League of Legends enthusiasts, prepare for an exciting overhaul in the 2026 Ranked season! The masterminds at Riot Games are set to transform the competitive landscape by addressing key areas that have long frustrated players: autofill, dodging issues, queue times, and rank distribution. This bold move promises to enhance the gaming experience for all Summoners.
Revamped Matchmaking and Aegis of Valor
Riot Games has unveiled a new matchmaking system, aiming for fairer matches. Reports suggest this system will pair autofilled players against each other in the same role or ensure a balanced number of autofilled players on both teams. If neither condition is met, the team with more autofilled players will be supplemented by higher MMR teammates. Furthermore, the introduction of the Aegis of Valor system is a game-changer. It grants a significant boost: either doubling LP gain or safeguarding players from LP loss when achieving at least a C mastery grade in an autofilled role. This incentivizes players to embrace autofilled roles without fear of losing rank.
Faster Champ Select and Better Rank Alignment for 2026
The upcoming season also aims to streamline the pre-game experience by trimming down champion select times by about 30 seconds and eliminating the option to ban champions hovered by allies. Riot is also set to recalibrate the lower tiers of the ranked ladder by introducing a new climb indicator. This tool will alert players when their visible rank doesn’t reflect their actual MMR, ensuring a smoother progression. The 2026 season changes, including better MMR alignment between Flex and Solo/Duo queues, are expected to go live as the new season kicks off in January, promising an engaging and balanced gameplay experience.