League of Legends Patch 25.16 Preview

Patch 25.16 introduces a wide set of champion changes aimed at refreshing gameplay by enabling new roles and shaking up system dynamics. While League of Legends is currently in a balanced state, Riot acknowledges feedback that the meta feels stagnant and is using this patch to experiment without major disruption.

The patch features adjustments that open up new role opportunities for champions such as Nautilus (jungle), Sylas (jungle), Sion (AD top), Mordekaiser (AD), and Viego (mid). Riot clarifies that such shifts are harder to implement during chaotic metas, and this quieter balance period presents a unique window to do so. Meanwhile, system-level tweaks like the removal of Baron Nashor’s in-combat healing and a buff to Hexplate aim to improve objective clarity and item diversity.

Champion Buffs
Brand
Gnar
Illaoi
Kalista
Master Yi
Morgana
Nautilus (Jungle)
Qiyana (Jungle/Mid)
Rek’Sai
Sion (AD)
Sylas (Jungle)
Zyra
Champion Nerfs
Jarvan IV
Lulu
Nocturne
Rell
Shaco
Trundle
Xin Zhao
Yuumi

Champion Adjustments
Mordekaiser (AD variant)
Varus (Lethality vs. On-hit tradeoffs)
Viego (Jungle vs. Mid)
Warwick (Top vs. Jungle)

System Buffs
Experimental ULTplate – item receiving buffs to increase usage viability.

System Adjustments
Baron Nashor – loses in-combat HP regeneration to improve Smite consistency.
Hexplate – buffed overall, with a compensating nerf to Nocturne.

Patch 25.16 arrives during a rare moment of meta stability, following the nerf-heavy 25.15 update. Riot acknowledges growing feedback from high-skill players that the game feels too "solved" or unchanging between patches. While overall balance remains healthy, this patch looks to inject freshness by exploring off-meta roles—such as jungle Qiyana, mid Viego, and AD Sion—without disrupting casual play.