Riot Games have begun rolling out an on-demand mode for Vanguard, the kernel-level anti-cheat behind Valorant and League of Legends, letting the driver launch only when a Riot game opens instead of loading at system start. The change went live on 24 June 2026 and is built around a set of hardware security requirements Riot calls Vanguard Pre-Check. It is entirely optional, and players who do nothing will keep running Vanguard exactly as before.

Starting later today, Vanguard will be able to run in on-demand mode for players on Windows 11.

You just need to enable some optional security features for your motherboard, and your taskbar can have 256 of its pixels back. Take it away, @deteccphilippe. pic.twitter.com/hBytOMKTjm

— Riot Games (@riotgames) June 24, 2026

The always-on driver, which loads at boot and sits in the system tray around the clock, has been the central complaint against Vanguard since the anti-cheat arrived alongside Valorant in 2020 and expanded to League of Legends in 2024. On-demand mode is Riot’s answer to that, made possible by kernel hardening work the company carried out with Microsoft.

What Vanguard On-Demand Mode Actually Changes

With Pre-Check satisfied, Vanguard’s driver component no longer launches when Windows starts. It loads when you open a Riot title and shuts down once you stop playing, rather than maintaining its constant presence from boot. Riot’s head of anti-cheat, Phillip “mirageofpenguins” Koskinas, framed the practical upshot as the taskbar reclaiming 256 pixels, with the system-tray icon gone unless a Riot game is actively running.

It is worth being precise about what has not changed. Vanguard is still kernel-level anti-cheat. On-demand mode changes when the driver runs, not whether it operates at the kernel, and it does not extend support to Mac or Linux, both of which remain unsupported. The shift brings Vanguard closer to how other kernel anti-cheats behave by tying its runtime to the game session rather than the boot sequence.

Why On-Demand Is Only Possible Now

The reason Vanguard previously had to start at boot comes down to what Riot calls the “who loads first” problem. A vulnerable driver could load before the game did, map a cheat into the kernel, then unload itself, hiding from any anti-cheat that started later. Running from system start was Vanguard’s way of maintaining an unbroken trust chain and confirming the kernel had not been compromised before the game launched.

What removes that requirement is work Riot did with Microsoft’s Xbox OS Security Team on the Windows kernel. Newer builds add a Runtime Driver Attestation Report, which lets an anti-cheat retrieve a secured list of every driver loaded since boot through the system’s TPM, even if the anti-cheat was not running to witness it. That cumulative record can only be extended, not altered, so tampering breaks the chain of trust and corrupts the data. It closes the “who loads first” gap without Vanguard needing to be present from the start.

Vanguard Pre-Check Hardware Requirements

Pre-Check is the set of modern security features a system must have enabled for on-demand mode to be available. The minimum is Windows 11 25H2, which Koskinas notes is partly because the driver attestation report was first added in that version, and partly because cheating gets easier the older an operating system is. The required settings are below.

An updated BIOS may be necessary, and most of these are UEFI settings Vanguard cannot change itself, so they have to be enabled manually. Riot warns against making BIOS changes without first consulting your motherboard manufacturer’s documentation, since menus and labels vary widely between vendors.

Who Already Qualifies for Pre-Check

Most new machines ship with these settings enabled by default. Koskinas puts the share of players who already satisfy the Pre-Check requirements at 35 percent, with those players getting the button to switch into on-demand mode with their next update. A separate figure cited by Riot puts the fully secured group at around 34 percent, growing by roughly 1 to 2 percent per month.

The remaining 65 percent will need to make changes, most by enabling the required settings in BIOS. Around 3 percent of weekly players are on devices that lack one or more of the necessary hardware features entirely and would need a hardware upgrade to qualify. Riot has said it is not requiring anyone to change anything and is willing to wait for the wider ecosystem to mature.

How Big the Cheating Problem Still Is

Riot reports that cheaters turn up in roughly 0.7 percent of all PC ranked matches across League of Legends and Valorant. Kernel-level cheating remains the most common method, since both Direct Memory Access cheats and computer-vision pixelbots typically require extra hardware, leaving kernel exploits as the cheapest route. Koskinas also pointed to AI lowering the barrier to producing new cheats, with more individual cheat assets appearing than before, many unique to a single user.

Riot’s stated approach is to focus on detecting how cheats get their code into the kernel rather than chasing each individual cheat, which is the same principle the attestation-backed on-demand model relies on.

What Pre-Check Points Toward

Koskinas described Pre-Check as proactive, voluntary trust segmentation for genuine hardware and real players, and signalled Riot may add further checks over time while keeping the system optional except in the most competitive segments, on unusual devices, or at the highest ranks. The framing positions Pre-Check as a proof-of-life layer for competitive play as AI continues to lower the cost of botting. For now, the next thing to watch is how many players move into the fully secured bucket, with Riot already naming pixelbots as the focus once on-demand adoption grows.

The post Vanguard On-Demand Mode Lets You Run Riot’s Anti-Cheat Only When You Play appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Esports Foundation has confirmed the 16 national teams that received direct invitations to the League of Legends competition at the Esports Nations Cup 2026, with China topping the ranking on 9,000 points. The rosters were unveiled on 15 June 2026, locking in every directly qualified nation and its players ahead of the event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this November.

