The Winners and Losers of Patch 4.7 – The End of Siren Song

The Patch 4.7 notes are finally out, introducing several significant nerfs to balance overpowered decks. One notable nerf is to Siren Song, which now has an increased mana cost, making it challenging to play in the early game.

Patch 4.7 also holds numerous buffs for underplayed cards. These buffs are intended to breathe new life into these cards and shape the upcoming meta. Jack, in particular, receives a significant boost, which will encourage the exploration of different decks that utilize the buffed cards.

In this article, I'll analyze how the environment is likely going to evolve. I'll discuss the decks that have been negatively impacted by the patch changes. Then, I'll focus on the winners of the patch, the decks that have gained a boost with buffs to some of their cards. You can find the Patch 4.7 notes here.

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Losers

Siren Song Decks

Fizz Targon, Illaoi Lucian, and Evelynn Targon decks, which heavily rely on Siren Song, have all been hit hard by the nerf. The increased mana cost of Siren Song makes it difficult to play on turn 3, resulting in a significant tempo loss.

When played on turn 3, Siren Song depletes all your early-game mana, making it difficult to keep up with the opponent's board development, especially against aggressive decks.

The combination of Siren Song with a 1 mana unit on turn 3 would shut down the other deck from maintaining pressure, especially if Divine Clerk was played.

This nerf will reduce the popularity of the Siren Song meta and may even lead to the card being rarely seen. Decks will now have to rely on it as mid/late game card, rather than get that +1|+1 value in the early game.

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Karma Sett

The community has expressed concerns about Karma Sett potentially taking over if Siren Song is no longer dominant.

The main issue with Karma Sett is the Coin interaction with Karma, which allows for a significant amount of mana resources in a single turn.

The change from Burst speed to Focus speed serves as a solid nerf to their mana resource, forcing players to adjust their play style to adapt to the change. In certain scenarios, the Focus speed may put players at a disadvantage, as they won't have access to the additional mana during their opponent's turn. This Nerf allows for more interaction and won't mean a full Karma takeover on turn 10.

However, the core strength of Karma Sett remains intact, and the nerf may not be enough to keep the deck in check. How the meta will develop will dictate whether we see a Karma Sett take over or not.

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Fizz Samira

It seems Fizz Samira simply can't get a break. This is the third time this deck has been featured in the Losers section in my "Winners and Losers" article.

This time around, Fizz Samira is hit with a massive nerf to its strongest win condition, Powder Pandemonium.

The additional 2 mana cost makes it extremely challenging to play in the mid-game while also playing other cards on the same turn.

Furthermore, if Pool Shark or Inferna draw Powder Pandemonium with Fleeting in the mid-stage of the game, it can end up discarded. If Samira Fizz remains playable in the future meta, players may need to reconsider including Pool Shark or Inferna in their decks, but it's not looking great for Fizz Samira, especially that it barely held up in Patch 4.6 meta.

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Samira Seraphine

The Eternal deck receives a significant blow to its primary win condition.

This archetype heavily relies on quickly leveling up Seraphine and utilizing Legionary Charge to draw Plaza Guardian and establish board dominance.

With the increased mana cost of Legionary Charge, it no longer synergizes with Seraphine, eliminating the double Plaza draw. Additionally, Sputtering Songspinner will no longer generate a Legionary Charge.

Moreover, a 5|5 army of Plaza Guardians poses a reduced threat and can be dealt with more easily. It's safe to assume that we won't see Samira Seraphine at all in Eternal Meta.

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• Notable Mentions: Crimson Pigeon, Kai'Sa

Changing Crimson Pigeon from "grant" to "give" prevents it from gaining excessive stats, allowing opponents to deal with it in upcoming turns without committing too many resources.

Kai'Sa losing her Quick Attack keyword eliminates her ability to attack without the risk of being blocked and killed. Players must now ensure they can protect her when she makes a swing. Nidalee Kai'Sa might be explored further, as Nidalee provides both the Quick Attack and Overwhelm keywords that Kai'Sa will desperately need.

The nerf goes beyond that, as players no longer gain an Evolve advancement from Kai'Sa's Quick Attack. Additionally, Cataclysm will be difficult to play on Kai'Sa and you'll have to pick your target more strategically.

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Winners

Jack Sett

The Coin archetype may gain traction due to several new buffs in Patch 4.7. Jack, Angel, and Risky Venture have all received buffs, boosting Jack's decks.

Jack's ability to heal when mana is refilled allows for more frequent attacks instead of keeping him in the back until a protective tool is found. This results in increased pressure and the creation of additional Coins.

Angel felt somewhat lackluster on the board before, but the patch reduces her Power by 1 while granting Coins in return. Coins are valuable resources for setting up plays and leveling up Jack and Sett.

Jack Sett was one of the first decks players tested when both Jack and Sett were released. Unfortunately, the archetype didn't fare well, with players relying more on Sett to carry games. With the new changes, it becomes more reliable to level up Jack and turn him into an Overwhelm win condition.

We may also see Jack incorporated into different archetypes that can capitalize on the pressure he brings in the mid-game. The Coin nerf to Focus speed does not affect this archetype as it does with Karma Sett.

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Garen Neeko

The subtype archetype received buffs for Warden of the Tribes, Crested Lionhawk, and Glacial Saurian.

These cards enhance Neeko's mid and late-game performance, making it a more popular choice in the Patch 4.7 meta.

Warden of the Tribes can now be played one turn earlier, setting up winning attacks.

With the Overwhelm keyword, Glacial Saurian allows players to squeeze in more Nexus damage, especially if it gains additional stats.

Garen Neeko has already been performing well on the ranked ladder, and with the Siren Songnerf and the new buffs, we may see more of Neeko, potentially even outside the Demacia region.

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Jax Ornn

Jax Ornn lists have started including Glacial Saurian as a draw and buff value card. The addition of the Overwhelm keyword allows players to turn it into a threat, especially if equipped with a Forged weapon.

Jax Ornn has been showing success in patch 4.6, and will probably keep its solid performances in the upcoming meta.

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• Notable Mentions: Faithful Wolfdog, Baccai Witherclaw, Rimefang Pack

The buff to Faithful Wolfdog makes it an excellent addition to equipment archetypes, benefiting from the Forge keyword. Vayne Aatrox will likely start including Faithful Wolfdog in their list.

The additional Vulnerable ability to Baccai Witherclaw allows it to pick off units and maintain board control. The buff also lets Baccai Witherclaw synergize with Renekton, so we might see both cards working together.

Rimefang Pack change to an aura effect lets you play the card at earlier stages in the game and gain more Power on your unit later on. You can even catch your opponent off guard by playing your burst speed Freezes during your attack turn and pushing more Nexus damage.

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Closing Words

The new patch addresses many problematic cards that have dominated the scene while providing buffs to underplayed cards, giving them a chance in the meta.

It will be exciting to see how the Standard meta develops in Patch 4.7.