Cassiopeia Adjusted in LoL Patch 26.18
League of Legends Patch 26.18, releasing September 10, 2026, buffs Ekko, Kassadin, Master Yi, Viego, and Zaahen while nerfing Zeri, Bard, Nautilus
Cassiopeia is adjusted in League of Legends Patch 26.18, which arrives on September 10, 2026, bringing targeted champion balance changes. According to Dot Esports, the update buffs Ekko, Kassadin, Master Yi, Viego, and Zaahen while nerfing Zeri, Bard, Nautilus, Seraphine, and Syndra. The patch includes a significant change for Cassiopeia that shifts power between her abilities without altering the overall AP ratio. The Rageblade item also gets a minor system buff with its Seething Strike stacks lasting longer.
The patch is scheduled for a Thursday release, with rollout times varying by region. Players in North America can expect it around 3 pm CT, while those in EU West should see it at 5 am GMT.
Champion Buffs
Five champions are set to become stronger in the upcoming patch. Ekko's mid lane waveclear and scaling are improved. Kassadin gains more early harm on his ultimate and better AP scaling. Master Yi becomes more durable and gains extra movement speed during his ultimate. Viego's bruiser builds receive specific support through bonus health scaling on his passive heal. Zaahen gets a harm increase on his second Q cast and his Q is now placed on cooldown immediately upon entering Resurrection for more consistency.
The specific buffs are detailed below.
| Champion | Ability | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Ekko | Q - Timewinder | Mana cost reduced from 50-90 to 40-80; Return harm AP ratio increased from 60% to 70% |
| Kassadin | Q - Null Sphere | AP ratio increased from 70% to 80% |
| Kassadin | R - Riftwalk | Base harm increased from 70/90/110 to 80/95/110 |
| Master Yi | Base Stats | Armor growth increased from 4.5 to 5 per level |
| Master Yi | R - Highlander | Movement speed increased from 35-55% to 40-60% |
| Viego | Passive - Sovereign's Domination | New: Healing gains 2% scaling per 500 bonus health |
| Viego | Base Stats | AD growth increased from 3.5 to 4 |
| Zaahen | Q - The Darkin Glaive | Q2 harm increased from 25/50/75/100/125 to 30/60/90/120/150; Q is now placed on cooldown immediately upon entering Resurrection |
Champion Nerfs
Several champions are being toned down. Zeri loses some of her total AD scaling on her W ability. Bard and Nautilus have their base durability and harm reduced, respectively. Seraphine's E cooldown is increased, a change Dot Esports notes is aimed at her harm-focused roles. Syndra's passive provides less mana and her W cooldown is longer.
| Champion | Ability | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Bard | Base Stats | Armor reduced from 34 + 5 per level to 32 + 4.7 per level |
| Nautilus | Base Stats | AD reduced from 61 + 3.3 per level to 58 + 3.3 per level |
| Nautilus | Q - Dredge Line | Harm reduced from 85-265 (+90% AP) to 85-245 (+90% AP) |
| Seraphine | E - Beat Drop | Cooldown increased from 11-9 seconds to a flat 11 seconds |
| Syndra | Passive - Splinters of Wrath | Mana increased from 20-255 to 20-199 |
| Syndra | W - Force of Will | Cooldown increased from 12-8 seconds to 13-9 seconds |
| Zeri | W - Ultrashock Laser | Harm reduced from 30-190 (+120% total AD) to 30-190 (+100% total AD); Wall harm reduced from 45-285 (+180% total AD) to 45-285 (+150% total AD) |
Cassiopeia Adjustment
Cassiopeia is the patch's sole champion adjustment. Riot Games is shifting power from base harm into AP scaling, aiming to reduce her pro play dominance while helping average players. Her passive movement speed is being reduced. Power is being redistributed across her Q, E, and R abilities, with a focus on increasing AP ratios while lowering some base harms.
Her E, Twin Fang, sees its mana cost increased and its harm ratios reshuffled. The base AP ratio rises from 10% to 20%, while the enhanced AP ratio drops from 55% to 45%. The total 65% AP ratio remains unchanged. Her Q and ultimate abilities also trade base harm for higher AP scaling.
System and Cosmetics
The only system change is a buff to the Rageblade item. Its Seething Strike stacks will now last for four seconds, up from three, giving users more time to maintain their attack speed bonus.
Separately, the patch will introduce Caps' Hall of Legends skins alongside an exclusive event celebrating the Western player.
