Patch 18.6 – Patch Overview & Best Compositions

Patch Notes 18.6 Analysis

TRAITS

Blossom

Blossom receives a buff at the 9-piece breakpoint. However, reaching 9 Blossom is still quite difficult, as it generally requires at least one additional Emblem, a high level, and the right units to complete the board.

Playing 7 Blossom is also not something I'd recommend forcing. It requires sacrificing two board slots to activate the trait, and the overall investment is often not worth it. However, 9 Blossom could become an interesting option in games where you have the right setup.

Elderwood

9 Elderwood receives a significant nerf, losing 15% of its maximum Health bonus. This is particularly important for units such as Aphelios and Soraka that benefit from the trait's additional durability.

The 5- and 7-piece breakpoints receive small buffs, but I don't think these changes are enough to make us actively play weaker units just to reach those breakpoints. There might be some potential with Tristana and Rengar carrying an Elderwood Emblem, but overall, the buffs seem too small.

CHAMPIONS

1-Cost Champions

Kobuko and Rek'Sai both receive buffs to their spell healing. These changes should make them slightly stronger in the early game, although I wouldn't expect either of them to become a major carry option.

Wolf

Warwick receives a buff exclusively at 3-star, gaining 15 Attack Damage. The previous nerfs to his 1-star and 2-star versions have also been reverted.

This is a positive change, but I'm not convinced it will be enough to make Wolf a strong meta option.

Sentinel & Malphite

Sentinel receives a small buff to its Health-based shield scaling.

Malphite also receives buffs to his shield and spell damage at 1-star and 2-star. This could make Malphite and Soraka reroll more competitive, potentially moving the composition out of the C-tier range.

It's also worth remembering that Zyra provides additional shielding through her kit, which could make this combination even more effective.

Nidalee

Nidalee's AD form receives several buffs. Her healing is increased by 25 at 1-star and 100 at 2-star, while her third cast also receives a 15% damage increase.

These changes should make AD Nidalee more reliable, especially with item combinations that don't depend entirely on Hand of Justice or Bloodthirster.

Her AP form also receives buffs. The main problem is still finding a suitable composition for her. You generally need to play either a 6 Juggernaut setup or an Invoker composition with Morgana.

I think AP Nidalee could become a playable alternative, and I'll include a possible setup later in this guide.

OTHER CHANGES

Whispy's Curio card receives an increase of 2.

The 5-gold Middle Patch upgrade will now upgrade 4-cost units instead of 3-cost units.

AUGMENT CHANGES

Clockwork Accelerator receives an additional 2% Attack Speed bonus. This is a nice improvement, although the Augment hasn't been particularly successful in most compositions.

Embidden receives a 15% nerf. This is a questionable change in my opinion, especially considering that the Xayah and Rakan reroll composition was already quite situational and required a very specific setup.

Plot Armor receives a 2% buff, while Shopping Spree receives a 1% buff.

Unrivaled is one of the biggest winners of this patch. Rengar's healing share increases by 35%, while Kha'Zix's mana share increases by 20%.

This is a very significant improvement. Unrivaled should no longer feel like an Augment that you automatically skip. I expect it to become a much more attractive option.

BUG FIXES

Blinding Duel receives a bug fix. It will no longer immediately provide an excessive amount of Ability Power due to an interaction that made the Augment much stronger than intended.

BEST COMPOSITIONS IN PATCH 18.6

1. Legendary AD Board – Ezreal & Draven

This is one of the strongest late-game directions from the previous patch, and it should remain a solid option.

The main idea is to play for Level 9, roll for legendary units, and use Ezreal as your secondary carry alongside Draven.

Ezreal wants Spear of Shojin, Last Whisper, and Striker's Flail.

Draven prefers Guinsoo's Rageblade, Kraken's Fury, and Deathblade.

The goal is to build a strong legendary board and use Ezreal to provide additional damage while Draven remains your main carry.

2. Vanguard Alune

Vanguard Alune remains one of the most popular compositions from the previous patch.

You can play different Lux variants depending on what you find, including Lunar Lux or Fae Lux. Before finding your final board, Morgana can hold utility items such as Void Staff and Morellonomicon.

Alune is your main carry, and mana generation is extremely important. Her best options include Blue Buff, Spear of Shojin, and Adaptive Helm. Archangel's Staff is also particularly strong because of the damage from her final cast. Jeweled Gauntlet is another option.

For your frontline, prioritize Sentinel with Crownguard, Protector's Vow, and Warmog's Armor. You can also give additional tank items to Taric.

At Level 9, Ivern is an excellent addition. If you find Ivern 2-star, items such as Spear of Shojin, Adaptive Helm, Guinsoo's Rageblade, or Rabadon's Deathcap can make him a very strong secondary carry. Lux can also fill this slot if you don't find Ivern.

