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League of Legends Patch 26.5 looks to be aimed at reigning in outliers, specifically on champions who are either too strong or too weak in solo queue and professional play.
After a handful of big patches earlier in the season, Riot plans to take things slow this patch. They’ve even pushed back the EUW ranked test another day in order to playtest more changes, showing that Riot wants things to go smoothly this patch.
Instead of implementing larger systemic changes, this patch will focus mostly on champion balance. Expect some larger buffs to champions like Garen and Lee Sin, but nerfs to pro tier oppressive picks such as Varus and Neeko.
League of Legends Patch 26.5 Champion Buffs
In Patch 26.5, Riot states that they will be bringing several Quality of Life buffs to champions who are sitting underneath the stronger-tier picks.
Here’s a list of champions receiving buffs:
Garen
- Q movement speed duration increased (1–3.6 → 1.4–3.6)
- Increased AD ratio on E (40–52% total AD)
- Flat damage buffs and improved scalings on Garen’s Q and E should help him feel more consistent in longer trades
Lee Sin
- Increased base damage on both casts of Q (60–180 → 65–185).
- Lee Sin’s poke damage should help him feel more rewarding for poking around during early skirmishes.
Lillia
- Passive: Monster Heal ratios increased by AP
- Q: Damage ratios increased by AP
- Ultimate: Damage reduced by 15%, cooldown increased by 6 seconds
The scaling buffs on Lillia’s core abilities partially revert her previous nerfs. However, Riot felt her teamfight presence could be toned down.
Mel
- Q and Ultimate will scale better off base damage, while her minion damage modifier has been reduced.
Mel will have strongerscaling on all her core abilities. However, Riot wants to limit her ability to completely stagnate waves for teams.
Nocturne
- Passive cooldown reduced by 3 seconds
- Increased movement speed buff on Q (20–40%)
Buffing Nocturne’s core items encourages players to build towards his natural engage strengths.
Volibear
- Volibear’s Q will scale less with AD and more with AP
- Additional tweaks are being determined
Essentially, Riot will be adjusting Volibear so that his AD and AP builds are closer in strength.
League of Legends Patch 26.5 Champion Nerfs
In patch 26.5, Riot intends to reduce the power level of certain champions that thrive in coordinated environments.
Kha’Zix
- Q bonus AD ratio reduced
- Base movement speed reduced
Neeko
- W cooldown will now begin upon clone expiration.
Orianna
- Base cooldown on Q increased (7–3).
By increasing Orianna’s cooldown on Q in the early game, Riot hopes to weaken her laning phase.
Taliyah
- Base damage reduced per rock on Q
Azir
- Reduced base health growth.
Varus Nerfs and System Adjustments
Varus is getting several adjustments that will essentially nerf him back from previous buffs. His max damage on Q has been reduced, while W will now scale with bonus AD to encourage more varied build paths.
Other system buffs:
Hubris of the Demigod
- Total cost reduced (3000 → 2800)
- This buff should help Hubris feel more accessible.
Locket of the Iron Solari
- Shield scaling increased to better reward team fighting in mid-to-late game team fights.
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