The Shyvana update is officially locked in for Patch 26.6, with Riot confirming a sweeping gameplay and visual overhaul during its latest League of Legends Dev Update. Alongside the Shyvana rework, the team also shared detailed insights into Season 1 ranked changes, ARAM: Mayhem’s future, and what players can expect next.
The update was outlined by Paul “Pabro” Bellezza, Andrei “Meddler” Van Roon, and Ed “Riot Memurr” Zhao in a new developer video and supporting blog post, giving players a clear snapshot of where League of Legends stands right now and where it’s heading.
Shyvana Reforged In Patch 26.6
This is more than a light refresh. Her gameplay, playstyle, artwork, in-game model, and even her lore in Runeterra have been modernised. Riot says the goal is to bring beloved champions up to current standards while still preserving their core identity.
In the lore, Shyvana remains the half-dragon warrior who saved Crown Prince Jarvan IV and now serves uneasily in Demacia’s royal guard. That tension between human and dragon identity continues to define her character.
Updated Abilities Breakdown
Shyvana’s kit has been rebuilt to feel more dynamic in both human and Dragon Form.
Passive – Scalemail
Takedowns on enemy champions, large minions, and large monsters grant Scalemail stacks, improving her defensive stats over time.
Q – Emberstrike
Her next attack hits the main target and nearby enemies. It can be recast, and in Dragon Form it gains an additional recast that deals heavy single-target damage.
W – Inferno Aegis
Shyvana gains a shield and bonus movement speed before the area around her detonates. In Dragon Form, the explosion heals her if it hits an enemy champion or monster.
E – Molten Burst
She launches a fireball that explodes on large targets and slows them. In Dragon Form, it pierces through enemies, explodes on large targets, and leaves a burning trail.
R – Dragon’s Descent
Shyvana transforms into her Dragon Form, leaps forward, and fears enemies in her path. While transformed, she grows in size and her basic abilities become empowered.
Riot confirmed all existing Shyvana skins will remain available. She will also launch with a limited-time exclusive Leg Day Bundle.
Season 1 Ranked Changes Explained
Beyond the Shyvana update, Riot used the Dev Update to reflect on Season 1’s competitive changes.
The team says they are satisfied with how Season 1 gameplay adjustments have landed after early tuning. Queue health appears to have improved significantly. Time to get into game is down roughly 30 percent on average, and lobby dodges have fallen from 19 percent to 4 percent.
Riot also made targeted adjustments to MMR distribution across the ranked ladder.
Iron is intended to be an entry point for new players, not a long-term tier. To address that, veteran players were shifted out of Iron and into Bronze.
At the higher end, Riot identified that the skill gap between Diamond IV and Diamond I was comparable to the gap between Bronze IV and high Silver. As a result, the top end of Diamond has effectively been moved into Master.
The Master tier’s MMR range has also been widened. That change increases the LP requirements for apex tiers and raises the bar at the very top of the ladder.
Developers are continuing to monitor potential further adjustments, including the possibility of adding more divisions or tiers at both the highest and lowest ranks.
They also confirmed they are keeping an eye on Faelights, as well as power levels for ADC and top lane roles. Following the return of Hextech Gunblade and Stormrazor, Riot is open to player feedback on other items that could potentially return in future patches.
ARAM: Mayhem Extended With No End Date
Following overwhelmingly positive player feedback, Riot confirmed the mode’s run is being extended, and there is currently no planned end date. The team also plans to continue adding new content and balance updates to keep it fresh.
That long-term extension signals that ARAM: Mayhem is not just a short-lived experiment, but a mode Riot sees ongoing value in.
No New Champion In Season 1, But Season 2 Teased
For players wondering about new champion releases, Riot clarified there will be no new champion in Season 1.
However, a new champion is scheduled to release in Season 2. Developers hinted that this champion will connect thematically to both Seasons 1 and 2, though there will be no connection to Season 3 this year.
It is a deliberate pacing decision, suggesting Riot is focusing this season on system updates and champion refreshes like Shyvana, before expanding the roster again next season.
With Patch 26.6 approaching, the Shyvana update is shaping up to be one of the most significant champion overhauls of the year. Combined with ranked ladder restructuring and the ongoing expansion of ARAM: Mayhem, Season 1 is clearly about refining the foundations of League of Legends before its next major evolution.