Editorial

Patch notes — Page 7

Hand-written analysis when we cover a patch. The Steam News feed below covers the rest of the games we track, automatically refreshed every 30 minutes.

From the editors

Editorial patch notes

Hand-written when our writers cover a patch in depth.

40 notes

patch-noteswarframe2026-08-17T09:02:25.419Z

Warframe: 1999 finale patch notes — The Hex concludes, new warframe, new questline

Warframe's 1999 expansion finale wraps the Hex storyline, adds the new Cinderframe warframe, opens a new endgame zone (The Undercroft), and ships a year-end celebration event. Full patch notes.

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patch-noteswarframe2026-08-17T09:02:25.419Z

Warframe Dog Days 2026 + Amir's Shockwave Nightwave — full August event notes

Warframe's August 2026 drops include Dog Days 2026 (Aug 4), Amir's Shockwave Nightwave (Aug 12), Fables & Frontiers: Running Late (Aug 12), six new Tennogen items including the first for Oraxia and Kullervo, and the Baruuk Deluxe Shaoshi skin. Plus 5 double-Affinity weekends from Aug 6 through Sep 3.

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patch-noteswuthering-waves2026-08-17T09:02:25.419Z

Wuthering Waves 3.5 — Huanglong return, Yangyang SP debut, and the road to Mengzhou in 3.6

Wuthering Waves Version 3.5 is live (Jul 9 - Aug 20, 2026). Headline is the return to Huanglong and the debut of Yangyang SP, the first alternate-version Resonator. Plus the new Suisui 4-star, the Starpath Reverbs Resonator banner, and a setup for Version 3.6's Mengzhou reveal.

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zenless-zone-zero2026-08-17T09:02:25.419Z

Zenless Zone Zero 2.4 patch notes — WatchEye of Motorcity, new Hollow, Astra Yao rerun

ZZZ 2.4 launches August 20 with the WatchEye of Motorcity season, a new Investigation zone, the Astra Yao rerun banner, a rework of Anomaly class mechanics, and the new "Smart Bomb Bangboo" combat pet. Includes 600+ Polychrome compensation for the delay.

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league-of-legends2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

League of Legends Patch 25.16: Worlds calibration begins

The 25.16 patch is the first balance pass focused on the Worlds 2026 meta. Three mid-lane mages return to the spotlight, jungle clears get a small QoL buff, and the new ranked-decay grace period is finally live.

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league-of-legends2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

League of Legends Patch 25.17: Season 3 launch with Doom Bots

LoL's Season 3 begins August 27 with the return of Doom Bots, the Xin Zhao visual update, Vayne and Sett in the jungle, and the new seasonal Battle Pass. Patch 25.17 is the second-to-last major patch before Worlds 2026.

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patch-notesleague-of-legends2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

League of Legends patch 25.16 — Briar nerf, Smolder buff, ARAM balance pass

LoL patch 25.16 ships Aug 14. Briar E cooldown nerfed (12s → 16s), Smolder Q damage buffed, ARAM balance pass (12 champions adjusted), and a ranked decay change for high-Elo players. Worlds 2026 patch preview at the end.

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league-of-legends2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

League of Legends Patch 16.15 patch notes — Worlds prep begins

Patch 16.15 is the first Worlds prep patch. Three mid-tier junglers get buffed (Vi, Lee Sin, Viego), two top-lane bullies get nerfed (Camille, Renekton), and the new Warding system overhaul lands. Patch hits live servers August 13, 2026.

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patch-notesmarvel-rivals2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Marvel Rivals 3.5 Blade — full August 8 + August 21 follow-up patch notes

Full notes for the Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 Blade update on August 8 and the August 21 follow-up. Includes the Blade hero release, 2 team-ups removed, 2 team-ups added, ranked MMR overhaul with team-size caps by rank, automated chat moderation, and the August 21 sustain buffs.

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patch-notesmarvel-rivals2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 — full patch notes for the Blade update (August 8 + August 21 follow-up)

Full patch notes for the Marvel Rivals Season 3.5 update on August 8, including the Blade hero, team-up rework, ranked matchmaking changes, and the August 21 follow-up balance pass that buffed Blade's sustain. Includes every hero buff and nerf.

