League of Legends patch 11.9 notes: Vladimir & Hecarim nerfs, Kog’Maw update
League of Legends patch 11.9 is here — Vladimir and Hecarim have finally been nerfed, Kog’Maw got its long-awaited update, and Damwon Gaming’s Worlds 2020 skins have dropped in-store in the April 28 update.
Patch 11.9 is a big one on the League of Legends 2021 calendar; the title’s first international event of the year,the Mid-Season Invitational, will be played on the April 28 update for its entire duration.
Lead Riot Games dev Mark “Scruffy” Yetter said the LoL design team was looking to “add a bit of diversity to the pro meta,” with MSI 2021 in mind. A few“solo queue outliers” have also come under the nerf hammer,he revealed, including explosive new meta pick Vladimir, and star jungler Hecarim.
Kog’Maw also got a VFX update this week.
Finally, Riot is all set to release the “Worlds 2020” skins, celebrating Damwon Gaming’shistoric 3–1 win over Suningin Shanghai last year.
#LeagueofLegendspatch 11.9 is live!pic.twitter.com/AMQWBRVFDs
— Dexerto League (@DexertoLeague)June 20, 2025
What’s in League of Legends patch 11.9?
Vladimir, Hecarim headline nerfs
Hecarim and Vladimir are the big names on the League of Legends chopping block this patch, alongside new jungler Morgana, and bot lane menace Jinx.
Hecarim in particular is under the microscope. Yetter explained: “While doing the Hecarim nerfs we wanted to shift his power so that tank build has notably less damage (but still tanky) making room for a viable damage build.”
Dr Mundo, Diana, Rumble, Gragas, Heimerdinger, and Garen also copped a whack to their overall power levels, while Kindred, Shen, Xerath, Kog’Maw, Taric, Lulu, Trundle, Kayn — more specifically his Rhaast version — and Sett were handed buffs.
Riot is also shipped changes for several “standout” items.
These include Turbo Chemtank and Deadman’s Plate (both nerfed), as well as Moonstone Renewer, Death’s Dance, and Wit’s End (all given short buffs).
Kog’Maw VFX update
Kog’Maw, the iconic LoL hyper-carry, finally got his makeover.
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While Riot aren’t touching any of the Mouth of the Abyss’ gameplay, they’ve given the void creature a fresh lick of paint to bring him up to the modern League of Legends look. That includes a “model texture” update, as well as new icons for his abilities and their lasting effects.
“We want to improve gameplay clarity on missile widths, ultimate edge indicator, and W/P empowered state,” Riot dev Beardilocks wrote on Twitter.
All of Kog’Maw’s past skins, from 520 RP up, have been given recolors too.
New Conqueror, Worlds 2020 skins
Two different skin lines have been released in LoL patch 11.9 — Jax will be getting a new “Conqueror” cosmetic to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational, and five champions are getting “Worlds 2020” skins.
These limited-edition, personalized alt-appearances are to celebrate Damwon Gaming’s historic 2020 victory at the World Championship in Shanghai.
Here’s the full list of champs getting skins this week:
League of Legends patch 11.9 dropped on April 28.Catch all of the changes in the latest LoL update below courtesy, as always, ofRiot Games.
