League of Legends Patch 26.2 Arrives With Balance Adjustments, Skins, and Mode Updates

On Thursday, January 22, 2026 Riot Games rolls out Patch 26.2, a follow-up update designed to stabilize the game after the sweeping systemic changes introduced in Patch 26.1. This patch focuses on bringing down early-season overperformers, supporting champions that struggled to adapt, and continuing Riot’s ongoing tuning of the new season’s mechanics. Alongside balance changes, players can expect new skins, returning game modes, and the first Clash of the year.

“Pilot Lux! Aegis Frame Galio! Here we go!” As Riot puts it, this is the first real checkpoint after 26.1 landed on the Rift. Based on player feedback and live data, the biggest winners are being nudged down, while underperforming picks receive targeted help. Riot has also confirmed it is closely monitoring how players continue to adapt to the new systems and encourages those interested to read the dedicated “Thoughts on How 26.1 Landed” section in the full patch notes.

New Skins and Featured Content ✨

Patch 26.2 isn’t just about balance — it also brings major cosmetic additions:

Revenant Reign Viego takes center stage Seven blades. One king. No mercy.

Once betrayed by his most trusted knights, Viego returns from the Land of Death, wielding the seven traitorous swords of those who turned against him. Revenant Reign Viego will be available in the Sanctum starting this patch and will remain until Patch 26.5. An animated “Crowned as King” emote will also be available in the Mythic Shop for the same duration.

In addition, Riot launches the Aegis Frame skin line this patch, expanding the futuristic aesthetic across multiple champions.

Modes, Events, and Competitive Play 🔥

There’s plenty happening beyond Summoner’s Rift balance:

• ARAM updates, plus tweaks to ARAM: Mayhem
• Arena mode adjustments
• The return of ARURF, bringing back fast-paced chaos
• The first Clash of 2026, kicking off with the Demacia Cup this weekend 🏆

Champion Balance Changes ⚔️

Patch 26.2 introduces a wide mix of buffs, nerfs, and jungle adjustments. Below is a clear breakdown by champion.

Aatrox

• Passive – Deathbringer StanceBonus magic damage (target max HP): 4–8% ⇒ 4–10% (by level)
• Q – The Darkin BladeBonus damage to monsters: 15 ⇒ 25

Ashe

• Attack Damage Growth: 3 ⇒ 3.5

Gwen

• Passive – A Thousand CutsMonster damage cap: 5 (+10% AP) ⇒ 3 (+5% AP)

Jayce

• Q – To the Skies/ Shock BlastBonus damage to monsters: 50 ⇒ 25

Lillia

• Passive – Dream-Laden BoughHeal vs large monsters: 39 (+15% AP) ⇒ 39 (+9% AP)
• Q – Blooming BlowsAP ratio: 35% ⇒ 30%

Malphite

• W – ThunderclapMonster damage: 2x ⇒ 1.8x
• E – Ground SlamDamage reduced across all ranksMana cost now scales: 50 ⇒ 50/ 55/ 60/ 65/ 70
• R – Unstoppable ForceCooldown: 130/ 105/ 80 ⇒ 130/ 115/ 100

Master Yi

• Armor Growth: 4.2 ⇒ 4.5
• Q – Alpha StrikeOn-hit damage modifier: 65% ⇒ 75%

Nunu & Willump

• Q – ConsumeCooldown increased by 1 second at all ranks
• W – Biggest Snowball Ever!Max damage reduced
• E – Snowball BarrageDamage per hit reduced

Sivir

• Attack Speed Growth: 2% ⇒ 1.6%
• Armor Growth: 4.45 ⇒ 4.0

Smolder

• Armor Growth: 4.7 ⇒ 4.0

Taliyah

• Q – Threaded VolleyBonus monster damage now scales by rank
• E – Unraveled EarthMonster damage modifier: 190% ⇒ 225%

Varus

• Q – Piercing ArrowMax charge base damage increased at higher ranks
• W – Blighted QuiverOn-hit base damage increased

Viego

• Attack Speed Growth: 2.25% ⇒ 2.75%
• Q – Blade of the Ruined KingCrit damage modifiers increased for both passive and active

Zed

• Passive – Contempt for the WeakMonster damage: 1.8x ⇒ 1.2x

Item Changes 🛠️

Several items receive cost and stat adjustments:

• BandlepipesPrice: 2000 ⇒ 2300 goldCombine cost: 500 ⇒ 800 gold
• Fiendhunter BoltsAttack speed: 40% ⇒ 45%Guaranteed crit multiplier: 75% ⇒ 80%Bonus true damage on crits: 10% ⇒ 15%
• Hexoptics C44Attack damage: 50 ⇒ 55Distance Required for Max Damage Amp: 700 ⇒ 600

Looking Ahead 🔍

Patch 26.1 marked the official start of the 2026 season, introducing major changes to game pace, vision control, and role dynamics. With Patch 26.2, Riot continues its methodical fine-tuning process, using both live data and community feedback to stabilize the meta.

This update reinforces Riot’s approach for 2026: measured balance passes, consistent content updates, and close communication with players — all aimed at shaping a healthier competitive environment as the season unfolds.