League of Legends Patch 26.08 Preview: Viego Buffs, Mel Nerfs, and More

League of Legends Patch 26.08 will be a relatively small update as Riot focuses setting the stage for the release of Season 2. Before that happens, though, the new patch will center on delivering balance changes to a few champions that need immediate attention.

Here's a look at some of the biggest changes coming with LoL Patch 26.08 once it releases on Wednesday, April 15.

The Return of Viego and Lillia

As far as the Jungle goes, LoL Patch 26.08 will aim to bring Viego and Lillia to the forefront once more. Lillia will receive a welcomed buff to her clear speed; one which should see her become one of the fastest champions in the Jungle once more.

Viego, meanwhile, is getting some real scary buffs. First up, his [Q] Blade of the Ruined King will receive a small base damage increase. The scary part comes with his [R] Heartbreaker, which will get a target-missing-HP extra damage buff that should see Viego become an even greater execution machine than he already was.

Dr. Mundo Takes a Necessary Hit

Lately, Dr. Mundo has been rampant in the Jungle. Now, Patch 26.08 of League of Legends will nerf the champion's clear speed considerably as the damage that both his [Q] Infected Bonesaw and [E] Blunt Force Trauma deal to monsters is taking a hit.

Given how beefy and relatively easy to play Dr. Mundo is in the Jungle, it seems only fair that his clear speed shouldn't be able to match that of squishier, higher damage champs in the role.

Farewell, Mel and Karma?

Though they're predominantly played in different roles, Mel (Mid Lane) and Karma (Support) have something in common: they're both incredibly frustrating to play against. To manage frustration levels in Solo Queue, LoL Patch 26.08 is nerfing both champions in the coming update.

Mel, on the one hand, will receive a substantial damage nerf to her [Q] Radiant Volley. And just in case that's not enough, her [W] Rebuttal will also receive nerfs to its cooldown and the duration of its movement speed buff.

As for Karma, the nerfs will focus on making her a little less oppressive in lane. Both her base AD and AD per level are being lowered, while the mana cost of her [E] Inspire is being increased. Though Karma will still be a very strong laner (as she should be), these changes might be enough to make her somewhat less dreary to go up against.

Setting Up for Season 2

Season 2 of 2026 is coming out with next patch (26.09), which means that Patch 26.08 doesn't really want to throw a spanner in the works before the big update. While the patch may be a small one, though, it will no doubt still have a lasting effect in Solo Queue, particularly in the Jungle.

All information about LoL Patch 26.08 was taken from an X (Twitter) post made by Matt "Phroxzon" Leung-Harrison, Lead Gameplay Designer for League of Legends. If you'd like to have a look at the complete list of changes, make sure to check out the post!

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Featured image credit: Riot Games

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