Riot Games has issued a hotfix for League of Legends Patch 26.10 to address balance concerns surrounding the champion Smolder. The developer announced the adjustment on May 12, 2026, just one day after the patch originally launched. This rapid response targets the champion's overwhelming performance in the current meta.
Changes target a previous win rate of 54.42 percent
The hotfix reduces the damage output of Smolder's Q ability, Super Scorcher Breath, across all ranks. The base damage values dropped from 65, 80, 95, 110, and 125 to 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120. The ability retains its 130% bonus attack damage scaling. Riot also lowered the physical damage scaling of the Smolder W ability, Achooo!. The explosion damage now scales at 50% bonus attack damage instead of the previous 65%.
These changes aim to curb a win rate that reached 54.42% in the previous patch. Riot balance designer Matt Leung-Harrison stated that the team observed Smolder's power level continuing to grow. He identified the synergy with the Deathfire Touch rune as the primary factor driving this increase. The developer confirmed that this specific interaction will remain effective even after the nerfs are applied.
Insider Gaming reported that Smolder held one of the highest win rates in the game prior to this intervention. Sheep Esports also covered the developer's statements regarding the balance adjustments. The hotfix demonstrates Riot's willingness to intervene quickly when a single champion dominates the competitive landscape.
Source: Insider Gaming
