League of Legends 2: Is Riot Preparing a Major Evolution for 2026?

For over a decade, League of Legends has been the undisputed benchmark of the MOBA genre. Now, a series of leaks suggests that Riot Games may be developing a sequel that would modernize the game from the ground up.

Where Did the Rumor Come From?

Speculation began when Park “Thanatos” Seong-gyu, a professional Cloud9 player, posted on Weibo that Riot is working on League of Legends 2. Although the post was deleted, other insiders like Summoner Park backed the claim, suggesting the release could happen in the second half of 2026.

What Changes Are Expected?

According to the leaks, Riot is aiming for a deep technical overhaul:

• New graphics engine, built from scratch to eliminate legacy code from 2009 and improve compatibility, performance, and visuals
• Champion rebalancing, preserving their abilities but refining stats and technical behavior
• Launcher improvements, with a more modern and fluid interface
• Preservation of skins and progress, ensuring players don’t lose their collections or achievements

The goal is to offer a smoother, more current experience without altering the core gameplay millions know and love.

Why Now?

LoL’s current engine has been patched and modified for years, but its technical limitations are becoming more apparent. With the rise of new titles and technologies like Unreal Engine 5, Riot may be looking for a way to maintain its dominance without compromising classic gameplay.

Additionally, 2026 will mark the game’s 16th anniversary, a symbolic milestone to introduce a more robust version built for the future.

Is It Official?

No. Riot Games has not publicly confirmed the development of League of Legends 2. All available information comes from unofficial sources. However, the company’s silence could suggest the project is in early stages or that a strategic announcement is being prepared.

What Would It Mean for Players?

If the rumors prove true, players could expect:

• A smoother and more visually appealing experience
• Better compatibility with modern hardware
• A more balanced and fair competitive environment
• Preservation of their investment in skins, champions, and progress

Still, questions remain: Will it be a separate game or a massive update? How will the esports transition be handled? Will the classic gameplay style remain intact?

League of Legends 2 could be Riot Games’ next logical step—a way to update its most iconic title without losing what made it special. For now, the community watches with cautious optimism and growing excitement.

What’s coming could be the biggest technical leap in League of Legends history.