Riot Games has unleashed League of Legends Patch 25.23 on November 19, 2025, bringing the most anticipated update of the year: the return of Winter Rift after a seven-year absence, alongside Zaahen—the 172nd champion and newest Darkin warrior. This pre-season patch reshapes the jungle meta while celebrating Arcane’s one-year anniversary with festive content and legacy skin releases.
Table of Contents
League Patch 25.23 Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 19, 2025 |
| New Champion | Zaahen (The Unsundered) |
| Winter Rift | Available until early January 2026 |
| Legacy Skins | All Winter skins on sale |
| Jungle Updates | 8 champions buffed for jungle viability |
| Special Event | Arcane Anniversary celebration |
Zaahen: The Darkin Bruiser Arrives
Zaahen debuts as a top-lane Fighter/Bruiser with an aggressive, self-healing kit featuring a powerful revival mechanic. His Immortal Journey launch skin accompanies his release, though his Eternals are delayed until Patch 25.24 to allow community feedback on tracking meaningful moments.
Zaahen’s Kit Breakdown:
- Passive (Cultivation of War): Stacks Determination on attacks, gaining bonus AD per stack. At full stacks, Zaahen revives upon death with AoE knockback
- Q (The Darkin Glaive): Double slash dealing bonus damage with self-heal; recastable for knockup
- W (Dreaded Return): Linear stab that pulls enemies toward him
- E (Aureate Rush): Dash with AoE slash
- R (Ultimate): Aerial strike dealing massive damage with healing based on damage dealt
Winter Rift Returns After 7 Years
The Winter Rift is back with snow-covered lanes, festive music, and even Baron sporting tiny hats and mittens. All Winter legacy skins return to the shop until the map disables in early January 2026, with new winter-themed skins arriving in Patch 25.24.
Jungle Revolution: 8 Champions Join the Fray
Riot has adjusted several champions to be more viable in the jungle, including Aatrox, Jayce, Ornn, Sion, Riven, Fizz, Cho’Gath, and Ambessa. These changes add bonus monster damage and improved clearing capabilities, expanding jungle diversity before Season 2026.
Sunfire Aegis also receives monster damage buffs, enhancing tank jungler clear speeds across the board.
Champion Balance Changes
Major Nerfs:
- ADCs received significant nerfs, including Ashe, Caitlyn, Kai’Sa, and Jinx
- Kog’Maw attack speed reduced
- Swain damage adjustments
Key Buffs:
- Dr. Mundo bonus AD scaling improved
- Fizz early resilience enhanced
- Malphite jungle viability increased
Arcane Anniversary Celebration
One year since Arcane’s finale, all Arcane skins from Seasons 1 and 2 return to the shop, accompanied by behind-the-scenes content and limited merchandise. This celebration honors the groundbreaking Netflix series that expanded League’s universe.
System Updates
Champion select timers have been reduced in NA/OCE (expanding to more regions in 25.24), ARURF mode returns, and the Blue Essence Emporium is back for limited-time purchases. Streamer Mode also receives enhanced privacy protections.
For more League of Legends strategies and patch breakdowns, visit TechnoSports. Check the official League of Legends website for complete patch details.
FAQs
Q: Can I still play Xin Zhao now that Zaahen’s lore shows he was reborn after Xin Zhao’s death?
A: Yes! Despite the lore connection, both champions remain fully playable in-game. Zaahen’s backstory doesn’t affect Xin Zhao’s availability—this is similar to how multiple timeline versions of champions can coexist in League’s gameplay sandbox.
Q: How long will the Winter Rift and legacy skins be available?
A: The Winter Rift will remain active until early January 2026, giving players approximately six weeks to enjoy the festive map. All Winter legacy skins stay purchasable during this period, so grab your favorites before they return to the vault. New winter-themed skins launch in Patch 25.24 for even more holiday options.
