League of Legends Patch 26.03 marks the first major follow-up update of the 2026 season, and it’s a big one. After watching players dive into the new systems and gathering early feedback, Riot is stepping in to fine-tune what worked, rein in what didn’t, and smooth out some frustrating experiences. 

For Summoner’s Rift, Patch 26.03 is all about post-launch adjustments. Riot is shipping a large wave of buffs and nerfs aimed at rebalancing champions affected by the new season, particularly AD junglers who fell behind due to “systemic changes,” according to devs.

New items are also getting attention alongside follow-ups to recent rune updates that had shifted early and mid-game power. Rather than undoing the new systems, Riot is clearly committed to refining them by buffing and nerfing where needed.

ARAM Mayhem, which proved extremely popular during the winter break, is also receiving a major update. The game mode’s success convinced Riot not only to extend its availability in the client, but also to seemingly invest in it long-term. Starting Patch 26.03, players can now enjoy a full progression track, over 40 new augments, and even earn free cosmetics such as emotes, icons, and a Poro King banner.

Vision and Faelights Changes

One of the most impactful changes in Patch 26.03 targets early-game vision on Summoner’s Rift. According to Riot, Faelights placed near river pixel brushes were providing overly large and reliable vision zones, which “heavily disrupted” jungler pathing and early gank opportunities. These Faelight areas have now been reduced, no longer extending into scuttle pads or epic monster entrances.

In addition, early yellow trinket cooldowns have been increased to reduce vision during the laning phase, while keeping later cooldowns intact. Combined with the removal of certain Scryer’s Blooms near base gates, these changes seem to make early vision more intentional and less systemic, thus hopefully increasing tension and decision-making in the early game without gutting vision play entirely.

Changes to Mel’s kit

Almost one year after her release, Mel receives a wide set of changes aimed at lowering player frustration and increasing “counterplay.” The most important update Patch 26.03 brings affects her W ability, which no longer grants damage immunity, but now provides a shield instead. This change means that well-timed burst abilities, like Jinx’s ultimate, can no longer be fully negated by a late reaction.

In addition, Mel’s Q and E abilities have been adjusted to improve “visual clarity” and “readability,” according to Riot. Their hitboxes are slightly smaller and their visuals more noticeable, giving players clearer opportunities to react and dodge them—especially at longer ranges. While it might seem like Mel received some nerfs, in fact, her power has just been redistributed to better reward accurate spell usage. According to Riot, Mel’s update aims to keep The Soul’s Reflection “skill-expressive” and viable while moving her out of “must-ban” territory.

Ranked System Updates

Patch 26.03 also addresses ranked integrity, particularly at the top of the ladder, resolving issues that caused excessive negative LP gains in high ranks. While some negative LP is still expected at the highest levels, it should now be far less widespread and less punishing overall.

The Aegis of Valor system has also been tightened. The mastery rating required to unlock it has been raised from C to B, as Riot found the previous threshold “too easy” to achieve. This change makes the Aegis a more meaningful indicator of solid performance, even while accounting for players learning new roles.

Patch 26.03 is one of the largest and most impactful updates to League of Legends in recent seasons. With sweeping balance changes, system refinements, and meaningful content additions, it’s worth taking the time to read through the full notes—your favorite champion, like Heimerdinger, or other League feature may have changed more than you expect.