League of Legends Season 1 of 2026 expands the game beyond gameplay systems, introducing a wave of new thematic content centered on Demacia, alongside a long-awaited Shyvana update and a packed slate of cosmetic releases.
At the heart of the League season is Demacia Rising, a brand new meta game launching with Season 1 in 2026. The experience allows players to follow the growth of Demacia from a modest settlement into a powerful kingdom that we know today in Runeterra, which absolutely hates magic. Its progression unfolds gradually across the season. The developer has confirmed that the mini game will evolve through regular updates, giving players new milestones and narrative developments over time rather than delivering everything at once.
The Summoner’s Rift map will receive visual updates inspired by Demacia’s identity, including petricite-themed structures and gold-accented elements that reflect Demacia’s ideals of order, justice, and unity.
One of the most anticipated updates of the season arrives in Act two with Shyvana’s VGU. The champion is receiving a full visual overhaul for both her human and dragon forms, and players have already seen a glimpse of that in the latest Salvation cinematic. While her core gameplay remains familiar, Riot has confirmed that her kit includes minor adjustments. The developer’s Full ability details will be revealed closer to her release later in the season.
As we saw Yunara coming to Demacia with the news, the developer plans to release multiple motion comics throughout the season, expanding on the story introduced in the opening cinematic and offering deeper insight into Demacia and its characters.
On the cosmetic side, season one delivers a wide range of new skins. Battle Academia skins for Briar and Samira arrive in Patch 26.02, alongside mecha anime-inspired skins for Galio and Ornn. Lunar Revel celebrations will see the return of the Firecracker skin line, joined by a new Petals of Spring thematic developed in collaboration with Wild Rift. One of the skins has already been confirmed for Lillia.
Additional releases include standalone April Fools’ skins, a darker Demacia-inspired skin set in Act 2, and an entirely new skin thematic debuting around the First Stand esports event. The Prestige Veiled Lady Morgana launches at the start of the season, with Prestige skins for Sona and Mordekaiser planned later in the year. Revenant Reign Viego, an Exalted-tier skin, will be available through The Sanctum, while Ranked players can earn Victorious Braum by competing during Season 1.
The Demacia Rising meta game, Shyvana’s update, and an expansive lineup of skins position Season 1 as one of League’s most content-rich seasonal launches in recent years.
