a new button to add friends while in the lobby, improving the social experience on handheld devices.
Patch 14.2 for League of Legends' auto-battler mode was released on April 15, 2025, with the next major rework patch (14.3) already in development according to Riot's patch notes.