Riot Games has introduced a new, 173rd champion for League of Legends named Locke, releasing a 2D animated cinematic titled Back from the Brink.
Locke will be the only champion added to the game’s roster in 2026. The developers have deliberately limited the number of new releases in order to focus on visual and gameplay updates for older champions — including Shyvana and another Demacian champion — as well as preparations for the major League Next update planned for 2027.
Locke is a Demacian demon hunter known as the Ashen Exorcist. According to rumors, he will serve as an AP assassin in the game.
The story of the presentation cinematic explores Locke’s connection with Vayne, who has fallen under demonic influence. During an intense battle, Locke uses a mystical skull that absorbs dark powers and frees the heroine’s mind.
Locke is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, alongside Patch 26.13. Although the international esports tournament Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) will also be played on this patch, the new champion will most likely be disabled for professional play during the competition.
As a reminder, the Barbie Rewind collection will launch one week before the release of Grand Theft Auto 6.
