League of Legends Patch 26.21 preview reveals champion balance changes

Riot Games has revealed the preview for League of Legends Patch 26.21, which aims to stabilize the ranked environment for end-of-season climbs following the Worlds 2026 tournament. The update focuses on adjusting champions that were previously suppressed by professional play balancing to allow more breathing room in solo queue.

Key champion buffs include Azir, Orianna, Ryze, Darius, Miss Fortune, Nunu & Willump, Sion, Taliyah, Vel'Koz, Xin Zhao, and Zyra. Conversely, several high-performing picks are facing nerfs, specifically Lee Sin, Qiyana, Nidalee, Rammus, and jungle-focused champions. Other nerfs target Caitlyn, Jinx, Tristana, Viktor, Wukong, Yasuo, and Yone.

Systemic changes include a buff to Dawncore and nerfs to Bastion Breaker, Gluttonous Greaves, and ranged users of Hubris. Quality of life adjustments are also planned for Taric and Twisted Fate, with specific updates to how their abilities interact with untargetable units.