Everything you need to know about Set 9 TFT patch 13.16

Maxwell Tsao

Maxwell Tsao

TFT Set 9 Patch 13.16, the patch for the Runeterra Reforged Mid-Set Finale is set to release August 16

It is almost the end of Set 9 in Teamfight Tactics, and TFT Patch 13.16 is on the horizon to bring more balance the game. And, hey: Just in time for the biggest tournament of the set! The patch will be deployed August 16, 2023, around 6 a.m. PST. Official patch 13.16 notes are available here.

Here is what you should look out for!

System changes in TFT patch 13.16

Patch 13.16 system changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 system changes (Image via Mortdog)

The system changes reflect the effort of the balance team to continue to improve quality of life in the game. The shop highlights improvement and raptors component anvil should be welcome changes of TFT patch 13.16.

Trait changes in patch 13.16

Patch 13.16 trait changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 trait changes (Image via Mortdog)

Riot coupled Gunner and Multicaster changes with balance changes to the units of their respective traits. The buffs to Shurima and Shadow Isles point to a healthier game state for a diversity of strong compositions. The buffs to the weak Zaun mods and nerfs to the strong Zaun mods should come as no surprise with how transformative they could be.

Augment changes in patch 13.16

Patch 13.16 augment changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 augment changes (Image via Mortdog)

Potentially the single-biggest change of the patch is the change to Portable Forge. The Ornn 2-1 augment now scales with stage, with 2/3/4 armory choices at Stage 2/3/4 respectively. This heavily reduces the incentive to pick the Ornn legend but also makes it so the augment could see more pick rate at later stages of the game.

Unit changes in TFT patch 13.16

1-cost units

Patch 13.16 1-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 1-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)

Samira has been the premiere early and mid-game carry of the patch and is being nerfed to bring her in line with the rest of the 1-cost carries.

2-cost units

Patch 13.16 2-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 2-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 2-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 2-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)

Buffs to some of the weaker 2-cost units should come as no surprise. Swain, being the best tank and easily splashable in any composition is receiving a much-needed nerf. With Multicasters being nerfed, the Multicaster champions are receiving spell damage buffs.

3-cost units

Patch 13.16 3-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 3-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)

Garen and Kalista could have more carry agency in the next patch. Additionally, Sona and Vel'koz's buffs are in alignment with the 2-cost Multicaster buffs due to the Multicaster trait nerf.

4-cost units

Patch 13.16 4-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 4-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 4-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 4-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)

Aphelios and Azir were on the weaker side of 4-cost carries and are receiving the necessary buffs. Lux and Zeri, the two stronger 4-cost carries are being nerfed accordingly, alongside Urgot, one of, if not the strongest tank in the game, especially with the right items. Lastly, Yasuo's spell interaction with Rapid Fire Cannon is being removed so his stats and damage are being buffed in compensation.

5-cost units

Patch 13.16 5-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 5-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 5-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 5-cost unit changes (Image via Mortdog)

Ahri and Bel'veth were the premiere legendary carries of the previous patch. Alongside them, Senna, Sion, and Heimerdinger were amazing splash utility and frontline. While meant to be the strongest units in the game, the balance team appropriately brought them down a notch.

Item changes in patch 13.16

Patch 13.16 item changes (Image via Mortdog)
Patch 13.16 item changes (Image via Mortdog)

Similar to the previous patch, the balance team adjusted overperforming and strong Shimmerscale and Ornn items. The Ornn and Shimmerscale augments have been a powerhouse throughout the set.

Full patch information

Below is the full patch rundown on Lead Designer Stephen "Mortdog" Mortimer's Youtube channel if you want to learn the full details. You can also check out the rundown in slide form via Kayna here.

That's all for now. Stay tuned on esports.gg for more news, guides, and updates.