China, South Korea, and France headline the top three, with the League of Legends tournament scheduled to run from 21 to 29 November. The remaining 16 spots will be settled through continental qualifiers and two wildcard slots over the coming weeks.

How the 16 Invited Nations Were Decided

The Esports Foundation, which runs the Esports Nations Cup, used an in-house ranking system based on player performances across the 2026 League of Legends circuit. Only the points from each nation’s five best players counted toward direct qualification, and the 16 rosters with the highest totals secured their place in Riyadh.

Each invited team is made up of three to seven players. Of the 32 teams expected for the League of Legends bracket, half have now been confirmed through direct invites. The other 14 places will come from seven continental qualifiers offering two slots each, with the final two awarded as wildcards: one Solidarity Slot and one Host Region Slot reserved for a non-qualified country from the Gulf Cooperation Council.

All rosters, including those for nations still entering through the qualifiers, have already been confirmed and validated. The qualifiers are scheduled to take place online from 19 to 21 June.

All 16 Invited League of Legends Nations and Their Points

The full ranking of directly invited teams runs from China on 9,000 points down to Czechia on 1,500. The top three of China, South Korea, and France lead a field packed with world-class talent, including Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, Yu “JackeyLove” Wenbo, and Steven “Hans sama” Liv.

Top Three Rosters – China, South Korea, and France

China lead the ranking on 9,000 points, fielding a roster built around EDward Gaming and Bilibili Gaming talent and headlined by AD carry Yu “JackeyLove” Wenbo.

China – 9,000 Points

• Toplane: Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin, Li “Flandre” Xuanjun
• Jungle: Gao “Tian” Tianliang, Wang “Monki” Mengqi
• Midlane: Zhuo “Knight” Ding
• AD Carry: Yu “JackeyLove” Wenbo
• Support: Luo “ON” Wen-Jun
• Coach: Fu “BigWei” Chien-Wei

South Korea – 8,150 Points

• Toplane: Choi “Zeus” Woo-je
• Jungle: Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu
• Midlane: Kim “Zeka” Geon-woo, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok
• AD Carry: Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong
• Support: Ryu “Keria” Min-seok
• Coach: Kang “Hirai” Dong-hoon

France – 5,650 Points

• Toplane: Adam “Adam” Maanane
• Jungle: Rudy “SkewMond” Semaan, Théo “Sheo” Borile
• Midlane: Ilias “nuc” Bizriken
• AD Carry: Caliste “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert, Steven “Hans sama” Liv
• Support: Théo “Zoelys” Le Scornec
• Coach: Quentin “Zeph” Viguié

The Remaining Invited Rosters

The other 13 directly invited nations span Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The full rosters and coaching staff are listed below in ranking order.

Vietnam – 5,100 Points

• Toplane: Trần “Kiaya” Duy Sang
• Jungle: Lê “Hizto” Văn Hoàng Hải, Lê “SofM” Quang Duy
• Midlane: Trần “Dire” Duy Đức, Hồ “Aress” Văn Vĩ Đại
• AD Carry: Hoàng “Eddie” Công Nghĩa
• Support: Đinh “Taki” Anh Tài
• Coach: Trần “Ciel” Tiến Thịnh, Võ “Naul” Thành Luân

Brazil – 4,350 Points

• Toplane: Carlos “Xyno” Ferreira, Matheus “zynts” Emanuel
• Jungle: Pedro “Tatu” Seixas
• Midlane: Arthur “Tutsz” Machado
• AD Carry: Andrey “Ayu” Saraiva, Matheus “Morttheus” Motta
• Support: José Eduardo “Frosty” Leal
• Coach: Gabriel “tockers” Claumann

United States – 3,950 Points

• Toplane: Niship “Dhokla” Doshi
• Jungle: Robert “Blaber” Huang, Johnson “Gryffinn” Le
• Midlane: Eain “APA” Stearns, Isaac “DARKWINGS” Chou
• AD Carry: Sean “Yeon” Sung
• Support: Choi “Huhi” Jae-hyun
• Coach: Nick “Inero” Smith

Chinese Taipei – 3,850 Points

• Toplane: Chen “1Jiang” Yi-chin
• Jungle: Yu “JunJia” Chun-chia
• Midlane: Tsai “hongQ” Ming-hong
• AD Carry: Chiu “Doggo” Tzu-chuan
• Support: Liu “ShiauC” Chia-hao
• Coach: Chen “WarHorse” Ju-chih

Denmark – 3,550 Points

• Toplane: Martin “Wunder” Nordahl Hansen, Carl “Carlsen” Ulsted Carlsen
• Jungle: Casper “Cboi” Bo Simonsen, William “Woldjo” Donatzky
• Midlane: Rasmus “Caps” Winther
• AD Carry: Jesper “Zven” Svenningsen
• Support: Mads “Doss” Schwartz
• Coach: Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum

Turkey – 3,450 Points

• Toplane: Sergen “BrokenBlade” Çelik
• Jungle: Enes “Rhilech” Uçan, Can “Closer” Çelik
• Midlane: Tolga “Serin” Ölmez
• AD Carry: Berat “Aetinoth” Tıknazoğlu
• Support: Polat “Parus” Furkan Çiçek, Kadir “Fleshy” Kemiksiz
• Coach: Ali “Craft1x” Aklan