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patch-notesmarvel-rivals2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Marvel Rivals Season 3 Empire of Eternal Night — full patch notes

Marvel Rivals Season 3 "Empire of Eternal Night" launches with two new heroes (Doctor Doom and Clea), a new 6v6 mode (Doom's Domain), a new map (Castle Doom), and a new ranked tier. Full patch notes.

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patch-notes2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Marvel Snap August 2026 hotfix — Sandman nerf, Agent 13 buff, the meta shift explained

Second Dinner shipped a balance hotfix on August 2 with changes to Sandman, Agent 13, and three underused cards. The patch opens the meta after the Loki nerf, with the Bounce, Move, and Sandman-Onslaught archetypes all viable for the first time since 2025. This article breaks down every change and the new tier list.

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marvel-snap2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Marvel Snap August 3 balance patch: full breakdown

Marvel Snap August 3 balance patch nerfs the dominant Sandman + Lockjaw decks, buffs Zabu and Darkhawk, and adds a new Spotlight Cache. The last balance pass before the Fractured Frontier season launches Aug 4.

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patch-notesmarvel-snap2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Marvel Snap August 3 balance patch — Hawkeye + Hulkbuster + Vision buffed, Captain Marvel nerfed

Marvel Snap's August 3 OTA patch is a buff-heavy update ahead of the August 8 full patch. Hawkeye +1 Power on the On Reveal, Hulkbuster +1 Power, Vision +1 Power, Captain Marvel moved to a different slot (5/6 -> 4/5). Plus Absorbing Man gets +2 Power. Smaller meta shifts than July's patch but a solid set of buffs.

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overwatch-22026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Overwatch 2 Season 18 patch notes (August 26, 2026)

OW2 Season 18 launches August 26 with Wuyang, the new Payload Race mode, Stadium Quick Play with crossplay, Hero Progression 2.0, and the biggest balance patch of 2026 (Roadhog rework, 60+ new perks, 8 hero updates).

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patch-notesoverwatch2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Overwatch 2 Season 18 Stadium overhaul — full patch notes

Overwatch 2 Season 18 overhauls the Stadium mode, introduces hero bans to ranked, and adds a new Healer meta. Full patch notes for the most ambitious gameplay change since the Stadium mode launch.

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path-of-exile-22026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Path of Exile 2 0.5.0 'Return of the Ancients' patch notes

PoE2's 0.5.0 'Return of the Ancients' patch brings the Huntress class, Smith of Kitava ascendancy, a full endgame overhaul, and the Runes of Aldur league. The final Early Access league before 1.0.

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patch-notesrocket-league2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Rocket League Season 21 — Pursuit in Paris brings Ranked Heatseeker, Parc de Paris Arena, RLCS 2026 decals

Rocket League Season 21 (December 10, 2025 - March 11, 2026) brought Ranked Heatseeker, the Parc de Paris Arena, improved Quads matchmaking, RLCS 2026 decals, and the 'Bring the Heat' event. French-themed season with French music, French designs, and the first real-life location-based arena in the game.

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patch-notesvalorant2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Valorant Episode 14 Act 1 patch notes — new agent, Sunset rework, ranked refresh

Valorant Episode 14 Act 1 launches with a new Initiator agent (Waylay), a major rework of Sunset, a fresh ranked split, and a new battle pass. Full patch notes.

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patch-notesvalorant2026-08-17T09:02:25.415Z

Valorant patch 9.07b notes — Sage wall HP buff, Ascent tweaks, Reyna flash duration fix

Valorant 9.07b shipped Aug 12 with a Sage Barrier Orb durability buff (400 → 500 HP), Ascent mid boxes repositioned for better CT-side cover, and a Reyna Leer duration fix (1.6s → 2.0s). Plus Premier Act 3 schedule and the VCT 2026 Champions ticket pre-sale.

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patch-notescounter-strike-22026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Counter-Strike 2 July 2026 update — Cache returns to Active Duty, Premier Season 5, C4 explosion rework

CS2's July 8, 2026 update added Cache to the Active Duty Map Pool, removed Overpass, launched Premier Season 5, and reworked the C4 explosion model. New weapon collections (Spy Tech + Arabesque), new sticker collections, and a Source 2 engine update. Plus the Cologne 2026 Major shop and sticker pricing tools.

