League of Legends Patch 26.18 Brings Major Champion Meta
Riot Games has detailed the 26.18 update for League of Legends, targeting several popular champions with nerfs while buffing underperformers like Ekko and
Riot Games has officially previewed the League of Legends 26.18 update, a patch set to significantly alter the game's competitive meta. The changes target a roster of champions with a mix of buffs, nerfs, and adjustments alongside a single item tweak.
A core group of champions is receiving direct buffs to improve their viability. Ekko, Kassadin, Master Yi, Viego, and Za'hen are all slated for power increases. These range from stat growth improvements to enhanced ability ratios and reduced mana costs.
Champion Buffs Detailed
The buffs aim to sharpen these champions' tools. Ekko's Timewinder becomes more mana-efficient and scales better with ability power. Kassadin's Null Sphere and Riftwalk both gain AP ratio and base damage bumps. Master Yi gains more armor per level and a faster Highlander ultimate.
Viego's adjustments focus on his late-game sustain, adding a healing bonus based on his bonus health. Za'hen's changes simplify his Darkin Glaive ability, placing it on cooldown immediately during his resurrection and increasing its recast damage.
Nerfs Target Meta Staples
Conversely, several champions dominant in the current meta are being toned down. Bard, Nautilus, Seraphine, Syndra, and Zeri are all facing nerfs in patch 26.18.
These nerfs primarily target base stats and key ability numbers. Bard and Nautilus lose base armor and growth stats. Nautilus also sees the base damage on his Dredge Line hook reduced at higher ranks. Seraphine's Beat Drop cooldown is being standardized to a longer 11 seconds at all levels.
Syndra's mana restoration from her passive is reduced, and the cooldown on her Force of Will is increased. Zeri's Ultrashock Laser sees its total attack damage ratio cut, reducing its poke and critical strike damage from walls.
Cassiopeia Receives Adjustments
The patch includes a broader set of changes for Cassiopeia, classified as adjustments rather than straightforward buffs or nerfs. According to the preview, her passive movement speed bonus is being reduced. However, the ability power ratios on her Noxious Blast, Twin Fang, and Petrifying Gaze ultimate are all being increased, shifting her power more toward items.
The trade-off includes a higher mana cost on her Twin Fang and a reduction in the bonus damage it deals to poisoned targets. The goal appears to be a recalibration of her damage profile.
| Champion | Change Type | Key Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Ekko | Buff | Q mana cost reduced, AP ratio increased to 70% |
| Kassadin | Buff | Q AP ratio to 80%, R base damage increased |
| Master Yi | Buff | Armor growth increased, R move speed boosted |
| Viego | Buff | AD growth increased, passive healing added |
| Za'hen | Buff | Q2 base damage increased, recast logic changed |
| Bard | Nerf | Base armor and armor growth reduced |
| Nautilus | Nerf | Base AD reduced, Q base damage lowered at high ranks |
| Seraphine | Nerf | E cooldown set to a flat 11 seconds |
| Syndra | Nerf | Passive mana restore reduced, W cooldown increased |
| Zeri | Nerf | W total AD ratio reduced from 120% to 100% |
| Cassiopeia | Adjustment | Multiple AP ratios increased, passive move speed reduced |
System Change and Release Schedule
Only one item is mentioned for changes in the 26.18 preview. Guinsoo's Rageblade will have the duration of its Seething Strike stacks extended from three to four seconds, a minor buff for its users.
The League of Legends 26.18 update is scheduled to go live on September 10, 2026. The rollout will be staggered by region, beginning at 3 pm Central Time for North America. Other major regions, including EU West, EU Northeast, and Korea, will receive the patch in the early hours of September 11 based on their local times.