Greece – 3,150 Points

• Toplane: Panagiotis “Empyros” Tantis
• Jungle: Angelos “Pallet” Visvikis, Avraam “Drofan” Tsakiridis
• Midlane: Vladimiros “Vladi” Kourtidis, Petros “Peppe” Berdebes
• AD Carry: Markos “Comp” Stamkopoulos
• Support: Lampros “Labrov” Papoutsakis
• Coach: Vasilis “TheRock” Voltis

Poland – 2,766 Points

• Toplane: Sebastian “Tracyn” Wojtoń
• Jungle: Kacper “Inspired” Słoma
• Midlane: Mateusz “Czajek” Czajka
• AD Carry: Franciszek “HARPOON” Gryszkiewicz
• Support: Alan “Busio” Cwalina
• Coach: Kacper “Nahovsky” Merski

Argentina – 2,450 Points

• Toplane: Enzo “Zoen” Ganino
• Jungle: Brandon Joel “Josedeodo” Villegas
• Midlane: Lucas Sebastian “Kaze” Fé
• AD Carry: Mauro Lorenzo “ceo” Tévez
• Support: Pedro Luis “Lyonz” Peralta, Gabriel Agustin “Ackerman” Aparicio
• Coach: Tobias “Pointless” Riscica

Spain – 2,250 Points

• Toplane: Alex “Myrwn” Villarejo, Óscar “Oscarinin” Muñoz
• Jungle: Javier “Elyoya” Prades
• Midlane: Raúl “Hydra” Valero
• AD Carry: Víctor “Flakked” Lirola, Sergio “Legolas” Gispert
• Support: Álvaro “Alvaro” Amo
• Coach: Alfonso “mithy” Rodríguez

Canada – 2,166 Points

• Toplane: Frankie “Zamudo” Lin
• Jungle: Christian “KryRa” Rahaian, Jade “Sheiden” Libut
• Midlane: Joseph Joon “Jojopyun” Pyun, Djalal “Spirax” Djiar
• AD Carry: Fahad “Massu” Abdulmalek
• Support: Philippe “Vulcan” Laflamme
• Coach: Dylan “Dylan Falco” Falco

Sweden – 1,700 Points

• Toplane: Simon “Baus” Hofverberg, Felix “Kryze” Hellström
• Jungle: Martin “Yike” Sundelin
• Midlane: Seo “SlowQ” Ye-bit
• AD Carry: Kevin “Mishigu” Westerbacka, William “UNF0RGIVEN” Nieminen
• Support: Martin “Rekkles” Larsson
• Coach: Jakob “YamatoCannon” Mebdi

Czechia – 1,500 Points

• Toplane: Petr “bobista” Fojtík
• Jungle: Tomáš “Twight” Kyselák
• Midlane: Marek “Humanoid” Brázda
• AD Carry: Matyáš “Carzzy” Orság
• Support: Adam “Jackies” Jeřábek
• Coach: Aleš “Freeze” Kněžínek

What Comes Next for the League of Legends Bracket

With the 16 direct invites locked, attention turns to the continental qualifiers running online from 19 to 21 June, which will decide 14 of the remaining places across seven regions. The last two spots will be filled by the Solidarity Slot and the Host Region Slot for a non-qualified Gulf Cooperation Council nation. The completed 32-team field will then converge on Riyadh for the League of Legends tournament from 21 to 29 November, part of an Esports Nations Cup spanning 16 titles and around a hundred competing countries.

The post Esports Nations Cup 2026 League of Legends Rosters And All 16 Direct Invites Revealed appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has been named to TIME’s inaugural TIME100 Sports list, revealed on 9 June 2026, the only esports player among the 100 most influential figures in global sport. The six-time League of Legends world champion was placed in the Icons category, TIME’s most prestigious group, alongside cover star LeBron James and ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Stephen Curry and Alex Morgan. TIME calls the T1 midlaner widely considered the greatest esports player of all time.

Faker Lands in the Icons Category

The Icons group is the headline tier of the new list, and Faker shares it with LeBron James, whom TIME editors described as the athlete of the century and put on the cover. His placement ahead of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, basketball star Stephen Curry and soccer player Alex Morgan is what has caught attention, marking the first time an esports athlete has been ranked among that company by a mainstream outlet. TIME CEO Jessica Sibley explained that the list highlights individuals who not only excel in their respective fields but also shape culture, expand opportunities and influence the world beyond competition, a framing that placed Faker among the sport’s defining names in the TIME100 Sports profile.

What TIME’s Profile Says About Faker

TIME’s write-up traces Faker’s record and his rise in equal measure. It notes his six League of Legends World Championship titles with T1, including the last three consecutive tournaments, and his status as the first-ever inductee into the League of Legends Hall of Legends. The profile recounts his origins as an introverted boy in Seoul who enjoyed Rubik’s cubes before conquering the gaming world, and describes scenes of fans cheering him on with signs reading “Faker Is Life” and “Faker Is Love.” It also details the commercial weight he now carries, citing T1’s sponsorships with Nike, Red Bull and Mercedes-Benz, the luxury sedan he received from T1 and BMW on his 25th birthday, and the nine-story commercial building he owns in Seoul known as Faker Tower.

