Patch 26.20 for League of Legends: Worlds 2026 Changes and Classic Expansion
Riot Games has released patch 26.20 for League of Legends, serving as a critical update ahead of Worlds 2026. The patch introduces significant balance adjustments for champions and items, expands the Classic mode, and implements major changes to the replay system.
Balance Adjustments for Worlds 2026
With the world championship approaching, developers have focused on fine-tuning the meta. Several high-impact champions are receiving nerfs, including Amessa, Ashe, K'Sante, and Yunara. Specifically, Ashe will see a reduction in her attack damage growth, while K'Sante becomes a riskier blind pick due to increased mana costs and reduced damage reduction on his All Out [W] ability during the early game.
Conversely, Kennen and Kindred are getting buffs. Kennen gains additional attack speed from Lightning Rush [E], and Kindred receives a boost to monster damage via Wolf's Frenzy [W]. In the item category, Hextech Rocketbelt is being reworked to be less of an escape tool and more of an offensive option, particularly for AP bruisers. Additionally, Experimental Hextech Armor has been nerfed for ranged champions, and Runaan's Hurricane will deal slightly less missile damage.
Classic Expansion and ARAM Updates
The Classic mode continues to grow with the addition of five legendary champions: Aatrox, Caitlyn, Irelia, Karma, and Quinn. These champions appear in their historical iterations, such as the 2011–2015 version of Caitlyn. The second act of the battle pass for this mode is scheduled for release in patch 26.21.
In ARAM: Chaos, Riot has addressed several bugs related to augmentations and provided minor stat adjustments for Bel'Veth and Lok.
Private Replays and New Skins
A major systemic change is coming to the replay system. Starting with patch 26.20, players will only be able to access replays of matches they personally participated in. The ability to upload or download third-party replays will be removed to prevent the exploitation of game data by malicious software. However, players can still download their own match replays through the official game client.
On the cosmetic side, October 7 will see the release of new skins, including the HEARTSTEEL (Live My Life) collection for Sett, Ezreal, Kayn, Aphelios, Yone, and K'Sante, alongside the prestigious Classic Baron Kog'Maw skin.
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