3. Legendary AP Flex

This is another legendary board option, although I consider it slightly weaker than the previous version.

You can use Kennen as additional support for Ivern, or replace Ivern with Elder Dragon depending on what you find.

The composition is flexible, with Amumu, Kennen, and Maokai providing your frontline. Your final board should be built around the strongest legendary units available to you.

4. Elder Dragon

Elder Dragon follows a similar strategy to the other legendary compositions. You want to reach Level 9 and build your board around the units you find.

If you naturally find Elder Dragon and have suitable items, you can play him instead of forcing another carry.

His preferred items include Infinity Edge, Striker's Flail, Last Whisper, Edge of Night, and Sterak's Gage.

The rest of the board can follow a similar structure to the legendary AD or AP compositions.

5. Rift Beast Tempo

Rift Beast tempo should remain a strong option. The 5 Brambleback and 5 Rift Beast setup can still perform very well.

Wolf is your early carry, with items such as Guinsoo's Rageblade, Edge of Night, and Quicksilver. Hand of Justice, Bloodthirster, and Sterak's Gage are also good options.

Later, you can transfer suitable items to Elder Dragon. His best options include Last Whisper, Infinity Edge, and Striker's Flail.

Before finding Gnar, you can play Sett. Before finding Taric, use Rakan.

One important detail: don't roll for 3-star Kha'Zix on Level 7. Instead, push Level 8, roll for Brambleback upgrades and a 2-star Sentinel, then move towards Level 9 to find Elder Dragon and Taric.

Kha'Zix can naturally upgrade through the Rift Beast shop mechanic, so there's no need to spend your economy chasing his 3-star version.

You can also consider Fae, Brambleback, or Vanguard variants if you find the corresponding Emblems.

6. AD Nidalee Variants

AD Nidalee has several possible setups, and the recent buffs should make these compositions more attractive.

Aphelios + Nidalee

This is one of the main AD Nidalee variations. Nidalee has a lot of flexibility when it comes to itemization.

Good options include Edge of Night, Sterak's Gage, Spear of Shojin, Infinity Edge, Giant Slayer, and Deathblade. You can also use Hand of Justice, depending on your components.

There are many possible combinations, including Edge of Night + Sterak's Gage, double damage setups, and even a Hunter or Ravager Emblem.

Aphelios can use Guinsoo's Rageblade, Infinity Edge, and Kraken's Fury. Other options include Red Buff, Deathblade, Giant Slayer, and Quicksilver.

The main advantage of this composition is its flexibility. You can adapt your itemization to whatever components you receive.

Brambleback + Nidalee

Another option is to use Brambleback as your secondary carry. This version benefits from Sentinel's mana support and can be a good alternative depending on your shop.

Strongest Primal Duo – Sivir & Nidalee

This is another strong variation built around Sivir and Nidalee.

For Sivir, you can use mana generation items such as Spear of Shojin or Blue Buff, alongside Deathblade, Infinity Edge, or Striker's Flail. Guinsoo's Rageblade, Red Buff, Giant Slayer, and Last Whisper are also possible options.

Some of these items can later be transferred to Ashe.

Amumu is your main tank, with items such as Warmog's Armor and Spirit Visage. You can also use Protector's Vow or other suitable defensive items.

Other Primal Nidalee variations are very similar. The final setup depends on which upgrades you find while rolling on Level 8. For example, if you naturally find 2-star Malphite, you can adapt your board around him instead.

7. Elderwood Ezreal

Elderwood Ezreal should remain playable, although I would focus primarily on the Aphelios variation if you have an Elderwood Emblem.

Your main frontline consists of Lillia and Hecarim, while Ezreal is your primary carry.

His core items are Spear of Shojin and Last Whisper. You can add Red Buff or Deathblade, depending on your components.

An Aphelios secondary carry is also an option, especially if you have an Elderwood Emblem or suitable Executioner setup.

Alternative: Ezreal + Soraka

Another version uses an Elderwood Emblem on Soraka. Her preferred items include Spear of Shojin and Rabadon's Deathcap.

The goal is to activate 7 Elderwood while using LeBlanc and Blossom units as temporary additions until you find Lux.

Alternative: Ezreal + Ahri

You can also play Ahri as a secondary carry. Her important items are Spear of Shojin and Morellonomicon, allowing her to apply the burn effect across the enemy board.

If you have an Executioner Emblem, Ahri becomes even more attractive. You can use Kennen as another secondary carry to strengthen the composition.

Alternative: Fae

If you find a Fae Emblem, you can consider a Fae variation with 4 Fae and Lillia holding two Protector's Vows. This setup can generate a significant amount of gold.

8. Karma Reroll

Karma reroll is another composition worth considering.

You roll on Level 5 for Karma, Yorick 3-star, and Leona. Once you have your upgrades, move to Level 6 and finish Sejuani and Junara.

