Patch 26.6 for League of Legends releases next week, and Riot Games has given a full preview of what gameplay updates fans can expect.
Riot claims that the game is currently in a healthy state in terms of balance and player satisfaction, though things will likely shift with the upcoming release of the Shyvana rework. Cassiopeia, Karthus, and Xerath had been set for changes this patch, but have now been removed in the latest preview.
Here are all the upcoming champion buffs and nerfs coming in the next LoL patch, which releases on March 18, as well as explanations from lead gameplay designer Matt ‘Phroxzon’ Leung-Harrison.
Upcoming LoL Patch 26.6 Champion Buffs
Azir
Phroxon said: “We’re buffing Azir to distribute some of his power back into regular play capabilities through scaling power that Azir players hopefully will appreciate.”
- [Q] Conquering Sands AP ratio increased 35% -> 55%
- [W] Arise! damage increased 0-55 (based on levels 9-20, linear) (+50/65/80/95/110) (+32.5/40/47.5/55/62.5% AP) -> 0-72 (based on levels 9-20, linear) (+50/65/80/95/110) (+35/42.5/50/57.5/65% AP)
Lissandra
Phroxon revealed that Riot are reverting the nerfs to Lissandra’s Q that were made back in Season 19.
- Armor per level reduced 4.9 -> 4.2
- [Q] Ice Shard cooldown reduced 8/7/6/5/4 -> 7/6/5/4/3 seconds
Olaf
These changes are primarily aimed at boosting Olaf in the jungle but he should benefit in the top lane too.
- Base Attack Speed increased 0.694 -> 0.72
- [Q] Undertow slow adjusted 25/30/35/40/45% for 1.5-2.5 seconds -> 30/35/40/45/50% for 1-3 seconds (based on distance axe travelled 400-1000)
- [E] Reckless Swing HP cost increased 21/34.5/48/61.5/75 (+15% AD) -> 28/46/64/82/100 (+20% AD)
Skarner
Phroxon claims Skarner hasn’t been in the spotlight for a while and after nerfs stopped him from dominating top, Riot believes there is now room for buffs.
- [Q1/Q2] Shattered Earth/Upheaval buffs:
- Target’s HP damage on third hit/on-recast increased 9% -> 11%
- Mana cost reduced 45 -> 30
Tryndamere
This is a rather small buff that Phroxon didn’t offer any additional context for.
- Attack Speed ratio increased 0.694 -> 0.725
Upcoming LoL Patch 26.6 Champion Nerfs
Ahri
- Q] Orb of Deception base damage per hit reduced 40/65/90/115/140 -> 35/60/85/110/135
Pyke
- Base Armor reduced 43-> 37
Shen
Shen became surprisingly strong in the jungle following a new build popularised by streamer xPetu. Phroxon thanked the content creator for improving Shen’s popularity, but claims the champion has become too strong, especially at lower ranks.
- [Q] Twilight Assault maximum monster damage reduced 120/140/160/180/200 -> 100/125/150/175/200
Zaahen
Phroxon says he’s happy to see that Zaahen has picked up a strong audience but concedes the champion is too strong, especially now that regular players are beginning to master him.
Riot believes that Zaahen is more of an issue in the jungle than top, so these nerfs are focused there.
- [W] Dreaded Return second hit damage reduced 40/60/80/100/120 (+50% bAD) -> 30/50/70/90/110 (+30% bAD) (total damage reduced 80/120/160/200/240 (+100% bAD) -> 70/110/150/190/230 (+80% bAD))
- [E] Aureate Rush bonus monster damage reduced 75 -> 50
Upcoming LoL Patch 26.6 Item changes
Chempunk Chainsword
- Cost reduced 3100 -> 3000 gold
Sunfire Aegis
- Build path changed Bami’s Cinder + Chain Vest + 1000 gold -> Bami’s Cinder + Chain Vest + Ruby Crystal + 600 gold
Support Item Penalty
- Maximum minion kills before 5 minutes increased 7 -> 24
- Maximum minion kills per minute after 5 minutes increased 4 -> 6
Are you happy with the current meta in League of Legends? Share your thoughts with us in the Insider Gaming Discord.
And get ready for even bigger changes to the MOBA, as League of Legends is getting voice chat.
