League of Legends patch 25.09: Introducing Thornbound Atakhan

League of Legends has released its latest patch notes for 25.09, officially welcoming players to Season 2, complete with champion changes, a new rift and Thornbound Atakhan.

Alongside a range of other updates, Patch 25.09 includes nerfs to the likes of Gwen and Kalista, whilst Leona and Annie have received buffs. The patch is expected to go live on April 30th

Arguably, the most significant update that will impact the esports scene is the introduction of Thornbound Atakhan. Revealed earlier in the year, Atakhan will have a singular form for Season 2, replacing Voracious and Ruinous.

Thornbound Atakhan will still spawn on the side of the map that sees the most action. Bloody Roses will appear near kills and around Atakhan’s pit. The team that slays Atakhan gains an immediate Bloody Petal bonus, claims all the remaining Bloody Roses left on the map and purifies them into Spirit Petals. 

This is crucial because Spirit Petals grant 25% increased XP and Adaptive Force. Moreover, the team that slays Thornbound Atakhan gains ‘Spiritual Purification’, which Riot Games describes: “On Takedown, bless the area around the target, slowing and damaging any other nearby enemies as well as granting your team a Spirit Petal.”

Another Patch 25.09 change worth noting is players’ encounters within the Void pit. Notably, one of the Void Grub encounterers has been removed entirely. 

Riot Games has noted that its Spawen timer has been increased from six minutes to eight minutes. Moreover, killing three Grubs as opposed to four grants Hunger of the Void (single Void Mite buff), and a team that takes two out of three Grubs gains Feats credit. Alongside the Void Grubs, League of Legends has made changes to the Rift Herald and Summoned Pet.

From a design perspective, Season 2 also marks the beginning of a new rift design with the map getting a Spirit Blossom-themed update. 

In total, 12 champions have been affected by Patch 25.09, including notable competitive picks such as Leona and Qwen. 

Before diving into the champion changes, it’s worth noting that Riot Games has not stated when these changes will be introduced into competitive play. Moreover, Season 2 ranked commences April 30th and will not reset ranked progression. As such, placement games are not required. 

Starting with Qwen, her armour growth has decreased from 5.2 to 4.9. Meanwhile, her damage to monsters has been reduced, with her Q (Snip Snip) receiving similar nerfs to her AP%.

Despite being played a healthy 14 times so far in the LEC Spring Split, Riot Games has issued buffs to Leona. This includes her passive duration being increased from 1.5 to 2.5 seconds and the mana cost of her Q and E being decreased. 

Here’s a rundown of all the other champion adjustments:

Annie: Q damage increased, W mana cost decreased and R magic penetration increased.

Ashe: Q damage increased, and Q bonus attack speed increased.

K’Sante: W damage increased.

Kalista: Base health and AD decreased; AD growth increased, and E damage decreased.

Morgana: Shield strength increase for E, R damage and bonus movement increase.

Naafiri: Early W cooldown increase. E AD ratio decreased.

Orianna: Reduced mana cost for Q.

Rengar: Update to recommended items.

Shen: Empowered Q damage increased.

Yorick: Passive damage from monsters decreased.

To find an in-depth look into Patch 25.09, including details over its item changes and Battle Pass, check out Riot Games’ blog post.