If you don't have suitable items for Junara, you can use K as your secondary carry.

An Executioner Emblem makes Karma considerably stronger.

You can give LeBlanc utility items such as Morellonomicon. If you don't find LeBlanc 3-star, Soraka is a reasonable replacement.

You can also replace Azir with Fiddlesticks to activate additional trait synergies.

Alternative: Blackthorn Yunara

This is an underrated variation that becomes interesting if you find a Blackthorn Emblem.

Give the Emblem to Yunara, alongside Spear of Shojin and Last Whisper. You can then play Wolf as your secondary carry and Alistar as your frontline.

This setup sacrifices 3-star Markolf to gain additional benefits for Junara. With the right setup, she can deal around 26,000 damage.

9. Morgana + Ahri

For this composition, roll on Level 8 for Morgana, Ahri, a 2-star Sentinel, and Sett.

You can use either Sett or Sentinel as your main tank, depending on which unit you upgrade first.

An Invoker Emblem makes this composition considerably stronger.

Morgana wants Morellonomicon and Void Staff, with Adaptive Helm or Archangel's Staff as additional options.

For Ahri, prioritize critical strike items such as Striker's Flail and Jeweled Gauntlet, alongside Spear of Shojin.

Your frontline can use Warmog's Armor, Dragon's Claw, and Bramble Vest.

Alternative: Bronze for Life Ahri

Bronze for Life Ahri is another possible variation, although it can still work without the specific Augment.

Use Sett as your main tank and build a board that activates as many Bronze traits as possible.

Zyra can act as your secondary carry, holding utility items such as Spear of Shojin, Morellonomicon, and Void Staff.

This version can also become a strong late-game board, but it requires a good start. Ideally, you want to stabilize on Level 8 with 2-star Ahri and Sett before quickly moving to Level 9 and adding Ashe and Gnar.

Keep in mind that this is a riskier composition and requires a strong economy.

10. Six Juggernaut Flex

This is a flexible composition built around 6 Juggernauts on the frontline, with either Sivir or Nidalee as your main carry.

For Nidalee, you can use Guinsoo's Rageblade, Archangel's Staff, and Void Staff.

For Sivir, consider Red Buff, Jeweled Gauntlet, Striker's Flail, Spear of Shojin, or Archangel's Staff.

Zyra can also be an important secondary carry. Her best items include Archangel's Staff and Hextech Gunblade.

The main strength of this composition is its very durable frontline, allowing your carries enough time to deal damage.

11. Akali + Camille + Ornn Reroll

This is one of the strongest reroll compositions in the current meta.

The composition is built around Camille, Akali, and Ornn, with Leona and Varus as additional units to upgrade.

You slow roll on Level 5, looking for 3-star upgrades.

Augments such as Early Learnings and No Pivot, No Scout can make this composition even stronger.

You can prioritize either Camille or Akali for your items.

Camille wants Bloodthirster and Sterak's Gage, with Hand of Justice, Quicksilver, or Infinity Edge as alternatives.

Akali has several possible setups. Edge of Night is particularly important, alongside healing from Hand of Justice. You can complete her build with Infinity Edge or Jeweled Gauntlet. Another option is a Sterak's Gage + Quicksilver setup.

Varus can hold additional utility items such as Red Buff or Morellonomicon.

For Ornn, prioritize Warmog's Armor and Gargoyle Stoneplate. Remember that Ornn also provides access to powerful Artifacts, which can further improve Camille and Akali.

BONUS COMPOSITION – AP NIDALEE

As a bonus, I want to highlight AP Nidalee. She has received another buff, and this might finally make her a more interesting option.

The composition uses Sentinel as the main frontline, with 4 Vanguards, 3 Invokers, 2 Primals, 2 Adapters, and 2 Juggernauts.

Nidalee is your main carry. Her preferred items are Guinsoo's Rageblade and Jeweled Gauntlet, with either Striker's Flail or Archangel's Staff as the final item.

Morgana can use Void Staff, Morellonomicon, and Archangel's Staff.

One important detail is that Kog'Maw already provides Void Staff for free, so you generally don't need to build another one in this composition.

OTHER COMPOSITIONS WORTH CONSIDERING

There are plenty of additional options in this patch, and you shouldn't limit yourself to only the compositions listed above.

Some other possibilities include:

• Xayah Reroll (Embiggen)
• Teemo Reroll
• Adaptor Master Yi
• Exclusive Lux
• Soraka AP Flex
• Aphelios Friends
• Brambleback
• Rapidfire Azir
• Rift Beast reroll
• Cassiopeia reroll
• Veigar reroll
• Primal Eclipse Lunar
• Caitlyn reroll
• Warwick reroll

Many of these compositions require specific Augments, Emblems, or a good starting board, but they are worth keeping in mind when the game gives you the right conditions.