Riot Games has revealed the first preview for League of Legends Patch 26.23, bringing a massive round of champion buffs alongside several nerfs aimed at some of the game’s most frustrating picks.
The upcoming patch is the second-to-last update of 2026 and will focus on improving champions that have struggled in Solo Queue due to their historical strength in professional play. Meanwhile, Master Yi, Syndra, and LeBlanc are getting nerfed, along with the popular assassin item Voltaic Cyclosword.
According to Riot’s Lead Gameplay Designer Matt Leung-Harrison, also known as Riot Phroxzon, the update is designed to improve champion balance across different skill levels while giving weaker picks some much-needed attention.
In Brief:
- League of Legends Patch 26.23 will buff 11 champions, including Azir, Ezreal, Galio, K’Sante, Mel, and Vi.
- Master Yi, Syndra, and LeBlanc are receiving nerfs due to their strength and high frustration ratings among players.
- Voltaic Cyclosword is getting nerfed to improve item diversity among assassins.
- Patch 26.23 is scheduled to launch on November 18, 2026.
League of Legends Patch 26.23 Release Date
According to Riot Games’ official patch schedule, League of Legends Patch 26.23 is scheduled to release on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
This will be the second-to-last patch of the year, with Patch 26.24 scheduled for December 9.
The upcoming changes are currently in the preview stage, meaning Riot may adjust or remove certain buffs and nerfs before the update reaches live servers. League of Legends Support
All Champion Buffs in League of Legends Patch 26.23
Riot is planning to buff 11 champions in the upcoming patch, with several former professional-play staples receiving attention.
The complete list of champion buffs includes:
- Akshan
- Annie
- Azir
- Bard
- Ezreal
- Galio
- Gnar
- K’Sante
- Mel
- Vel’Koz
- Vi
Azir, Galio, K’Sante, and Ezreal are among the more notable champions receiving improvements.
According to Riot Phroxzon, these champions have historically performed well in professional matches but have struggled in regular Solo Queue environments.
Many of them rely heavily on team coordination, something that is much harder to achieve when playing with random teammates.
Riot believes these champions have become weak enough, even at higher Solo Queue ranks, to justify another round of buffs.
The exact ability adjustments and numerical changes have not yet been revealed.
Mel Is Getting Another Buff After Her Recent Rework
One of the more interesting additions to the buff list is Mel, who recently received a midscope update in Patch 26.22.
Riot previously adjusted her W ability, Rebuttal, to address some of the frustration surrounding her projectile reflection mechanics. Sportskeeda
According to Phroxzon, Mel has settled into a relatively stable position following those changes, with a considerably lower ban rate.
However, Riot wants to test whether her updated kit can remain less frustrating to play against when she is at a more appropriate power level.
As a result, the developers are planning additional buffs to bring her closer to the expected strength of a champion with her playstyle and mastery curve.
Riot has also observed that Mel currently performs somewhat better in the bot lane, similar to several other mages. The team will continue monitoring this trend as her balance changes progress.
All Champion Nerfs in League of Legends Patch 26.23
While several champions are getting stronger, Riot is also targeting three champions that have been causing frustration across different skill levels.
The champions receiving nerfs are:
- LeBlanc
- Master Yi
- Syndra
Master Yi, Syndra, and LeBlanc Nerfs Explained
Master Yi has consistently ranked highly in Riot’s player frustration surveys, particularly among regular players.
His ability to snowball games and eliminate opponents quickly has made him a frustrating champion to face, especially in lower and middle ranks.
Meanwhile, Syndra and LeBlanc have been causing similar problems in higher levels of play.
Syndra already received a nerf several patches ago, but Riot deliberately kept those changes relatively small to avoid weakening her too much.
However, the developers now believe she could use another reduction in power.
LeBlanc is also being targeted due to her strength and frustration ratings among high-ranked players.
The specific abilities and stats being adjusted have yet to be announced.
Voltaic Cyclosword Is Getting Nerfed in Patch 26.23
Voltaic Cyclosword is the only item currently listed for a nerf in Patch 26.23.
Riot believes the assassin item is performing slightly too well, especially after the previous nerfs to Bastionbreaker.
Phroxzon explained that Riot still wants assassins to have powerful first-item choices. However, Voltaic Cyclosword has become strong enough to overshadow some of its competitors.
The developers want to encourage more build diversity, potentially making items such as Umbral Glaive, Hubris, Profane Hydra, and Youmuu’s Ghostblade more appealing.
The exact nerf has not been revealed, but Riot’s goal is to reduce the item’s overall effectiveness without making it an unattractive purchase for assassins.
The full patch notes, including exact numerical adjustments, are expected closer to the November 18 release date.