The Co-Owner Detail TIME Got Wrong

One claim in the profile has been corrected. Inven Global noted that TIME described Faker as a co-owner with equity in T1, when in fact he holds stock options to acquire a stake and has not yet exercised them, making the co-owner description a factual error rather than a reflection of his current standing in the organisation.

Faker and His Agency React

Faker thanked TIME and esports fans worldwide in a post on his Instagram. His agency, FANABLE, announced the selection on 9 June and welcomed it as a milestone for the wider scene. “This recognition reflects not only Lee’s personal achievements but also the status of esports as it redefines modern sports and expands its influence on the global stage,” the agency said.

Esports’ Mainstream Moment

The recognition lands at a point where esports has grown from a niche pursuit into a global industry. The field traces back to a 1972 tournament at Stanford University, and TIME notes it is now projected to reach $7.46 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. Against that backdrop, Faker becoming the first of his discipline to join the magazine’s sporting elite is the clearest sign yet that competitive gaming is being read as mainstream sport, with the industry’s continued growth toward that 2030 forecast the measure of how far the recognition can spread.

The post Faker Named to TIME100 Sports List as Sole Esports Player in Icons Category appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

League of Legends is finally letting players use WASD controls in Ranked. The alternate movement scheme goes live in Solo/Duo and Flex queues with Patch 26.9 on 29 April 2026, the same day Season 2 Pandemonium begins. WASD has been playable in casual modes since December 2025, but Ranked has been off limits while Riot waited for win-rate parity with Point and Click. That gate has now cleared, and turning WASD on takes about ten seconds inside the in-game options menu.

When WASD Goes Live In Ranked

Patch 26.9 lands on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 (PT), based on Riot’s official patch schedule. It is the launch patch for Season 2 Pandemonium, and the first patch where WASD is enabled in Solo/Duo and Flex queues. The patch cycle runs for two weeks, with Patch 26.10 scheduled for 13 May.

WASD itself is not new. Riot rolled it out to ARAM, Swiftplay, Draft Pick, the Practice Tool, and rotating modes like ARURF in December 2025. What changes on 29 April is the queue restriction. Once the patch goes live, WASD is a fully supported control scheme across every queue in the game.

How To Turn On WASD In League Of Legends

The toggle lives inside the in-game options menu, not the client. You can switch between WASD and Point and Click at any point, including mid-match.

1. Press Esc during a game to open the Options menu.
2. Open the Input dropdown at the top of the menu.
3. Select Keyboard (WASD).
4. Scroll down to the Movement section to adjust the optional settings.

The first time you enable WASD, Riot automatically switches your camera to Dynamic Camera so your champion stays centred on screen. You can disable that under the Camera menu if you prefer the traditional locked-cursor feel. Scout Ahead, which lets you peek further across the map with the middle mouse button, is also enabled by default.

Switching back is the same flow in reverse. Press Esc, open the Input dropdown, and select Mouse (Point and Click). All your previous keybinds are saved, so you do not need to set them up again.

Default WASD Keybinds

WASD remaps abilities and summoner spells onto the keyboard’s left side, freeing the mouse for attacking and interacting. These are the defaults you will see the first time you enable the input.

Auto attacking and interacting with map objects like Thresh’s lantern, Bard’s portals, and Hexgates all run through left click. If you press left click on an enemy outside your auto attack range, the game briefly displays your range indicator instead of issuing the command.

Item slots stay where they are. Quick Cast and Normal Cast both work in WASD, so you can keep your preferred casting style.

Read More: League Of Legends Voice Chat Confirmed, But Riot Says It Will Take Time

Useful Movement Settings Worth Tweaking

Two movement options under the WASD settings change how the input feels enough that they are worth testing in the Practice Tool before you queue Ranked.

Rotate WASD Inputs Relative To Map Lane Orientation

Summoner’s Rift is laid out diagonally, which means the default WASD layout forces you to hold two keys at once when walking up or down a lane. Toggling this option rotates the input grid 45 degrees counterclockwise, so W moves your champion from your fountain toward the enemy fountain, S retreats, and A and D run along the river axis. Riot credits a player suggestion for the idea, and it reduces hand strain on long sessions. It also frees up a key on laptops with limited simultaneous keypress support.

Flash Handling Type

Flash gets its own setting because cursor position and WASD direction can disagree at the moment you press D. The three options are Cursor (Flash follows your mouse), Movement (Flash respects your WASD direction and player rotation), and Movement with Cursor. The third option is the most accurate for most players, but it is worth running through all three in the Practice Tool to see which matches your muscle memory.

Champion-Specific Keybinds Are Already Live

Patch 26.8, which went live on 16 April, added the ability to set keybind profiles per champion for both WASD and Point and Click. That includes ability hotkeys and settings like toggling smart cast, which Rumble and Viktor mains have asked for repeatedly. You can configure profiles inside the Practice Tool and they save automatically across future games.

The setting matters more for WASD users than Point and Click users because hand position on the keyboard makes some default binds awkward depending on the champion. Setting one profile for hold-position champions and another for skirmishers is a fair starting point.

Riot’s Reasoning For The Ranked Greenlight

Riot held WASD out of Ranked because the team wanted to confirm two things: that WASD’s win rate would not exceed Point and Click’s, and that the gap between the two control schemes would stay small. Sentiment surveys sent to players after matches showed that opponents generally could not tell which control scheme the other lane was using, which Riot took as evidence that WASD was not creating an obvious gameplay advantage or disadvantage.