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patch-notescounter-strike-22026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

CS2 Operation Breakthrough patch notes — new Premier mode, three new maps, weapon changes

CS2's Operation Breakthrough ships the new Premier map-pick mode, three new competitive maps (Ravine, Calavera, Cobblestone reworked), and a balance pass on the M4A1-S and the AK-47. Here's the full patch breakdown.

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counter-strike-22026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

CS2 Premier Season 5 + Cache rework — August 3, 2026 patch notes

Valve dropped a ~10GB CS2 update on August 3, 2026, officially launching Premier Season 5 and shipping the Cache rework plus new scripting API for map creators. Full breakdown of every change.

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deadlock2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Deadlock August 2026 update: 6 new heroes drip-fed, community voting, Hideout pre-game lobby

The August 18 Deadlock update adds 6 new heroes drip-fed over 2 weeks, community voting on release order, the Hideout pre-game lobby, and the long-awaited profile page. The biggest content drop since the August 2024 reveal.

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deep-rock-galactic-survivor2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor update 1.0 'The Hollows'

DRG Survivor 1.0 launches August 18 with the new Hollows biome, 4 new classes, and the deep-rock season pass. The full release leaves Early Access after 18 months.

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delta-force2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Delta Force August 2026 Warfare patch notes

Delta Force's August Warfare patch reworks the Layton Grove map, buffs 4 underused weapons, and adds a new 64-player "Rush" mode for Layton Grove.

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diablo-immortal2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Diablo Immortal Season 15 patch notes — Bone Prison raid, monetization rollback, 2 new Helliquary bosses

Diablo Immortal's Season 15 "Bone Prison" launches August 18 with the first 12-player raid (Cathedral of Bones), 2 new Helliquary bosses (Lilith and Diablo), and a sweeping monetization rollback — the Legendary Crate system is being removed entirely. Plus a new zone (The Dry Steppes) and full cross-progression parity between mobile and PC.

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patch-notesdota-22026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Dota 2 Patch 7.39c — the meta stabilizes ahead of TI qualifiers

Dota 2 Patch 7.39c is a balance pass ahead of the TI 2026 qualifiers. The patch targets the most overperforming heroes and items, with a focus on stabilizing the meta for competitive play.

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patch-notes2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Dota 2 7.39d patch notes — neutral item rework, Aghanim's Shard drop rate, and 14 hero changes

Dota 2 7.39d is a small-to-medium balance patch focused on the new neutral item drop rates. The big change: Tier 4 and 5 neutral items now have a 35% combined drop rate after the 30-minute mark (was 18%). 14 heroes get targeted buffs and nerfs, mostly in the mid-tier competitive scene.

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fortnite2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 hotfix — map changes, weapon nerfs, and the new live event countdown

Fortnite 34.20 lands with a small map rework, three weapon nerfs (including the controversial Drum Gun), and the start of the live event countdown. Here's what changes and how to prep.

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patch-notesfortnite2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 patch notes — new map, new weapons, ranked refresh

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 ships a new map focused on a post-apocalyptic wasteland theme, four new weapons (including the railgun rework), a new mobility item, and a major ranked refresh. Full patch notes.

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fortnite2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 'Shaken' launch recap

Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 'Shaken' launched July 30 with a new island location, Spider-Man collaboration, and the end of Chapter 7 Season 3 'Runners' on August 19. The new season is rumored to be a 1-month mini-season.

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fragpunk2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

FragPunk July 2026 patch 1.4 notes: Shard Card rework

FragPunk's 1.4 patch is a Shard Card system rework. 20 cards rebalanced, 5 new cards, and a veto system that lets teams block 1 card per round.

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genshin-impact2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Genshin Impact 5.0 'Flowers Resplendent' patch notes

Genshin Impact 5.0 launches August 28 with the Natlan region, Mualani + Kachina + Kinich, 4th anniversary rewards, Capturing Radiance gacha, World Level 9, and Sanctifying Elixir. The biggest patch of 2026.

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hearthstone2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Hearthstone 'Whispers of the Old Gods' expansion: full breakdown (Aug 26)

Hearthstone 'Whispers of the Old Gods' expansion launches August 26 with 135 new cards, the Corruption keyword, the Old Gods neutral minion cycle, 110 free packs, and the Twist mode return. The most-anticipated Hearthstone expansion since Murder at Castle Nathria (2022).

