A nerf is an official adjustment that reduces the strength of a champion, item, or ability in order to keep the game balanced. Riot applies nerfs when something becomes too dominant or unhealthy for competitive play, often after it performs far above expectations across many matches. These changes help prevent certain picks from warping the meta or overshadowing alternatives.
The term came from comparisons to soft foam “Nerf” toys, symbolizing a reduction in power. A nerf is commonly discussed alongside a Buff, which strengthens gameplay elements, and situations where something is considered OP and needs to be toned down. In many cases, nerfs also aim to limit excessive Burst potential or create clearer counterplay opportunities for opponents.
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