League of Legends Dev Blog Reveals Locke, Ranked 5s, and ARAM Mayhem Updates
Riot Games has released a new League of Legends Dev Blog that teased several changes planned for the game. The May 28 update revealed Locke as the next champion, updates to ARAM: Mayhem, and an experimental new Ranked 5s queue. It also included details on new skins, an update to the reporting system, and information on the 2026 Mid-Season Invitational.
Riot Reveals New Champion Locke
The Dev Blog confirmed that Locke will be the next champion coming to League of Legends. Riot described the champion as a "high burst assassin" that relies heavily on proper setup to maximize damage output. Locke is scheduled to release in Patch 26.13.
ARAM: Mayhem Updates Coming in Patch 26.12
Riot also shared new information regarding upcoming changes planned for ARAM: Mayhem. According to the update, the development team is continuing work on future Mayhem updates for 2026. They've also started planning for updates that will come in 2027.
One of the biggest changes arriving in Patch 26.12 is the removal of the current Trait system. However, Riot stated that several popular Traits will remain in the mode through new Augments.
The update will also introduce a new category called Ability Augments. Riot provided Blitzcrank as an example, noting that one Augment will allow the champion to hook multiple enemies at once.
Riot Testing New ARAM Wardrobe System
Riot Games is also testing a new feature called ARAM Wardrobe in Brazil and Oceania. The system will allow players to access most Epic-tier and lower skins released before 2026 while playing ARAM and ARAM: Mayhem.
The feature will cost 1350 RP and will also include eligible time-limited skins whenever they become available in the in-game shop.
New League of Legends Skins Announced
Several upcoming skin lines were also revealed during the Dev Blog.
Patch 26.12 will introduce Sinful Shores skins for Hwei and Brand alongside a Prestige skin for LeBlanc.
Following that release, Riot confirmed that Akshan and Locke will receive High Noon skins. The Broken Covenant skin line will also return during the 2026 Mid-Season Invitational with skins for Aurora, Shen, and Jhin. Riot additionally confirmed that Jhin's skin will serve as the MSI 2026 revenue-sharing cosmetic.
The update also revealed that T1's 2025 Worlds skins will arrive in July. Meanwhile, this season's Victorious skin will go to Rengar.
Riot Experimenting With Ranked 5s Queue
Riot Games also announced plans to test a new Ranked queue designed specifically for full five-player parties called Ranked 5s.
According to the Dev Blog, the queue will only be available during limited testing windows over the course of several weeks. Riot explained that the restricted schedule is intended to help maintain balanced matchmaking between equally skilled teams.
Riot Adds New Reporting and Restriction Tracking Features
Starting this Act, players will be able to report abusive communication sent through direct messages.
Riot is also developing a new tracking system that will help players better understand which features and rewards are currently available on their accounts. This includes systems tied to Honor rewards, chat restrictions, queue restrictions, and additional future features.
MSI 2026 Schedule and Venue Confirmed
The Dev Blog also confirmed that MSI 2026 will take place at the Daejeon Convention Center II in Daejeon, South Korea from June 28 through July 12.
Play-ins will run from June 28 to July 1. The Bracket Stage will then take place from July 3-6 and July 8-12, with the Finals scheduled for July 12.
Riot additionally teased that viewers who tune into the MSI Finals broadcast will get a sneak peek at content planned for Season 3.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 12:19 AM.