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Riot Games shared the first changes coming to League of Legends Patch 26.18, offering players an early look at upcoming champion and item adjustments. While Worlds 2026 looms on the horizon, this patch will likely have a big impact on both the competitive meta and a number of bugs present in regular ranked games.
Changes include seven buffs, five nerfs, and one power neutral change to champions, as well as a buff to Guinsoo’s Rageblade. Exact numbers for these changes have not been shared, so we will have to wait until further patch notes drop to see the full extent of these tweaks.
Champion nerfs and buffs
Seraphine is getting nerfed, while Cassiopeia is getting a power neutral change aimed at weakening some of her early-game power and strengthening her scaling. Master Yi is also being buffed, likely in response to recent changes to Rageblade.
League of Legends Patch 26.18 Champion Buffs
These champions are being buffed in Patch 26.18:
- Aurelion Sol
- Ekko
- Kassadin
- Master Yi
- Renekton
- Viego
- Zaahen
Master Yi is being buffed due to changes to Guinsoo’s Rageblade. In Patch 26.14, Riot adjusted Rageblade’s Phantom Hit trigger from proc every six attacks to proc every seven attacks. Master Yi was among the champions that were said to be hit hardest by this change, so he’s getting some of his power back.
League of Legends Patch 26.18 Champion Nerfs
The following champions are being nerfed in Patch 26.18:
- Bard
- Nautilus
- Seraphine
- Syndra
- Zeri
Extra information was provided by Riot on Seraphine’s nerfs. Seraphine has consistently placed in the top three champions for regular player frustration according to Riot’s latest surveys, and she’s also been a strong pick combined with Ashe at the professional level.
Riot says they will continue making quality of life changes for Seraphine’s Support players, but are looking to make her less oppressive in her farming roles. No specific information on Seraphine’s nerfs have been revealed.
Cassiopeia is getting weaker early in the game, stronger late
Cassiopeia is seemingly not getting buffed or nerfed outright. Instead, Riot is changing some of her stats to diminish how much she can dominate her lane if she struggles to land Noxious Blast frequently. Some of Cassiopeia’s strength will be moved towards her scaling in the late game.
To compensate for the nerf to its Phantom Hit trigger, Guinsoo’s Rageblade is getting a buff. No details on what stat or ability will be changed have been revealed.
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