League of Legends Patch 26.17 preview: 9 buffs, 6 nerfs

Riot Games posted a preview of League of Legends patch 26.17 on 19 August 2026, outlining nine champion buffs, six champion nerfs and two item changes. The developer said full patch notes with exact values will be published closer to the patch’s live date.

The champions listed for buffs are Cho’Gath, Irelia, Hecarim, LeBlanc, Qiyana, Yasuo, Yone, Trundle and Aurelion Sol. The champions slated for nerfs are Nasus, Thresh, Xerath, Graves, Nocturne and Vayne. Riot’s preview names targets but does not include the specific numerical adjustments.

Item changes include a buff to Stormrazor, intended to increase its use beyond some Jhin builds, and another nerf to Sundered Sky. Riot noted it wants to observe how previous reductions to Sundered Sky affect play, adding that the item has continued to perform strongly with high-level players.

Riot framed the preview as an initial step in its usual process of identifying targets first and publishing numeric changes later. The developer said the approach gives players time to practice champions and prepare strategies before the full notes arrive. No further comment was provided about individual champion numbers in the preview.

Patch 26.17 is limited in scope compared with some updates, consisting mainly of the announced nine buffs, six nerfs and two item tweaks. Riot left open the possibility of additional balance changes before the patch goes live while it monitors data from playtests and live servers.

The full patch 26.17 notes, when released, will include the exact stat adjustments, timing for changes and any additional balance decisions. Teams and players will need the final numbers to assess how the changes affect item builds, champion viability, ranked play and competitive matches.