LoL Patch 26.18 Preview: Cassio, Syndra, Bard, and Other Changes
Riot Games has unveiled the League of Legends Patch 26.18 preview, featuring adjustments to 13 champions. Lead gameplay designer Matt ‘Phroxzon’ Leung-Harrison emphasized that developers are mindful of LoL Worlds 2026, which will be played on Patch 26.20, influencing the patch’s design philosophy.
The centerpiece of these changes is a significant rework to Cassiopeia, the midlane champion who has been overperforming at higher levels of play. Riot aims to maintain Cassiopeia’s strength in laning while providing additional support for lower-ranked play, ensuring the champion remains viable across skill brackets.
Beyond Cassiopeia, the patch includes buffs to Aurelion Sol and Viego, alongside nerfs targeting Seraphine and Syndra. Lead designer Phroxzon elaborated on the reasoning behind these adjustments, balancing competitive viability with broader game health as the community awaits the full patch notes.