Riot Games has released a new Dev Update covering League of Legends gameplay balance, more ranked changes, and also more details on the upcoming First Stand event.

The main announcements cover the upcoming First Stand Tournament in Brazil and Shyvana’s rework, coming out on League in Patch 26.6. Riot also confirmed improvements to queue times, updates to the Ranked ladder, and continued support for ARAM Mayhem.

System changes released with Season 1 of 2026 appear to be having a clear impact. Riot reported that the average time to get into the game is down by around 30 percent, while lobby dodges have dropped from 19 percent to 4 percent. The team said it is satisfied with how the gameplay updates have landed so far, but it continues to monitor role balance, including ADC and top lane power levels.

Ranked & MMR Changes

Adjustments to MMR distribution have been implemented to address issues at both the bottom and top of the Ranked ladder, with the goal being to have rank placement more reflective of actual skill differences.

According to Riot, Iron is now intended to serve primarily as a starting point for new players rather than a long-term rank for veterans. Changes were aimed at moving more experienced players out of Iron and into Bronze. On the opposite end of the rank ladder, Riot found that the skill gap between Diamond IV and Diamond I was similar to the gap between Bronze IV and high Silver and as a result the high end of Diamond has been moved into Master.

The MMR range for Master has also been “widened,” increasing the LP requirement for apex tiers. Riot also added that it is exploring potential future changes to the ladder structure, including adding more divisions or tiers at both the highest and lowest ranks.

Shyvana rework arrives next patch

After years of waiting, Shyvana’s update will finally go live in the next patch. Riot said the team worked closely with Shyvana mains to preserve the aspects of her design and character that players loved, while improving areas that “felt outdated.”

The rework keeps her core identity as a scaling jungle champion built around her Dragon Form, but adds more impact and clarity to her abilities. Her ultimate, Dragon’s Descent, now fears enemies along her path, giving her stronger engage in teamfights. Several basic abilities gain stronger effects while transformed, including extra recasts on her Q and added sustain on her W. Her E also becomes more threatening in Dragon Form, passing through enemies and leaving a burning trail.

All of her skins will remain available after the update, and she will launch with a limited-time exclusive Leg Day Bundle. The rework aims to modernize the half-dragon champion while keeping her core identity intact.

ARAM Mayhem Extended After Strong Feedback

Following overwhelmingly positive player feedback, Riot confirmed that ARAM Mayhem will continue receiving new content and balance updates. The mode’s run has been extended with no end date currently planned.

The developer sees ARAM Mayhem as a strong addition to the rotating and casual experience, and future updates are expected to refine balance while keeping the mode fresh.

First Stand Tournament Heads to Brazil

The First Stand Tournament will take place from March 16 to 22 at the Riot Games Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. The event will be played on Patch 26.5 and serves as the first international competition of the 2026 season in League of Legends.

As of March 1, five of the six major regions have completed their finals and qualified their teams. The LCK will send both the Cup’s winners, Gen.G, and the second placed BNK FearX. The LEC is once again represented by G2 Esports, while the returning LCS will send LYON. Team Secret Whales secured the LCP spot, while LOUD secured CBLOL’s. 

The LPL is missing its representatives, with its Finals set to take place on March 7.

The event features two stages, Group Stage and Knockout Stage, with every match played as a best-of-five series. Group Stage matches run from March 16 to 20, followed by Knockouts on March 21 and the Finals on March 22. 

Riot also confirmed that First Stand’s Final day will include the Runeterra Fan Fest at the Visual Farm Gymnasium in São Paulo, offering on-site activities and a live viewing experience for attending fans. In addition, a portion of proceeds from the Warhound Senna skin and related bundles will be shared with LoL Esports teams. 

Fans can tune in on LoL Esport’s official Twitch and YouTube channels at 1pm GMT each day of competition. Viewers watching on LoLEsports.com with a logged-in Riot ID will be eligible for Drops during the event, including an exclusive Evelynn emote during the Finals.