According to the Riot dev blog, Point and Click still holds a minor win-rate edge, but the gap is small enough that the team expects it to close as players gain WASD mastery. The studio said it will keep monitoring the stat after the Ranked release.

Accessibility Improvements Shipping Alongside

The input system overhaul that made WASD possible also unlocks several accessibility features. Players can now bind any input to move the mouse cursor directly, which has been the most requested accessibility change for years. Joystick play is supported through WASD remapping, though Riot has not committed to broader controller support. Almost every key on the keyboard is now bindable, with Delete and Escape as the only exceptions, and MB1 can be assigned to any action without operating system workarounds.

Required keybinds get warning labels in the options menu. You cannot leave the menu without movement keys assigned for WASD or a movement click assigned for Point and Click.

What To Watch After Launch

The first solo queue data after 29 April will show whether the win-rate gap between WASD and Point and Click holds, narrows, or widens once Ranked players are involved. Pro play is the other watchpoint. Riot has not signalled that any pro players plan to switch, but the option is now legal in officially sanctioned queues, and that alone will draw experimentation from coaching staffs willing to test fringe edges before the rest of the league catches up.

The post WASD Hits LoL Ranked April 29 – How To Turn It On In Patch 26.9 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has confirmed that team voice chat is planned for League of Legends, though the long-requested feature will not arrive any time soon.

The developer addressed the topic after voice chat files appeared on the game’s Public Beta Environment (PBE), prompting speculation that Riot was quietly preparing the feature. In a development update, Riot confirmed that voice communication is indeed being explored, but stressed that it will take extensive testing before it reaches the live game.

League of Legends has historically relied on text chat and its well-known ping system for in-match coordination. Riot says those tools will remain in place, even if voice chat is eventually introduced.

Riot Confirms Team Voice Chat Plans For League Of Legends

Riot’s development blog confirmed that team voice communication is now under active consideration after years of player requests.

The studio explained that expectations around communication in competitive multiplayer games have changed significantly since League of Legends launched more than 16 years ago. At the time, built-in voice chat was not common in PC games, but Riot now says it has become a standard feature across modern team-based titles.

“Team-based competitive games have evolved since League was released,” Riot said in the update. “When we launched, in-game voice communications weren’t a standard in PC games. But now it’s not only the norm, it’s expected.”

According to the developer, feedback from the community has played a major role in reopening the conversation around voice chat. Many players have argued that the absence of team voice makes coordination harder in a highly competitive environment.

Riot said that when implemented properly, voice communication can improve teamwork and allow players to coordinate strategies more efficiently during matches.

Why Riot Did Not Add Voice Chat Earlier

Despite years of requests, Riot says earlier attempts to introduce voice chat were blocked by concerns around safety and moderation.

Monitoring voice communication presents different challenges compared with text chat. In competitive games where emotions can run high, harmful behaviour can escalate quickly in voice channels, making it harder for developers to detect and address toxic interactions.

Riot said previous technology did not meet the studio’s standards for safety or reliability. However, advances in systems designed to detect and handle disruptive players have changed that situation.

According to the company, these improvements now make it possible to reconsider the feature while still maintaining safeguards for the community.

Player Behaviour Will Affect Access To Voice Chat

One key requirement Riot has already confirmed is that voice chat access will be limited to accounts in good standing.

The company says players who want to use team voice will need to maintain positive behaviour within the game. Riot is still working on the exact criteria that will determine eligibility, but the intention is to prevent disruptive players from abusing voice communication.

The developer also acknowledged concerns from players worried about voice chat increasing toxicity.

“We hear that you are worried about a world where some people use Team Voice to be jerks,” Riot said, adding that the team is committed to preventing that outcome.

As part of the development process, Riot plans to consult players around the world and gather feedback before deciding how the feature should function in the live game.

Possible Regional Rollout And Ongoing Testing

Rather than launching voice chat globally all at once, Riot is considering a gradual rollout.

One approach being explored is introducing the feature one language or region at a time. This would allow developers to refine moderation tools and community safeguards in smaller environments before expanding the system worldwide.

The studio said it intends to spend significant time testing and iterating on the feature to ensure it meets player expectations.

“We want to get this right, so it isn’t going to happen fast,” Riot said.

At the moment, the company has not shared a timeline for when team voice chat could arrive in League of Legends. However, Riot confirmed that further updates about the project will be shared later this year through another development update.

For now, the appearance of voice chat files on the PBE may signal the early stages of experimentation, rather than an imminent feature release.

The post League Of Legends Voice Chat Confirmed, But Riot Says It Will Take Time appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

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

Shyvana, The Half-Dragon, returns in Patch 26.6 with what Riot describes as a sweeping update shaped directly by overwhelming player feedback from community polls about older champions.

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.

The post Shyvana Update Confirmed For Patch 26.6 As Ranked And ARAM Changes Detailed In League Of Legends Dev Update appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

First Stand 2026 is locked in, and if you’re wondering how the first international League of Legends event of the year works, who’s playing, and what you can earn by watching, here’s the full breakdown. The tournament runs from March 16 to March 22 in São Paulo, Brazil, bringing together eight teams from across the global LoL Esports ecosystem for a full week of best-of-five action.

