League of Legends patch 26.9 brings major system changes ahead of Season 2

League of Legends is gearing up for Season 2 with a surprisingly impactful patch that goes far beyond simple balance tweaks, as major changes are coming to Shyvana, Zeri, and items.

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Patch 26.9 has been previewed by Riot Games, and while the number of direct buffs and nerfs appears modest at first glance, the broader scope tells a different story. Only a handful of champions are receiving straightforward changes, including buffs to Gragas, Tahm Kench, and Taliyah, alongside nerfs to Ambessa and Briar. But beneath that surface, the patch is packed with system-level updates and champion adjustments that could significantly shift the meta in League of Legends.

The biggest focus lies in champion identity and creating different build paths for champions. Shyvana is receiving major updates aimed at separating her AP and AD playstyles, with changes to her survivability, scaling, and ability flow. Zeri is also being adjusted to trade raw damage for mobility, reinforcing her speed-focused identity.

Beyond champions, Riot is introducing new starting items like Doran's Bow and Doran's Helm, designed to add more strategic depth to early laning. Item updates, including tweaks to Statikk Shiv, aim to revive underused on-hit builds, while rune changes such as the return of Deathfire Touch and adjustments to Comet and Phase Rush look to reshape how players approach combat pacing and poke strategies.

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With Season 2 on the horizon, Patch 26.9 feels less like routine balance and more like groundwork for a shifting meta. If these changes land well, players could see a more diverse and expressive game heading into the next phase of League. Season 2 of League of Legends launches with Patch 26.9 on April 29, 2026.