In the latest Dev Update, Riot Games developers Pabro and Meddler delivered a comprehensive overview of upcoming changes across League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and beyond. Highlights include the expansion of voice chat to entire teams, a musical spotlight in Season 3 Act 2, significant updates to Classic mode, and a fresh ARAM Mayhem event. Here’s a breakdown of what players can expect in the coming patches.

Team Voice Chat Expansion and Honor Integration

Voice communication is taking a leap forward. Currently, players can only talk with their premade party, but soon you’ll be able to chat with all teammates in a match. Riot is rolling out robust backend improvements, including better noise cancellation, faster connection times, and increased stability to handle the larger user base.

  • Access to voice chat will be tied to Honor level, encouraging positive in-game behavior.
  • Moderation tools will be implemented to ensure a safe environment for all players.
  • The feature will launch in North America and Oceania with Patch 26.20, with more regions following based on success.

Alongside this, Riot is introducing voice skins—cosmetic modifications that alter your voice. These skins are designed to remain clear and understandable even during chaotic teamfights, ensuring communication isn’t compromised.

Classic Mode Gets Visual and Gameplay Enhancements

Classic mode, which has been in the spotlight recently, received a wave of improvements based on player feedback. The first Council vote concluded, with results to be announced soon. Visually, the map now features brighter lighting and updated textures to recapture that nostalgic feel. Gameplay-wise, Riot has made progression faster and more rewarding.

  • Increased IP and XP gain rates to accelerate progression.
  • Two additional Rune Pages granted to all players.
  • A second Win of the Day bonus added for extra rewards.
  • Reduced prices on many runes to make builds more accessible.

Champion additions continue with Demacian champions arriving in Patch 26.18: Poppy, Xin Zhao, Shyvana, Galio, and Fiora. Following that, Graves and three other Bilgewater champions will join the roster in the next patch.

ARAM Mayhem Returns with a Musical Twist

ARAM: Mayhem is back, and this time it’s all about music. Starting in Patch 26.2, the event will feature a music-themed set with new Augments. When players spawn, a musical act will take center stage, adding variety to each match—similar to Arena’s Guests of Honor. Additionally, new in-game missions will offer rewards separate from the Mayhem progression track, giving players even more goals to pursue.

Ranked 5s Improvements and Esports Updates

Ranked 5s is getting a fresh start with Patch 26.18, incorporating feedback from the initial June-September run. Rewards from that first season will be distributed in the same patch. A strategic draft phase is being introduced, similar to Clash, allowing teams to see opponent information before picks and bans. The queue window is also extended, starting earlier and ending later each weekend to accommodate more matches. Another opportunity to earn rewards will follow after the September-December run.

In esports news, the League Partner Program applications are now open, with details available on Riot’s social channels. The 2025 World Championship kicks off on October 15 in Los Angeles, California, with the Finals scheduled for November 14 in Brooklyn, New York.

Source: Riot Games Dev Update, 'TL;DW: Team Voice, Classic & More Dev Update' – https://www.leagueoflegends.com/en-us/news/dev/tldw-team-voice-classic-more-dev-update