Riot Games reveals League of Legends Patch 26.17 balance changes

Riot Games has released a preview for League of Legends Patch 26.17, which is intended as a stabilization update following the adjustments made in Patch 26.16. The patch focuses on champion and item balance to refine the current meta.

A major highlight of the update is a significant series of nerfs to Vayne, specifically targeting her performance in the top lane. Lead gameplay designer Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison stated the goal is to allow lane opponents more health to better contest trades or survive ganks. The Vayne adjustments include reductions to her base health, attack speed growth, and Silver Bolts true damage, alongside an increase to her Q mana cost.

Other notable changes include buffs for nine champions—Cho’Gath, Irelia, Hecarim, LeBlanc, Qiyana, Yasuo, Yone, Trundle, and Aurelion Sol—and nerfs for six champions: Nasus, Thresh, Xerath, Graves, Nocturne, and Vayne. Regarding items, Stormrazor will receive a buff to increase its appeal outside of specific builds, while Sundered Sky will be nerfed to reduce its dominance in high-level play.