The third stage of LPL's Knights Road has been underway for two days. After NIP defeated FPX to secure a playoff spot, EDG also swept WE with a 3:1 score. Both teams from the Phoenix group have made it to the playoffs, making the "Phoenix" title seem like a compliment now. Next, it depends on Weibo whether they can maintain their peak prestige. If they also falter, then the Phoenix label will definitely be formidable.

The chances of the Peak group teams losing in the next two matches are actually low. WBG is still ranked fifth in the Peak group, and their strength is not on the same level as UP from the Phoenix group, who are fourth. However, it’s not wise to be too confident because the BO5 global ban-pick format heavily tests players’ champion pools. Also, the current patch differs significantly from the regular season, so teams that adapt slowly might be affected.

On August 28, the Chinese server updated to patch 15.17. Unless unexpected changes occur, this patch will be used for the playoffs. The champion adjustments mainly focus on the top and bottom lanes. Top laners Gwen and Rumble were both nerfed, while traditional fighters like Fiora and Volibear received buffs. On the bottom lane, popular champions like Miss Fortune and Senna were slightly toned down, whereas auto-attack based champions such as Vayne and Tristana got some enhancements.

Looking at patch 15.17 alone, there aren’t significant changes in champion strength. But for the playoffs, we must consider patch 15.16 as well. In the previous patch, designers nerfed strong jungle champions like Jarvan, Trundle, and Xin Zhao, while fire mage, Zyra, Sylas, Morgana, and Qiyana—these jungle carry champions—were collectively buffed. It’s clear that the playoffs will favor a jungle carry meta.

With the rise of AP jungle carries, the pick rate for AD mid laners will increase. For TOP, this patch is definitely a buff. Kanavi’s carry potential is unquestionable, and Xiaonaiyou’s Caitlyn is also played well. Top lane fighters are strengthened, but tanks remain unchanged, so Ornn and Sion are still viable picks. This should be most comfortable for 369. For the other three teams, it’s harder to say.

BLG’s jungler, Shadou, is versatile but prefers warrior champions. Teams relying on 3C to win may not be adept at the jungle carry style. AL should be considered strengthened; Tarzan’s jungle carry is well known. As for IG, Wei’s jungle carry champions are respectable, but Rookie’s AD champions like Caitlyn are average, though his proficiency with Yone and Jayce is high.

In a recent livestream, Zhu Kai analyzed the playoff patch. He believes the patch is not very suitable for IG, and that IG’s overall strength will decline because Rookie’s AD champions are mediocre. As for BLG, much depends on the coaching staff’s adjustments. However, the playoff patch doesn’t only favor jungle carries; traditional fighters are nerfed but Knights Road remains mainstream.

In the two completed BO5 matches, only NIP played a jungle carry style; the other three teams still rely on warrior junglers. So the playoff patch feels very dependent on players’ champion pools. Although champions like Xin Zhao and Jarvan were nerfed, the BO5 global ban-pick format limits champion availability. Personally, I feel the pick rate between warrior junglers and jungle carries will be about even, with adaptation speed being key.

Conclusion:

After Gwen and Rumble were nerfed, their pick rates will slightly drop, but players like TheShy with deep champion pools have nothing to worry about. Hecarim, recently buffed, is his go-to pick; he used it to dismantle BLG. This shows his understanding of the patch is ahead. Personally, I think this patch suits IG very well.

So, which team do you think is the strongest in this jungle carry meta?

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