League of Legends Lead Gameplay Designer Matt “Riot Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison posted a preview of the LoL patch 26.15 notes on X today.
This is a smaller balance update focused on refining the post-MSI meta rather than shaking it up entirely.
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Riot Games is targeting a handful of standout systems and champions, making Bastionbreaker more accessible, toning down overperforming staples like Jack of All Trades, and opening the door for greater jungle diversity beyond fighter picks.
LoL patch 26.15 notes
Champion buffs
| LOL PATCH 26.15 CHAMPION BUFFS |
| Alistar |
| Kai’Sa |
| Maokai |
| Volibear |
| Zac |
Alistar
Alistar has been falling behind other melee supports in recent patches.
Riot Phroxzon noted that their broader efforts to improve melee supports relative to ranged supports have largely achieved their goal, but Alistar has yet to benefit enough from those changes and remains one of the weaker options in the role.
Champion nerfs
| LOL PATCH 26.15 CHAMPION NERFS |
| Locke |
| Mordekaiser |
| Naafiri |
| Riven |
| Sylus |
Locke
Despite several rounds of adjustments, Riot believes Locke is still slightly overtuned. The champion has settled into a healthier spot at both the highest and lowest skill levels, but continues to perform especially well in the Emerald-to-Diamond range, where players are skilled enough to capitalize on his strengths without consistently being punished for mistakes.
Locke naturally falls off if he fails to snowball. At higher ranks, experienced players can make the most of his early advantages but are also more likely to be punished for misplays.
At lower ranks, his demanding mechanics often lead to execution mistakes that cause him to lose momentum more quickly.
Overall, however, Riot said it is pleased with how Locke’s launch has landed, with the upcoming nerfs intended as a final round of tuning rather than a major overhaul.
System buffs
| LOL PATCH 26.15 SYSTEM BUFFS |
| Bastionbreaker |
System nerfs
| LOL PATCH 26.15 SYSTEM NERFS |
| Jack of All Trades |
| Sundered Sky |
Bastionbreaker, Jack of All Trades, and Sundered Sky
Several system-level adjustments are present in Patch 26.13, starting with Bastionbreaker. The item has remained a niche choice largely due to its high cost, so Riot is lowering the barrier to make it a more accessible situational pickup.
The patch also includes a delayed nerf to the Jack of All Trades rune, which has been overperforming, particularly on champions that can stack strong defensive stats without sacrificing offensive power.
Meanwhile, Sundered Sky is receiving a nerf after establishing itself as one of the most influential fighter items at the highest levels of play.
With the international tournament window over, Riot believes it’s the right time to revisit the fighter item ecosystem, noting that Sundered Sky has limited overall meta diversity, especially by pushing out alternatives such as AP and tank junglers more than intended.