This year’s edition expands on the inaugural 2025 event in South Korea, and Riot is clearly positioning it as the tone-setter for the entire competitive season.

What Is First Stand 2026?

According to Riot, the event is designed to spark regional rivalries early and give teams a chance to shape the global meta while it is still developing. Beyond the trophy, First Stand also influences regional seeding heading into the Mid-Season Invitational, adding real competitive stakes from day one.

The 2026 edition features eight teams in total, up from the previous format.

When And Where First Stand 2026 Is Happening

First Stand 2026 takes place at the Riot Games Arena in São Paulo, Brazil, from March 16 to March 22.

The schedule is as follows:

• Group Stage, March 16 to March 20
  6:00 PDT, 10:00 BRT, 22:00 KST

• Knockout Stage, March 21
  6:00 PDT, 10:00 BRT, 22:00 KST

• Knockout Stage Finals, March 22
  6:00 PDT, 10:00 BRT, 22:00 KST

An official Draw Show will be held following the LPL Finals on March 7, where group placements will be confirmed.

First Stand 2026 Format Explained

Group Stage

The eight teams are split into two groups of four. Each group plays through a double-elimination bracket. That means teams have a second life if they lose once, but two losses and they are out.

The top two teams from each group advance to the Knockout Stage.

Knockout Stage

The remaining four teams enter a single-elimination bracket. From here on, it is straightforward. Win and move forward. Lose and you are done. The final on March 22 crowns the First Stand Champion.

Riot’s official video breakdown also confirmed that Fearless Draft returns. Teams cannot repeat champions within a best-of-five series, forcing deeper champion pools and creative drafting. On top of that, side selection and draft order are now separated. Teams choose either side selection or first or second pick, and the opponent claims the remaining option. It adds another layer of strategy before the match even starts.

Which Teams Are Competing

Here are the confirmed teams and regions for First Stand 2026:

LCK

• Gen.G
• BNK FearX

LPL
Two teams to be confirmed, qualifying on March 4 and March 7

LEC

• G2 Esports

LCS

• LYON

LCP

• Team Secret Whales

CBLOL

• LOUD

The top teams from LCK, LPL, LEC, LCS, LCP and CBLOL are joined by the second seeds from both LCK and LPL, rounding out the eight-team field.

First Stand 2026 Drops And Twitch Rewards

If you are watching from home, Riot has confirmed that Drops will be active throughout the tournament on LoLEsports.com. Viewers must log in with their Riot ID for a chance to receive rewards.

An exclusive Evelynn emote will drop during the Finals, with additional surprise Drops teased from partners including the Esports World Cup and Secretlab during select moments.

Twitch subscribers to participating LoL Esports channels also receive perks including ad-free viewing, subscriber-only chat access, custom emotes, badges, and channel points. Riot confirmed that a portion of subscription revenue during First Stand will go to the Global Revenue Pool, which supports leagues and teams across the ecosystem.

There is also a limited-time in-game reward. Starting March 9, fans who subscribe with a paid or gifted sub on participating channels can claim the “And That’s It.” Yunara in-game emote, provided they connect their Twitch and Riot accounts and redeem it through their Twitch inventory. Prime subscriptions are not eligible.

Warhounds Senna Skin Revenue Share

From March 18 to April 15, Riot will share a portion of proceeds from Warhounds Senna and its related bundles with LoL Esports teams.

The skin can be purchased standalone, as part of a border set bundle, or within a chroma bundle, with individual chromas also available. It gives fans another way to financially support the competitive scene during the event window.

Runeterra Fan Fest On Finals Day

The event promises gameplay stations for Teamfight Tactics, League of Legends, 2XKO, and Wild Rift, alongside cosplay meetups, an Artist’s Gallery featuring local creators, swag distribution, and appearances from members of Riot’s development team. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Co-Streaming And Global Coverage

Co-streaming returns for First Stand 2026, including on-site co-streaming with local talent present in São Paulo. All qualifying professional teams are invited to host official team co-streams during the tournament.

Riot is also bringing back the Co-Streamer Hub powered by Opera GX, acting as a central directory where viewers can filter by preferred language and discover official co-streaming channels. The full list of co-streamers will be revealed on March 11.

For third-party creators who are not officially invited to co-stream, Riot’s standard Content Creator Guidelines remain in effect.

With a fresh meta, Fearless Draft in play, and eight regions colliding before MSI even enters the conversation, First Stand 2026 is shaping up to be more than just a warm-up event. It is the first real test of the global pecking order for the year ahead.

The post First Stand 2026: Teams, Format, Schedule, Drops And Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

League of Legends team voice chat looks like it’s finally on the way, with multiple PBE leaks pointing to full team-wide voice comms arriving as soon as Patch 16.5. After years of debate, Riot Games appears to be testing an opt-in system that would let you talk to your entire team, not just your premade party.

For a game where communication can decide a ranked climb or a tilt spiral, this is a pretty massive shift.

Team Voice Chat Spotted On PBE 16.5

The first signs of League of Legends team voice chat came from datamining on the Public Beta Environment for Patch 16.5. Content creator SkinSpotlights shared screenshots showing a new reporting category labelled “Voice Comms Abuse”, with the description referencing bullying, harassment, threats and hate speech in team voice.

