Riot Resets Apex Ranked Ladder in Patch 26.09 Across EU and NA

Riot Games is taking an unusual step to address ongoing issues in high-level ranked play, confirming a full reset of the Apex ladder in Patch 26.09. The change targets Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger players across major regions including EUW, EUNE, and North America.

According to Riot, all affected players will be reset to Master 0 LP, with both visible rank and hidden MMR wiped when the patch goes live.

Why Riot Is Resetting Ranked Mid-Season

A mid-season reset is rare for League of Legends, but Riot says the decision comes after months of instability at the top of the ladder. Changes introduced earlier this year, including adjustments to matchmaking, LP gains, and duo queue at high ranks, led to inconsistent results for many players.

Some players experienced uneven LP gains, such as gaining significantly less LP for wins while losing more on defeats, depending on the patch they were playing on. Riot acknowledged these issues, admitting that early 2026 changes created a system where progression did not accurately reflect skill.

While later patches attempted to fix these problems, the damage had already been done. The current ladder, according to Riot, no longer represents a fair competitive environment.

A Full Reset for Competitive Integrity

With Patch 26.09, Riot is effectively wiping the slate clean for top-tier players. Everyone in the Apex tiers will start again from the same point, regardless of previous rank.

The goal is to restore competitive integrity and ensure that rankings properly reflect player performance moving forward. Riot also noted that feedback from high-level players supported this approach, even if it means short-term disruption.

However, the reset will not be without issues. Riot Games has warned that matchmaking may feel uneven in the early stages, as former Challenger players could be matched with lower-ranked opponents while the system stabilizes.

What This Means for Players

For high-elo players, the reset represents both a frustration and an opportunity. Months of progress will be erased, but it also offers a fresh climb under a more stable system.

In the short term, players can expect volatile matchmaking and unpredictable games. Over time, Riot expects the ladder to settle into a more accurate representation of skill across regions.

The reset is set to roll out with Patch 26.09 at the start of Season 2, marking one of the most significant ranked changes in recent years.

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