Patch 26.3 is the first major balance update of Season 2026. It focuses on fixing early-season problems, improving game flow, and rebalancing champions, items, runes, and systems that were either too weak or too strong. If you play ranked, ARAM, or regular Summoner’s Rift, this patch affects you directly.
League of Legends Patch 26.3 Notes
The 2026 season started major system changes, yet initial problems emerged shortly after. The development team created Patch 26.3 to directly resolve these specific issues.
Restore AD junglers to their appropriate power level. Decrease the amount of vision control that players experience during the initial stages of the game. The patch will improve the balance of the item and rune system through its modifications.
The patch will enhance the ARAM Mayhem experience through its fun and rewarding elements. The patch will create a better experience for players who want to advance through ranked matches.
The ARAM Mayhem mode receives its most extensive update, introducing new augments, themed sets, and a progression system. The ARAM Mayhem update introduces 45 new augments that players can use.
The new system allows players to earn rewards through their gameplay while unlocking cosmetic items. The system now provides improved assistance to players who select less popular character classes.
Mayhem Progression Track Highlights
| Level | Reward |
| 4 | +300 starting gold |
| 7 | Donation Augment |
| 12 | Shrink Engine Augment |
| 18 | Anvil Voucher |
| 24 | Dropkick Augment |
| 32 | Mystery ping effect |
You unlock these simply by playing Mayhem matches.
Augment Sets Explained
The Augment Sets system provides users with rewards when they merge augments that share common themes.
Examples:
- Deathknell: Shorter death timers
- Firecracker: Bouncing missile damage
- Make It Rain: Massive gold boosts
- Stackasaurus Rex: Stronger stacking effects
- Snowday: Faster and deadlier snowballs
- Collecting 2–4 augments from the same set activates bonus effects automatically.
Vision and Map Changes
The early-game vision system provided excessive visibility which created unexpected difficulties for junglers. Patch 26.3 pulls this back.
Main changes:
- Faelight vision near river pixel brush is reduced
- Stealth Ward cooldown is longer at early levels
- Some Scryer’s Blooms near bases are removed
- Support players now start with Control Wards in their quest slot
The changes seek to bring back the original excitement and dangers of early gameplay.
Champion Balance Overview
Patch 26.3 includes many champion changes, especially for junglers.
Champions Buffed
- Bel’Veth
- Briar
- Hecarim
- Xin Zhao
- Vi
- Yone
- Tryndamere
- Trundle
- Ezreal
Champions Nerfed
- Diana
- Nilah
- Riven
- Ryze
- Varus
- Volibear
- Zed (jungle damage heavily reduced)
Champion Adjustments
- Ahri
- Braum
- Ekko
- Jayce
- Heimerdinger
- Mel
- Naafiri
- Nunu & Willump
- Maokai
Most changes focus on damage tuning, scaling fixes, and role balance.
Item Changes You Should Know
Several items were adjusted to fix cost issues or power spikes.
| Item | Change |
| Actualizer | Cheaper and easier to build |
| Dusk and Dawn | Less burst, more durability |
| Endless Hunger | More AD, smoother build |
| Protoplasm Harness | More consistent Lifeline value |
| Armored Advance | Weaker early anti-burst shields |
| Chainlaced Crushers | Same shield changes as Armored Advance |
Rune Balance Updates
Some runes were outperforming others and are now toned down.
Key changes:
- Cash Back gives slightly less gold
- Phase Rush is weaker for ranged champions only
- Triple Tonic provides less burst at level 6
Melee champions are mostly unaffected by these nerfs.
Ranked System Updates
Ranked play receives enhancements that improve player experience. The Climb Indicator now displays MMR and rank differences which it previously did not show. The Aegis of Valor now needs a B rating to access it instead of a C rating. The top-ranked duos need to adhere to more severe matchmaking requirements.
The system is currently reducing negative LP problems which occur during Apex tier matches. Firecracker skins will become available to players on February 4 2026.
Your Shop operates between February 10 and March 10. Demacia Rising introduces new chapters and champions to the game. The Clash makeup tournament will take place on February 7.
Patch 26.3 functions as a comprehensive cleaning patch that corrects early-season errors while improving underpowered roles and decreasing overpowering systems and expanding ARAM Mayhem experience.
The patch aims to stabilize the game after players experienced rough gameplay during Season 2026.
The changes will make an instant impact on your gameplay if you play jungle or ARAM or ranked matches.
