The latest League of Legends Patch 26.2 is finally here and it brings a series of interesting changes. Before diving deep into everything new, we wanted to highlight some of the more interesting changes, so let’s begin.
Contents
League of Legends Patch 26.2 – Overview
Riot Games is currently observing rather than acting on recent gameplay system changes in League of Legends. While players are still adapting, Riot wants more data before making major adjustments. Key areas under review include jungler impact and overall vision uptime, with potential changes targeted for Patch 16.3.
Despite people’s concerns, Riot decided not to increase snowballing compared to last season. This has its downsides, however, because the average game length is actually slightly longer than before. An interesting fact is that games look faster due to the reduced downtime, more tower damage and earlier Baron spawns.
The Aegis of Valor is working as intended after a minor bug fix. We also feel like the role balance is healthy and each role feels more distinct and strategically meaningful.
We also have to say that Riot is improving the quest usability.
Champion Changes
Like other League of Legends updates, Patch 26.2 also brings tons of champion changes. We are going to highlight the most interesting ones:
- Aatrox – The champion has struggled in the new season, so Riot decided to buff him. Following the new patch, his passive (Deathbringer Stance)’s bonus max damage is now 4-10% and is based on level. The champion’s Q (The Darkin Blade) deals 25 instead of 15 bonus damage to monsters.
- Lillia – It is safe to say she has not been the most popular LoL champion in the last couple of months. That’s the reason why Riot decided to make a few changes as follows: her passive (Dream-Laden Bough) now deals 39+9%AP instead of +15% AP heal against large monsters. His Q (Blooming Blows)’s AP ratio is now 30% AP instead of 35% AP.
- Maphite – The last LoL champion that we want to address is Malphite. He got several changes – W (Thunderclap) now deals 1.8x instead of 2x; E (Ground Slam) deals less damage than before and costs more mana. Lastly, we have R (Unstoppable Force) and its cooldown is now 130/115/100.
ARAM & Arena Changes
Another thing that is new in the League of Legends Patch 26.2 is several ARAM bug fixes. There are changes to both ARAM & ARAM:Mayhem, such as the one where Glass Cannon prevented Bloodthirster from triggering.
In terms of the Arena changes, there are several champion changes. Riot is adjusting Combo Breaker to better protect players from long CC chains without weakening tank or CC-focused teams. The CC threshold is lowered, making it trigger sooner, and it now deals scaling max-HP true damage on activation, resetting after death or combat, to create clearer counterplay.
Solo/Duo Ranked – Apex Duo Rule Improvements
Riot decided to loosen up the Apex Duo destruction rules in patch 26.1. Some people liked it, but the company also received many complaints about it. As a result, there are changes to the rules regarding the premade gap for Apex Duo.
Swiftplay, Clash & WASD
The surrender time is now set to 12 min instead of 15 min. Aside from these changes, Riot also decided to open the Demacia Cup. As long as you are a 5-stack, you can register between January 19-24/25 and take part in the competition.
There are also interesting changes related to the WASD inclusion as follows:
- Removed Attack Delay While Moving for Melee Champions
- Reduced Attack Delay While Moving for Non-Marksman Ranged Champions
- The attack delay while moving on Marskam did not change
QoL Changes & New Skins
The LoL Patch 26.2 also added loads of quality of life changes. We won’t go through them here, but it’s safe to say the game feels more polished than before.
In terms of League of Legends skins, players will have the following options:
- Aegis Frame Galio
- Aegis Frame ornn
- Battle Academia Briar
- Battle Professor Samira
- Revenant Reign Viego
Conclusion
Overall, the League of Legends Patch 26.2 reinforces Riot’s data-driven approach, prioritizing clarity, role identity, and counterplay while refining new systems. We think the new update is setting the stage for a better overall experience.
