Riot plans to remove Mel's projectile reflection in patch 26.22

Riot plans to remove Mel’s projectile reflection in patch 26.22

Riot Games has announced a midscope update for Mel that will remove the projectile-reflection mechanic from Rebuttal, her W ability, while adjusting her damage pattern and defensive scaling.

The changes are planned for patch 26.22, with Riot aiming to reduce frustration for opponents without abandoning Mel’s role as a defensive mage.

Rebuttal becomes a team protection tool

The revised W will release a projectile-destroying nova, shield nearby teammates and grant movement speed. It will retaliate with a small amount of damage instead of returning the original enemy spell.

This removes interactions such as reflecting Seraphine’s ultimate or Jhin’s fourth shot.

Riot said it explored ways to preserve reflection, but the tested versions either remained too frustrating or moved too far from what Mel players enjoyed.

Less early power, more repeated spellcasting

Mel will lose some early durability and passive damage in exchange for scaling health and armor. Her Q will become slightly slower, with more damage shifted into subsequent hits.

Her E root will last less time against nearby targets and longer against distant ones. Riot also plans a flat Q cooldown refund when it hits an enemy champion and stronger ultimate cooldown reduction as the ability gains ranks.