Patch 26.5 Overview

Patch 26.5 is a smaller pro-focus update compared to the previous two massive patches. Riot has toned down the scope with targeted nerfs to Orianna, Azir, and Neeko, along with several champion buffs and changes to Hubris and Locket. This guide breaks down the solo queue tier list for every role and helps you understand the current meta.

Item Changes

Hubris

The cost of Hubris drops from 3,000 to 2,800 gold. On champions like Kiana, Kane, Graves, or Draven, if you secure an early lead, rushing Hubris makes more sense. Draven and Graves were already finding success with this item before the buff and remain the front runners to benefit most.

Locket

Riot increases the active shield value. Previously it scaled from level 1 (200 to 360). In 26.5 it scales from level 8, providing 290 to 360 shielding. Locket becomes a stronger rush on hard-winning lanes. If you grab it at level eight or earlier, your shield is stronger than last patch.

Top Lane Tier List

Garen and Illaoi

Despite being balanced, Riot buffs Garen in two ways. Q movement speed duration is up in early game (1 to 1.4 seconds) and E damage increases from 38–50% to 40–52% total AD. Garen moves from A to S tier. Illaoi remains strong for lower ranks after her passive scaling buff. She is now a top five win rate top laner in Gold and below.

Fallen Picks

Ken, Riven, and Gwen were hit hard by recent nerfs and are no longer performing well. All three were S tier before the nerfs but now sit in B tier as lower-priority picks. Ornn and Singed remain the most consistent carries in the role.

Jungle Tier List

Lee Sin, Nocturne, Volibear

Kha’Zix Nerf and Sleepers

Kha’Zix loses Q bonus AD ratio (110% to 105%) and base movement speed (350 to 345). Base MS changes tend to be underestimated; he drops from S to A tier. Briar and Shyvana remain OP. Shen and Nasus jungle are strong sleepers with Protobelt tech. Shen excels against auto-reliant AD fighters like Viego, Briar, and Shyvana thanks to his W blocking their damage.

Mid Lane Tier List

Nerfs and Buffs

Orianna receives a Q cooldown nerf (6–3s to 7–3s), weakening her early bully power. She remains B or C tier. Taliyah’s Q base damage per rock drops; she stays in B tier. Azir loses health growth and remains C tier. Mel gets Q and R damage buffs plus passive minion mod reduction and moves from C to B tier.

Sleeper Mid Picks

ADC Tier List

Varus and Hex Optics

Lethality Varus loses significant Q damage (~42 at one item) and gains a 15% bonus AD ratio on W. W max on-hit Varus may become optimal. Varus drops from B to C tier. Hex Optics outperforms The Collector on many ADCs. Bloodthirster into Hex Optics second is recommended on Draven. Aphelios wins ~3% more rushing Hex Optics than Collector. Also consider Hex Optics rush on Caitlyn, Jinx, and Tristana.

Support Tier List

Neeko and Locket Priority

Neeko’s W cooldown now starts after the clone expires instead of on cast, effectively a 3-second nerf. She drops from A to B tier. Sona and Nami remain OP. The Locket buff makes it stronger as a rush; Thresh benefits most as he rushed Locket most in 26.4. For melee supports, choose between Locket and Banshee’s: Locket shines vs bursty combos (Lucian Nami, Tristana Nautilus); Banshee’s is better when you can brute-force the 2v2 or when burst threat is lower.

Conclusion

Patch 26.5 keeps the meta largely stable across roles. Garen rises in top lane; Kha’Zix falls in jungle. Mid lane sleepers like Annie, Kog’Maw, and Sion remain strong. ADC item priority shifts toward Hex Optics over Collector. Support stays dominated by Sona and Nami, with Locket becoming a more viable rush option. Use this tier list to make informed picks and optimize your climb in the current meta.