Gwen's Mini Rework: LoL Patch 12.13 Ability Changes

Gwen is an interesting champion. She looks completely broken in pro play, but the moment you pick her in solo queue, she feels like one of the worst champions in the game. Her 46% win rate in LoL Patches 12.11 and 12.12 doesn't say much in her favor either. Given that, a mini rework for Gwen came into question, and Riot has started testing it. Let's go over Gwen's mini rework and what it could mean for everyone who plays this champion regularly.

When Will the Gwen Rework Arrive in 2022? LoL Gwen Mini Rework Details

Gwen Ability Rework Details in LoL Patch 12.13

As mentioned earlier in our LoL Patch 12.13 Buffs and Nerfs article, Gwen's abilities are getting an overhaul. This isn't a massive mid-scope update like the one Sivir got, but it will have a significant impact on anyone who loves playing Gwen and is used to her current kit.

Ability	Changes
Base Stats	HP Regen Growth: 0.55 --> 0.9 per 5s
Q - Snip Snip!	Damage Per Snip: 9-21(+5% AP) --> 10-26(+5% AP) Final Snip Damage: 45-105(+25% AP) --> 60-140(+35% AP) Center Snip: 100% True Damage --> 75% True Damage Deals 75% damage to minions Minions below 20% health take 1000% bonus damage instead of reduced damage
W - Hallowed Mist	Bonus Resistances: 12-20(+5% AP) --> 17-25(+7% AP) Duration: 5s --> 4s
E - Skin'n Slash	Bonus Magic Damage: 10(+15% AP) --> 15(20% AP) Bonus Range: 50 --> 75 Cooldown: 13-9s --> 13-11s Cooldown Refund: 50% --> 25%/35%/45%/55%/65%
R - Needlework	Damage Per Needle: 30/55/80(+8% AP) --> 35/65/95(+10% AP) [ADJUSTED] Recast resets after dealing damage to an opponent --> resets 1 second later

Which Changes Will Have the Biggest Impact on Gwen's Gameplay?

The biggest change is definitely her ultimate. The recast timing adjustment makes a huge difference and means Gwen won't be able to heal as quickly as before. With her innate healing nerfed, she'll feel much weaker in late-game teamfights.

On the other hand, Riot buffed her Q quite a bit — not just a little. Sure, the True Damage on her center hit got nerfed, but the overall damage went up. Add in the E range buff, and you get a terrifying E+Q combo for this AP top laner.

But will that make up for her weaker ultimate? That seems pretty tough. Riot could probably have found a better solution for the ultimate. On Reddit, some players suggested adding a function similar to Camille's Q: the longer she waits between charges, the stronger the charge gets. That could be more situational and make the ultimate a fun mechanic to play around, while the current option on the PBE removes a lot of Gwen's skill expression.

When Will the Gwen Changes Go Live?

These changes are currently being tested on the PBE server. They'll arrive on live servers with LoL Patch 12.13 on July 13, 2022. The next two weeks will be the only time left to play the old Gwen.

These changes will have a major impact on Summoner's Rift and Gwen players. She's one of the hardest top laners to master, and with these changes, she looks set to become easier to play at lower elos, which could raise her overall win rate.

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