LoL Patch 26.5 Preview Signals Major Champion Shake-Up

League of Legends fans are preparing to watch the LoL Patch 26.5 preview, which will bring champion changes, item updates and system adjustments. Riot Games uses Mel's buffs, Azir's nerfs, and the enhanced items Hubris and Locket to encourage players to use varied strategies. We will also talk about the LoL Patch 26.5 new skins that are on the horizon.

Champion Adjustments in LoL Patch 26.5 Preview

The patch invites the LoL First Stand 2026, which will begin on March 16.

Champion Buffs

• Garen
• Lee Sin
• Lillia
• Mel
• Nocturne
• Volibear

Mel, who has difficulty maintaining consistency, will receive improvements to her fundamental skills and character attributes. It will help her become a dependable choice for players of all skill levels.

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Champion Nerfs

• Kha’Zix
• Neeko
• Varus
• Orianna
• Azir

Riot Games is reducing Azir's abilities because he performs exceptionally well in high-level matches. The developers reduced the abilities of Orianna, Neeko and Varus to decrease their effectiveness in professional games. The changes from Riot Games in LoL Patch 26.5 preview aim to create diverse gameplay options, maintaining champion strength at their current level.

System & Item Adjustments in the LoL Patch 26.5 Preview

These are all the system and item adjustments made in the LoL 26.5 patch preview.

System Buffs

• Hubris - Received buffs increased its effectiveness compared to other snowballing items that include Mejai's.
• Locket - Received improvements enabled it to match the strength of current top-tier items, including Bandlepipes.

The changes were made to create an equal distribution of strategic choices between solo queue matches and professional matches, which results in a more flexible and dynamic gameplay system.

What to Expect from Patch 26.5

League of Legends Patch 26.5 will launch on March 4th, 2026, functioning as the official competitive patch for League of Legends First Stand 2026. Compared with Patch 26.4, power favors consistent, team-fight champions. Mel rises as a flexible mid-laner, Azir loses control, and support-heavy plays get stronger; this League of Legends Patch 26.5 preview reshapes the meta.

For the LoL Patch 26.5 new skins, visit our official website.