LoL Patch 26.13 Preview: All Changes, Buffs, Nerfs, and More

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League of Legends Patch 26.13 is shaping up to be a pretty important update, especially because Riot is treating it as the final MSI patch. According to Riot’s Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison, this preview is mostly focused on champion changes, with more detailed numbers expected later.

The patch is currently scheduled to go live on June 24, 2026, based on Riot’s official patch schedule.

LoL Patch 26.13 Focuses Heavily on Champion Changes

Category	Changes
Champion Buffs	Aphelios
Champion Buffs	Draven
Champion Buffs	Kai’Sa
Champion Buffs	Kindred
Champion Buffs	LeBlanc
Champion Buffs	Olaf
Champion Buffs	Poppy
Champion Buffs	Qiyana
Champion Buffs	Vex
Champion Buffs	Zaahen
Champion Nerfs	Bard
Champion Nerfs	Brand
Champion Nerfs	Cassiopeia
Champion Nerfs	K’Sante
Champion Nerfs	Rek’Sai
Champion Nerfs	Rumble
Champion Nerfs	Senna
Champion Nerfs	Sion
System Buffs	Imperial Mandate
System Nerfs	Doran’s Helm

Patch 26.13 is not looking like a massive systems overhaul. Instead, Riot is using this update to open up more champion options, especially for high-level play and the later stages of MSI. The goal seems pretty clear: bring some fringe picks closer to viability without completely flipping the meta overnight.

All Champion Buffs in LoL Patch 26.13

The champion buff list for Patch 26.13 includes Aphelios, Draven, Kai’Sa, Kindred, LeBlanc, Olaf, Poppy, Qiyana, Vex, and Zaahen.

Riot is not just buffing one role here, as the list includes marksmen, junglers, mid laners, top lane options, and flexible picks. Aphelios, Draven, and Kai’Sa getting attention could be especially important for pro play, where bot lane priority can completely change draft value.

LeBlanc, Qiyana, and Vex buffs also suggest Riot may want more aggressive or matchup-specific mid lane picks to show up. Meanwhile, Kindred, Olaf, and Poppy could bring more variety to jungle and top lane drafts if the numbers are strong enough.

All Champion Nerfs in LoL Patch 26.13

The nerf list includes Bard, Brand, Cassiopeia, K’Sante, Rek’Sai, Rumble, Senna, and Sion.

These changes look aimed at trimming down some of the stronger or more frustrating picks before MSI fully settles. K’Sante, Rumble, and Sion have all been important pro-facing champions in different metas, while Senna’s presence is also tied to some of the item changes coming in this patch.

Brand and Cassiopeia being hit may also point toward Riot adjusting champions that have been too effective in specific lanes or teamfight setups. Until the full numbers arrive, though, it is hard to say whether these are light taps or meaningful meta shifts.

Locke Will Release During Patch 26.13

One of the biggest parts of Patch 26.13 is Locke’s arrival on Summoner’s Rift. Riot said Locke will hit the game sometime during the patch, while the team continues fine-tuning his ability timings, power budget, and how his strength lands between normal play and elite-level play.

Phroxzon specifically mentioned that Locke’s W has been a major tuning point, which lines up with earlier PBE changes where Riot adjusted his healing values.

Doran’s Helm Nerf Targets ADC Usage

Doran’s Helm is also getting nerfed in Patch 26.13. Riot said the item has started appearing on certain ADCs, especially champions who can make strong use of its resistances.

Senna and Jhin were mentioned as examples. Senna benefits from the effective health the item provides alongside her healing, while Jhin can still deal strong early damage because much of his early output comes from base damage. Riot’s goal is not to kill the idea entirely, but to make Doran’s Helm feel more balanced for these users while keeping its identity intact.

Imperial Mandate Is Getting Buffed

Imperial Mandate is the only system buff listed in the Patch 26.13 preview. Riot said the item has added some users after recent changes, but many of them have been mid lane champions like Galio, Twisted Fate, and Lissandra, rather than traditional supports.

Riot wants the item to feel more rewarding on champions that can reliably enable allies through crowd control and teamfight setup. Right now, the item is apparently not the best choice on most supports, which is something Riot seems to want to change.

League of Legends Patch 26.13 looks like a targeted MSI balance update rather than a massive shake-up. The champion list is long, Locke’s release gives the patch extra attention, and the item changes to Doran’s Helm and Imperial Mandate could affect both solo queue and pro play.

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