Riot Games has released a new League of Legends Dev Update outlining its reflections on Season 1, changes to Ranked, and confirming that Shyvana’s long-awaited gameplay and visual update will arrive in Patch 26.6.

During the update, Paul ‘Pabro’ Bellezza, Executive Producer of League of Legends at Riot Games, Andrei ‘Meddler’ Van Roon, Head of League Studio at Riot Games, and Ed ‘Riot Memurr’ Zhao, Lead Gameplay Designer at Riot Games, discussed gameplay adjustments, ARAM: Mayhem’s future and broader competitive ecosystem changes.

According to the update, the development team said it was satisfied with how Season 1 gameplay changes had landed following several early adjustments.

Season 1 performance and gameplay adjustments

Riot noted that queue times had decreased by approximately 30% on average this season, while lobby dodge rates had fallen from 19% to 4%. The team also said it is continuing to monitor the performance of the Faelights system and the relative power levels of certain roles, particularly ADC and top lane.

Following the return of items such as Hextech Gunblade and Stormrazor, the developers stated they are open to player feedback on other legacy items that could potentially make a comeback in future patches.

Ranked distribution was another major focus of the update. Riot implemented adjustments to matchmaking rating (MMR) distribution to address disparities at both the bottom and top ends of the ladder.

The team explained that Iron is intended to serve primarily as an entry point for new players, rather than a long-term rank for veterans. As a result, changes were introduced to move more experienced players into Bronze.

At the higher end of the ladder, Riot identified a significant skill gap within Diamond. According to the update, the difference between Diamond IV and Diamond I players was comparable to the gap between Bronze IV and high Silver. To address this, the top end of Diamond has been shifted into Master, while the MMR range for Master has been widened. This change increases the LP requirement for players aiming to reach apex tiers.

Riot also confirmed it is exploring further potential adjustments to the Ranked ladder, including the possibility of adding more divisions or tiers at both extremes.

Shyvana’s gameplay and visual update arrives in Patch 26.6

Shyvana will return to Summoner’s Rift in Patch 26.6 with a full gameplay and visual update, following what Riot described as overwhelming player feedback in community polls focused on older champions.

The update modernises her in-game abilities, character model, artwork and lore, while aiming to preserve her core identity as a half-dragon warrior. In the game’s narrative, Shyvana serves uneasily in Demacia’s royal guard after saving Crown Prince Jarvan IV, while struggling for acceptance among its citizens.

Her updated kit includes:

• Passive – Scalemail: Takedowns on enemy champions, large minions and monsters grant defensive stacks.

• Q – Emberstrike: Enhances her next attack to strike the target and surrounding area, with additional recasts in Dragon Form.

• W – Inferno Aegis: Grants a shield and movement speed before detonating, with Dragon Form providing healing if enemies are hit.

• E – Molten Burst: Launches a fireball that explodes and slows large targets, leaving a trail of fire in Dragon Form.

• R – Dragon’s Descent: Transforms Shyvana into a dragon, fearing enemies along her path and empowering her basic abilities.

All of Shyvana’s existing skins will remain available, and Riot will offer a limited-time ‘Leg Day Bundle’ to coincide with the rework’s release.

Champion updates have historically played a role in maintaining League of Legends’ long-term player engagement, particularly as the title approaches its second decade of live service.

ARAM: Mayhem extended indefinitely

The update also addressed ARAM: Mayhem, a modified version of the game’s All Random All Mid mode featuring altered mechanics and added chaos.

According to the developers, player feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive,” prompting Riot to continue adding new content and balance updates. The mode’s run has been extended, with no end date currently planned.

Finally, Riot confirmed that while no new champion is scheduled for Season 1, a new character will arrive in Season 2. The studio noted that the upcoming champion will tie into the thematics of both seasons.

The Dev Update concluded with the team highlighting community creations and responding to player questions, signalling continued dialogue between Riot and its playerbase as Season 1 progresses.