In the ever-evolving world of League of Legends, the only constant is change. Every two weeks, players wait for the latest patch — a wave of adjustments that can buff champions, nerf overperformers, rework items, fix bugs, or introduce brand-new content. But what exactly does “patching” mean in League of Legends? And why is it so important?
Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive climber, understanding patches is key to staying ahead in the meta. Here’s what patching means, how it works, and why every click of the “Update” button matters.
What Is Patching?
Patching refers to the process of updating the game client and its files with new content or changes made by Riot Games. In essence, a patch is a software update that modifies the game. These changes can be as minor as bug fixes or as major as complete champion overhauls.
For League of Legends, patches are typically released every two weeks, and each patch has its own number — for example, Patch 14.7 or 14.8 — indicating the season and update order.
What Does a Patch Include?
Each patch can contain a variety of updates:
- Balance changes: Buffs, nerfs, and adjustments to champions, items, runes, and systems.
- New content: Champions, skins, events, or features like new game modes.
- Bug fixes: Fixes for gameplay issues, visual bugs, or client stability problems.
- System tweaks: Changes to matchmaking, LP calculations, or ranked season updates.
- Lore updates: Occasionally, patches include new bios, voice lines, or event narratives.
These updates are detailed in the official patch notes, published on Riot’s website the day of the patch.
Why Is Patching Important?
League of Legends is a live-service game, meaning it constantly evolves in response to data, feedback, and competitive trends. Patching allows Riot to:
- Maintain balance across over 160 champions and countless item combinations.
- Adjust the meta, so gameplay remains fresh and diverse.
- Respond to bugs or exploits that affect fairness or functionality.
- Introduce new experiences, like seasonal events, limited-time modes, or champion releases.
Without patches, the game would stagnate — and dominant strategies would go unchallenged.
How Do Patches Affect Players?
For players, patching means:
- Logging in to download updates: Patches are mandatory and must be downloaded before you can play.
- Adapting to new metas: If your favorite champion gets nerfed or a new item becomes overpowered, your playstyle may need to change.
- Following the patch notes: High-level players and content creators analyze patches to determine tier lists and strategies.
- Seasonal resets: Some patches include ranked season changes or preseason overhauls.
Patch Timing and Rollout
Patches usually drop on a Wednesday, with a predictable schedule:
- Patch Preview: Riot shares early notes on social media.
- Full Patch Notes: Released one day before launch.
- Patch Release: Servers go down briefly in the early morning (PST) for maintenance and update deployment.
Riot sometimes introduces “micropatches” or hotfixes shortly after a patch to quickly correct bugs or balance oversights.
Community and Competitive Impact
Patches aren’t just background updates — they shape the entire game ecosystem. For example:
- Pro play: Teams study upcoming patches to prep for tournaments.
- Streamers and content creators: Release patch reviews, tier lists, and gameplay tips.
- Casual players: Often feel the effects through champion strength shifts or bug fixes.
A single patch can make or break a strategy, influence pick rates, or revive forgotten champions.
Final Thoughts: The Game That Never Stands Still
In League of Legends, patching isn’t just maintenance — it’s evolution. It reflects Riot’s ongoing dialogue with its player base and its commitment to keeping the game balanced, exciting, and fair. Every patch brings change, and every change creates opportunities — whether it’s discovering a new OP champion or mastering an emerging strategy.
So the next time your client says “patching in progress,” know that it’s not just downloading data — it’s updating the battlefield.
Written by:
Christian