Voice Comms Abuse reporting has been added to the PBE 16.5 pic.twitter.com/RdRTNcVSTy

— SkinSpotlights (@SkinSpotlights) February 18, 2026

That alone strongly suggests Riot isn’t just experimenting internally. You don’t build a dedicated abuse reporting category unless you expect the feature to go live.

Further PBE data shows a redesigned Voice panel that can switch between two tabs: PARTY and TEAM. This implies that League Voice, which currently only supports premade lobbies, will remain in some form but expand to include full team-wide communication.

How League Team Voice Chat Will Work

Based on the PBE findings, the system appears to be fully opt-in. Players will need to manually enable team voice chat through the settings under the Voice tab. That should reassure anyone who doesn’t want random teammates immediately piping up in solo queue.

Dataminers also uncovered references to separate Push-To-Talk keybinds for Party and Team chat. That means you could theoretically keep party comms always on while using PTT for the wider team, or vice versa.

There is also evidence that the existing League Voice interface will be replaced with an upgraded panel that supports both chat types. Early screenshots show a VOICE header and a component labelled “parties_comm_panel”, further reinforcing that this isn’t a placeholder or accident.

Voice Chat Already Exists In China

Interestingly, voice comms in League of Legends aren’t entirely new. The Chinese server has supported team voice chat since at least 2024.

According to a Reddit post by user u/lol_dango, the system there allows players to mute themselves, individually adjust teammate volumes, and see who is speaking even while muted. The voice interface reportedly sits where League Voice currently appears, and can be hidden using a headset icon.

If Riot brings that same structure globally, we already have a good idea of what to expect in terms of functionality and user control.

Community Reaction Is Split

The arrival of voice chat has always been one of the most divisive topics in the League of Legends community.

Some high-elo players and pros have publicly supported the move. French Flair jungler Isak “NattyNatt” Elgh wrote on X that he believes voice comms could significantly level up gameplay quality, especially in ranked environments where players may encounter each other repeatedly.

On the other side, concerns about toxicity are front and centre. Critics worry that team voice chat could introduce new avenues for harassment, including sexist or discriminatory abuse, similar to issues seen in Riot’s tactical shooter VALORANT.

The fact that Riot is already building in a Voice Comms Abuse report category suggests the developer is well aware of these risks.

When Could League Of Legends Team Voice Chat Release?

Right now, everything points to Patch 16.5 as the earliest possible release window. The feature has been spotted on the 16.5 PBE cycle, which typically means it’s being prepared for live deployment.

That said, major system features sometimes remain on the PBE for more than one patch cycle. Riot previously tested large gameplay additions, such as the experimental WASD control scheme, for extended periods before pushing them to live servers.

If you’re keen to try team voice chat early, jumping onto the PBE client is your best bet. Otherwise, the wait for global rollout may not be much longer.

If Patch 16.5 does ship with team-wide voice comms, it could mark one of the biggest systemic changes to League of Legends solo queue in years. Whether it improves coordination or just adds another layer of chaos will depend largely on how players use it.

The post League Of Legends Team Voice Chat Leaked On PBE Ahead Of Patch 16.5 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Fnatic has issued an online abuse statement confirming it will take legal action and hand out permanent bans following a surge in harassment directed at its players. The UK based esports organisation says it has become aware of an increase in targeted abuse, including personal attacks and reported death threats, and is now escalating its response.

pic.twitter.com/MeQ9eKqrJv

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) February 19, 2026

The statement, published on February 19, makes it clear that while criticism of performance is part of competitive esports, threats of violence cross a legal line.

Fnatic Confirms Zero Tolerance Policy

In its official statement, Fnatic said the “wellbeing and safety of our players are our highest priorities,” before reiterating a zero tolerance stance on online abuse. The organisation acknowledged that passion from fans is part of professional competition, but drew a firm distinction between criticism and criminal harassment.

“Let us be clear. We have zero tolerance for this behaviour,” the statement reads. Fnatic added that crossing into threats of violence is not only unacceptable, it is illegal.

According to coverage by Jonno Nicholson, reviewed by Rabia Sayal, the organisation became aware of a rise in abuse ranging from personal attacks to death threats, prompting the formal response.

Law Enforcement And Permanent Bans

As part of what Fnatic describes as an immediate action plan, the organisation confirmed it is actively documenting threats and will be reporting them to the relevant law enforcement agencies.

Alongside legal escalation, platform bans are being introduced for anyone identified as harassing players. Those individuals will be permanently removed from Fnatic’s social media channels, its Discord servers, and any future physical events hosted by the organisation.

Fnatic made it clear threats of violence are not just empty words but criminal offences, and that law enforcement will be contacted where physical harm is implied.

This dual approach, legal reporting and permanent bans, signals a shift from reactive moderation to proactive enforcement.

Impact On Fnatic Players

The decision comes amid increased scrutiny of online toxicity across several competitive titles. Esports News UK highlighted that League of Legends players Vladimiros “Vladi” Kourtidis and Park “Lospa” Joon-hyeong reportedly stepped away from social media to protect their mental health after facing harassment.

VALORANT in game leader Jake “Boaster” Howlett has also previously been targeted by online hate, including reported death threats.

