LoL Patch 26.22 Preview: Shen Jungle Returns, Corki Buffs, and Locke Changes

League of Legends Patch 26.22 is scheduled for November 4, 2026, bringing another round of balance changes. Riot Games' preview includes Mel's midscope update, which removes her projectile-reflecting mechanic, and Shen's return to the jungle.

The patch also features buffs for Corki, Kayle, Rumble, and Smolder, with the latter set to receive further buffs in a follow-up update.

Corki and Smolder Receive Buffs

For ADC players, Patch 26.22 brings some good news, as both Corki and Smolder are set to receive buffs.

Corki's ultimate will deal more damage with both the regular [R] Missile Barrage and Big One missiles. This change should improve his poke and burst damage, making his rocket barrages more punishing.

Corki Buff:

• [R] Missile Barrage Damage: 90-250 (+85% bonus AD) → 100–280 (+90% bonus AD)
• [R] Big One Damage: 180–500 (+170% bonus AD) → 200–560 (+180% bonus AD)

As for Smolder, the cute dragon will deal more damage with [W] Achooo!, while its AD and AP ratios remain unchanged. This should improve his poke and wave-clearing abilities, with further buffs planned for future updates.

Smolder Buff:

• [W] Achooo! Explosion Damage: 10–110 (+50% bonus AD) (+80% AP) → 25–125 (+50% bonus AD) (+80% AP)

Smolder will receive more buffs in Patch 26.22 and a follow-up update (Photo by Riot Games)

Mid Lane Boost: Aurelion Sol, Naafiri, and Viktor Get Buffs

If you're a mid laner with a wide champion pool, the upcoming buffs might catch your attention. Aurelion Sol is receiving changes aimed at balancing [W] Astral Flight and [E] Singularity.

While some players prefer maxing W second, most opt for E, despite it being the weaker option. Riot aims to bring both abilities closer in power so that either playstyle feels rewarding.

Aurelion Sol Buff:

• [E] Singularity Total Magic Damage: 50–150 (+60% AP) over 5s → 50–170 (+70% AP) over 5s

As for Naafiri, she will receive a minor adjustment to keep her mid lane power in check without making her too strong.

Naafiri Buffs:

• [Q] Darkin Daggers Heal: 45–105 (+40% bonus AD) → 55–115 (+45% bonus AD)
• [W] Hounds’ Pursuit Bonus AD: 20% → 22%

Finally, Viktor's nerfs in the previous patch proved a little too harsh. While Riot is happy with the changes to his damage and base movement speed, it will not revert the previous adjustments.

Instead, Patch 26.22 will give him some power back through improved scaling.

Viktor Buffs:

• [R] Arcane Storm Conjure Damage: 100/175/250 (+50% AP) → 100/175/250 (+60% AP)
• Health Growth: 100 per level → 105 per level

Viktor will receive a small buff in Patch 26.22 (Photo by Riot Games)

Locke Receives Nerfs After Major Adjustments

In Patch 26.21, Locke received major adjustments to his kit, as Riot felt he still needed changes despite his strong performance. However, it didn't take long for the champion to receive another round of nerfs.

His [Q] Ritual Nails was too strong, particularly in the early game. Meanwhile, the movement speed granted by [W] Soul Ignition was overtuned.

The upcoming nerfs aim to make the ability less spammable while preserving its satisfying feel during activation.

Locke Nerfs:

[Q] Ritual Nails Stack Bonus Damage: 18/26/34/42/50 → 15/22/29/36/43 

[W] Soul Ignition Duration: 6s → 5s

Locke will be nerfed on Patch 26.22 (Photo by Riot Games)

Shen Jungle Returns

Shen has become a flex pick in recent months, particularly in professional play, where teams have found success playing him in both the top and support roles. However, Riot Games now wants to strengthen his presence in the jungle as well.

Shen Buff:

• [Q] Twilight Assault Monster Mod: 100/125/150/175/200 → 120/140/160/180/200

Shen is receiving buffs to make his jungle clear smoother (Photo by Riot Games)

Mel Update

Mel is receiving a small rework to address issues with her kit, which has been considered problematic since her release.

Her signature projectile-reflecting mechanic will be removed, alongside other adjustments aimed at making her less frustrating to play against.

You can find more details about the changes to Mel's kit in the upcoming patch in Strafe's dedicated guide.

Mel Medarda's kit will receive a rework in Patch 26.22 (Photo by Riot Games)

Other Changes in LoL Patch 26.22

Here are the other changes currently planned for the patch:

Champions Buffs

Kayle:

• [Q] Radiant Blast Cooldown: 12–8s → 10–8s
• [R] Divine Judgment Cooldown: 160/120/80s → 140/110/80s

Maokai:

• [Q] Bramble Smash Damage: 75–255 (+2–4% target max HP) (+50% AP) → 75–255 (+2.5–4.5% target max HP) (+50% AP)

Rumble:

• [R] The Equalizer Damage Per Second AP Ratio: +35% AP → +40% AP 

Zaahen:

• [Q] The Darkin Glaive Cooldown: 10–6s → 8–6s

Champions Nerfs

Thresh:

• Base AD: 56 → 54
• [R] The Box Damage: 250–550 (+100% AP) → 200–500 (+100% AP)

Yasuo:

• [Q] Steel Tempest Damage: 20–120 (+105% total AD) → 20–120 (+100% total AD)

System Buffs

Overlord's Bloodmail:

• AD: 30 → 40
• Retribution: +0–12% total AD based on percentage of missing HP → +0–10% total AD based on percentage of missing HP

System Nerfs

Doran's Bow:

• AD: 8 → 7

All the changes mentioned above were shared by Riot's Matt "Phroxzon" Leung-Harrison on X, along with brief explanations of the key changes coming in Patch 26.22.

All changes are part of Riot Games' current preview and may still be adjusted before the patch officially goes live.

When Does LoL Patch 26.22 Release?

LoL Patch 26.22 is scheduled to go live on November 4, 2026. The patch will also bring changes to the Mythic Shop, introducing more personalized options for players, alongside new K/DA skins for Evelynn, Kai'Sa, Ahri, and Akali.

Follow Strafe Esports for the latest League of Legends news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured Image Credit: Riot Games

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