TL;DR
- Tahm Kench’s rework delayed until preseason stabilization with no confirmed timeline
- Current win rate below 50% due to multiple nerfs targeting his Devour ability
- Versatile champion excelling in support role with viable top lane presence
- Hybrid damage profile combining magic damage with percentage health damage
- Requires strategic positioning and timing to maximize utility in team fights

Tahm Kench enthusiasts face extended anticipation for the champion’s upcoming gameplay overhaul, as confirmed by Riot Games developer Phlox.
Initial announcements about the River King’s rework emerged over five months prior, yet players continue awaiting concrete implementation details. This prolonged development cycle prompted dedicated community members to seek clarification regarding current progress status.
“The Tahm Kench rework will launch once preseason adjustments stabilize and development resources become available,” Phlox explained. “Ideally, we’d deploy it before professional competitions resume, though establishing precise deadlines remains challenging.”
This communication suggests Tahm Kench mains should prepare for several additional patch cycles before experiencing the reworked kit, as offseason balancing demands consume significant team bandwidth. Numerous technical issues and overpowered items currently dominate Summoner’s Rift, compelling Riot developers to maintain intensive work schedules throughout recent weeks.
Despite Tahm Kench’s rework announcement preceding other champions, Riot plans to release Pantheon’s update with patch 10.25 in December. This scheduling indicates the River King’s update has experienced priority reduction within development pipelines.
We have some work coming to shift Pantheon from support to solo lanes. (it’s a few patches out) It’s fine if he can be an interesting support pick but we want solo lanes to be primary.
We’re slower than we should have been on this follow up, I take responsibility for that.
— Mark Yetter (@MarkYetter)
October 31, 2020
While additional waiting periods don’t represent catastrophic scenarios, Tahm Kench desperately requires his rework based on current solo queue performance metrics. The durable support previously maintained a concerning 47.11% victory rate during patch 10.20 and continues struggling below the 50% threshold since that period.
Presently, supporters can only remain patient for the eventual update, though implementation likely extends into the following calendar year.

Why is Tahm Kench bad?
Tahm Kench primarily encounters difficulties throughout Season 10 because Riot implemented multiple nerfs following his initial release. The champion previously represented an exceptionally powerful selection, considered excessively dominant within competitive environments. Following adjustments to his Devour (W) capability, Tahm Kench gradually diminished in priority, though he maintains situational viability against specific team compositions.
When did Tahm Kench come out?
Tahm Kench debuted within League of Legends during July 2015. At that time, he represented the most recent support tank addition and continues maintaining unique gameplay mechanics unmatched by other champions.
What role is Tahm Kench?
Tahm Kench predominantly appears within support positions, though players also utilize him effectively in top lane scenarios. His ability kit provides exceptional utility for supporting roles since Tahm Kench can rescue endangered allies and traverse the battlefield efficiently using Abyssal Voyage (R).
Tahm Kench also functions effectively as a top lane selection, offering substantial durability while maintaining respectable damage output. He can dominate specific matchups through aggressive laning tactics.
What kind of damage does Tahm Kench do?
Tahm Kench primarily inflicts magical damage, though certain abilities incorporate percentage-based maximum health damage components. His Tongue Lash (Q) ability delivers magical damage while applying movement impairment effects upon successful hits. The champion’s passive, An Acquired Taste, combines magical damage with percentage maximum health damage, creating complex resistance-building challenges for opponents.
Mastering Tahm Kench requires understanding optimal ability sequencing and positioning strategies. His Devour (W) remains most effective when saving carries from imminent threats rather than aggressive engagements. Proper timing separates exceptional Tahm Kench players from average performers.
Common mistakes include misjudging Abyssal Voyage (R) timing and improperly utilizing Thick Skin (E) for sustain versus shielding.
Advanced optimization involves coordinating with teammates to maximize ultimate utility and building situationally appropriate resistance items based on enemy team composition.
Strategic positioning enables Tahm Kench to control engagement pacing while protecting vulnerable allies. Understanding when to absorb damage versus when to save Devour for rescue operations represents critical gameplay differentiation.
For players seeking comprehensive Complete Guide to champion mechanics, our detailed analysis provides actionable insights.
Action Checklist
- Monitor patch notes for rework announcements and preseason changes
- Practice Devour (W) timing in custom games focusing on ally protection
- Experiment with different item builds against varied team compositions
- Study professional gameplay to understand advanced positioning and ultimate usage
- Analyze your matchup performance using stat tracking tools
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