Fnatic competes across League of Legends, VALORANT, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends and Rainbow Six Siege. With players already under pressure to perform at the highest level, the organisation stated that additional abuse places unnecessary mental strain on competitors.

There was also a noted increase in online abuse following Fnatic’s exit from the IEM Rio closed qualifier in January, further underlining how quickly frustration can spill over into targeted harassment.

Toxicity Remains A Broader Esports Issue

Fnatic’s statement arrives in the context of ongoing industry efforts to tackle toxic behaviour. In October 2025, French organisation Team Vitality published a report on online hate, revealing that over a two month period its players received more than 2,000 messages flagged as hateful by moderation technology solution Bodyguard.

Despite these measures, online abuse continues to surface across esports communities, especially following high profile losses or roster changes.

A Direct Message To The Community

Fnatic closed its online abuse statement with a message to supporters, urging fans to report harassment using official platform tools rather than engaging with trolls directly.

“To our players: We have your back,” the organisation said, emphasising its commitment to ensuring competitors feel safe both online and offline.

By combining legal escalation, permanent bans and a public stance, Fnatic is attempting to set a clearer boundary between passionate fandom and behaviour that crosses into criminal territory. Whether other organisations follow with similarly firm policies could shape how the wider esports ecosystem responds to abuse in the years ahead.

The post Fnatic Online Abuse Statement Confirms Zero Tolerance And Legal Action appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has confirmed that Akali and Senna are joining 2XKO in 2026, marking the first major champion reveal since the team outlined its revised plans for the year. The announcement comes as Riot continues reshaping its approach to the League of Legends fighting game following internal restructuring and a slower-than-expected launch period.

Game Director Shaun “Unconkable” Rivera shared the update directly with players on 13 February, confirming both characters are currently in development and offering a broader look at what is next for 2XKO.

Akali And Senna Officially Revealed For 2XKO

Akali is set to become 2XKO’s next playable champion. Staying true to her assassin roots from League of Legends, she is described as a sharp, stylish ninja built around precision and lethal execution. Early previews position her as a fast-paced character designed to reward strong reactions and creative combo routing.

Senna, meanwhile, brings a very different toolkit. Wielding her relic cannon, she will alternate between long-range pressure and close-range spectral aggression. According to Riot, Senna can control space with ranged blasts before shifting into a wraith-like form to rush opponents down.

Riot had previously confirmed that five champions are planned for 2026. Akali and Senna are the first two formally detailed following that roadmap confirmation in January.

Development Update Follows Team Restructuring

The champion reveal lands shortly after Riot acknowledged staffing changes within the 2XKO team. As reported in our earlier coverage, Riot Games reduced roughly half of the global development team after player engagement and overall momentum failed to meet expectations.

Executive Producer Tom Cannon previously confirmed the internal assessment that led to the changes. Riot also scaled its annual plan from five seasons down to three for 2026.

Despite that shift, Rivera emphasised that the team remains fully committed to building 2XKO for the fighting game community, particularly those invested in high-level competitive play.

Local Duo Mode In Development

Beyond new champions, Riot is actively developing a Local Duo Mode. This feature will allow two players to team up locally in couch co-op and compete online together, leaning into the game’s tag-based mechanics.

The goal is to make duo play more accessible and strengthen the social experience, particularly for console audiences. 2XKO recently ranked among the top three most downloaded titles on PlayStation Plus, giving Riot incentive to further support that player base.

While no release date has been confirmed, Rivera stated that Local Duo Mode is a top priority and the team is working to implement it as quickly as possible.

Balance Changes And Competitive Focus

Riot also addressed ongoing balance discussions. Rivera clarified that 2XKO will remain fast-paced with a high skill ceiling. The team does not plan to slow the game down, instead focusing on refining character identities.

Yasuo and Ekko were specifically mentioned. While considered some of the flashiest characters on the roster, Riot acknowledged that their weaknesses are not currently defined clearly enough at top-level play. Adjustments are planned to ensure each champion has more distinct strengths and trade-offs.

On the competitive side, the 2026 Challenger Series is already underway. The next event takes place at Genesis X3, with Riot continuing to invest in tournament support. The publisher is also building a new programme that will provide local tournament organisers with exclusive in-game prizing that cannot be earned elsewhere, aiming to strengthen grassroots communities.

Ranked Issues And Technical Fixes

Riot briefly touched on a few ongoing concerns. The team is monitoring edge cases in the Ranked matchmaking system to ensure fairer matches, particularly at higher tiers.

Console players have also raised concerns about screen tearing during gameplay. Riot confirmed it is working on a future update to address this issue, though no timeline was provided.

What This Signals For 2XKO In 2026

The confirmation of Akali and Senna helps stabilise the conversation around 2XKO after a turbulent few weeks. With a leaner development team and a trimmed seasonal roadmap, Riot appears focused on depth over volume, prioritising core gameplay clarity, competitive integrity, and social accessibility.

More details on both champions are expected in the coming months, including full gameplay breakdowns. For now, players have two major additions to theorycraft around as 2XKO continues shaping its identity within the fighting game scene.

The post 2XKO Confirms Akali And Senna As Upcoming Heroes For 2026, Riot Outlines Next Roadmap appeared first on Shane the Gamer.