In a Nutshell

• League of Legends Season 1: For Demacia officially begins January 8, 2026, with new gameplay systems and thematic updates.
• Updates include role quests, faster game pacing, new map features, and extended ARAM Mayhem mode.
• LoL Esports 2026 introduces format changes, with global events in Brazil, South Korea, and North America.

Riot Games has officially launched League of Legends Season 1: For Demacia, marking the start of 2026 with a cinematic reveal and an original track titled Salvation (ft. Forts).

The new season introduces a wide range of thematic updates centered around the kingdom of Demacia, spanning gameplay, skins, and competitive play.

League of Legends 2026 Season 1 Gameplay Updates

Season 1 brings significant gameplay changes aimed at diversifying strategies and improving role balance:

• Role Quests – Each role now has unique progression conditions and rewards, such as faster recall for mid laners or a seventh item slot for bot laners.
• Faster Pacing – Champ Select, minion waves, and jungle spawns have all been sped up to get players into action sooner.
• New Map Features – Faelights and Crystalline Overgrowth add fresh tactical elements to Summoner’s Rift.
• ARAM Mayhem – The popular mode will remain available longer, with a larger update planned for Patch 26.03.

Esports Format Changes

LoL Esports is also evolving in 2026 with new competitive structures:

• First Stand – A global event from March 16–22 in São Paulo, Brazil, featuring eight teams across major regions in best‑of‑five matches.
• Mid-Season Invitational – Hosted in Daejeon, South Korea.
• Worlds 2026 – Returning to North America, with stops in Texas and New York.