LoL Patch 26.03 Preview (2026): Mel Rework, Ryze Nerfs & Item Updates
Riot has revealed the first details for the upcoming League of Legends Patch 26.03. After a few striking changes to the top-performing champions in the previous update, a similarly targeted round of adjustments appears to be on the way.
In this guide, we’ll take you through all the upcoming LoL Patch 26.03 changes and how they could affect the current meta. Alongside champion tuning, the preview also touches on early vision and gank windows, unusual ranked LP behavior, and item shifts.
League of Legends Patch 26.03 (Preview)
Approximately a week before a new patch arrives, League of Legends developers release a preview showing which champions, items, maps, and systems will be targeted in the upcoming update.
Here is an overview of the champions, items, and systems that will be affected in LoL Patch 26.03:
| Category | Changes |
|---|---|
| Champion Buffs | Ahri, Bel’Veth, Briar, Draven, Ezreal, Hecarim, Heimerdinger, Kayn (Blue), Maokai, Naafiri, Nunu, Skarner, Trundle, Tryndamere, Vi, Xin Zhao, Yone, Zaahen |
| Champion Nerfs | Braum, Diana, Ekko, Nilah, Riven, Ryze, Varus (Top & Bot), Volibear, Zed |
| Champion Adjustments | Jayce, Mel |
| System Buffs | Actualizer |
| System Nerfs | Cash Back, Phase Rush, Tier 3 Defensive Boots, Triple Tonic |
| System Adjustments | Turret Plates, Axiom Arc, Champion Bounties, Dusk and Dawn, Endless Hunger, Protoplasm Harness |
Season 26 Game Metrics
According to Riot Phroxzon, snowballing has stabilized below Season 15 levels, while average game times are trending back toward Season 15 norms. Although your game may still seem faster because of reduced downtime and increased action, Riot intends to stay on this course for the time being.
Towers & Objectives
Even though the first Baron and overall objectives have been a hot topic since LoL Season 26 arrived, it seems Riot isn’t planning any major changes for now—at least not in the upcoming LoL Patch 26.03.
Item Buffs
Riot Phroxzon revealed that Actualizer is being buffed to work on more champions besides Ryze, while the Rune Mage is being nerfed at the same time to maintain balance. The overall changes will likely be a net negative for the popular mage.
Dusk & Dawn
Riot doesn’t think Dusk & Dawn is broadly overpowered, but some champions synergize so well with this item that they’re effectively “bound” to it. Instead of gutting the item, Riot is targeting nerfs at the main users, while keeping it viable for other champions.
Vision Changes
Early ganks have been harder to find because of early-game Faelights and slower first clears, so Riot is making early warding less rewarding. The key change is reverting early Yellow Trinket cooldowns toward Season 15 levels, which should open more punish windows.
Ranked
Riot is investigating reports of negative LP swings in the highest tiers across a few regions (e.g., +17 for a win and -23 for a loss). They’re also evaluating duo-queue tuning for the very top end. These changes likely won’t affect most Ranked players.
ARAM: Mayhem Update
Riot already stated that ARAM: Mayhem is getting a large update in LoL 26.03 with a couple of notable changes:
- 40+ new Augments
- Augment Sets
- Season of Mayhem Progression Track
- Bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements
Mel’s Patch 26.03 Changes
Riot’s goal with Mel’s mini-rework is straightforward: make Mel less “must-ban” by adding clearer counterplay, and reduce frustrating moments—especially around her defensive windows and long-range playstyle.
Here’s an overview of what’s changing:
| Mel Ability | What’s changing | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Passive (Overwhelm) | Damage reliability reduced | Clearer reading in fights and lanes |
| Q – Radiant Volley | Slower + clearer at long range: cast time and project speed adjusted | More dodge windows, less pressure |
| W – Rebuttal | No longer grants damage immunity, becomes a shield instead | Removes Mel’s enormous safety net and the ability to occasionally play frontline |
| E – Solar Snare | Range and hitbox toned down, clarity improved | Fewer “cheap” catches, more focus on setup and timing |
| R – Golden Eclipse | Mel’s R will remain functionally unchanged following the rework. | – |
What Is The League of Legends Patch 26.03 Release Date?
According to Riot’s official patch schedule, League of Legends v26.03 is expected to arrive on February 4, 2026.
While patch release dates can still shift for various reasons, Riot typically communicates any changes if an update deviates from the official timeline.
FAQs
What’s the biggest confirmed gameplay change for 26.03?
The biggest change for LoL 26.03 will be Mel’s mini-rework, which could heavily impact her place in the current meta.
What’s the difference between patch preview and patch notes in LoL?
A LoL patch preview is an early look at planned changes. Patch notes are the official, final list that goes live.
When do official LoL patch notes come out?
Riot’s official patch notes usually arrive a day or a couple of hours before the update goes live.
When does LoL Patch 26.03 release?
Riot’s official schedule currently lists February 4, 2026, as the release date for Patch 26.03.