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patch-noteshonkai-star-rail2026-08-17T09:02:25.414Z

Honkai Star Rail 4.4 — Fate collaboration breakdown (Rin Tohsaka, Gilgamesh, Himeko Nova, Kafka rerun)

Honkai Star Rail Version 4.4 is live (July 15 - Aug 25, 2026). Headline is the Fate collaboration with Rin Tohsaka, Gilgamesh, and Himeko Nova. Plus multiple 5-star reruns (Sparxie, Permansor Terrae, Evernight, Cerydra, Anaxa, Aventurine). Banner phases, new mechanics, and the meta impact.

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apex-legends2026-08-17T09:02:25.413Z

Apex Legends Season 23: From the Ashes

Respawn's mid-year season drop. New legend, new map, ranked rework that finally brings the algorithm into the cross-progression era. The Newcastle-Horizon TTK rebalance is the most-requested community change of the past two seasons.

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apex-legends2026-08-17T09:02:25.413Z

Apex Legends Season 24.1 patch notes — Conduit balance pass, World's Edge rework, and the Catalyst buff

Apex 24.1 is a mid-Season-24 patch with a Conduit balance pass, a World's Edge rework, a Catalyst buff, and a new ranked reward track. Here's what changes and how to adapt your play.

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patch-notesapex-legends2026-08-17T09:02:25.413Z

Apex Legends Season 24 Takeover — Ash + Ballistic rework, helmet removal, new Mythic armor

Apex Legends Season 24: Takeover drops a major Ash + Ballistic rework, removes all standard helmets, adds a new Mythic armor system, and launches the Creator Commissioner event. R-99 returns to floor loot, Peacekeeper enters the Care Package. Full breakdown of the meta shifts.

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apex-legends2026-08-17T09:02:25.413Z

Apex Legends Season 30 'Marked' patch notes: full breakdown

Apex Legends Season 30 'Marked' launches August 4 with a complete Bloodhound rework, World’s Edge map rework with 3 new POIs, Corrupted Attachments, energy weapon overhaul, and the end of Switch support. The biggest Apex season since Season 16 (Vantage).

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From Steam

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Black Desert Online

[July 30] HYPERBOOST and New Class Agent Arrives!

Check out this week's new events!{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/28674304/022239590d1ae53533f8d9968413ae35488336df.jpg HYPERBOOST {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/28674304/fe6565100d8867f39b3529e070377fbe34654302.jpg 1. Create and Graduate a Season Character Get a PEN (V) Tuvala Gear Set 582 Gear Score {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/28674304/08b3d398ca11dec7ad568b0bcec636c04f924566.png {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/28674304/2d9068f26fe42150c5c169

rat · 2026-07-30via Steam News

Dota 2

The International: Predictions, Fantasy, and Supporter Bundles

{STEAM_CLAN_LOC_IMAGE}/3703047/5c825b3d35627bfc4276c013745aa6fd4de935ea.png Nearly a year has passed since Team Falcons hoisted the Aegis of Champions as the final team standing in Hamburg. But that was last year's story, and the time has come to turn our thoughts to Shanghai and the crop of competitors who vie to write the tale of this year. All of their battles have brought them to the precipice

kyled · 2026-07-30via Steam News

Old School RuneScape

Old School RuneScape players are getting their boats stuck Suez Canal-style thanks to a narrow river in its new island: 'Helmp mee'

Old School RuneScape 's had a content update this week— Wyrmscraig , an island designed by a player that has a new quest, a repeatable boss, a cool sword, and so on. All the neat little additions you'd expect out of a patch. But some players have been running into an obstacle. Or rather, getting stuck between two obstacles. And by obstacles I mean shorelines... Read more.

Harvey Randall · 2026-07-30via Steam News

Warframe

August 2026 Events

Grab yourself a cool drink and soak up the sun Origin System-style with everything happening in Warframe this month! We’ve got the return of Dog Days, a new Nightwave signal with Amir’s Shockwave, a miniature narrative adventure in Fables & Frontiers: Running Late, fresh TennoGen creations and so much more! Be sure to look over the sections below for what you can expect throughout August. Dog Days

bloates · 2026-07-30via Steam News

Counter-Strike 2

Cologne 2026: Ranked Series

https://clan.fastly.steamstatic.com/images/3381077/81b4cf3f2d2130bd4aed48bad3d2d5e5ee061756.png Today we're shipping the Ranked Series of Cologne 2026 Major stickers--new stickers that indicate a team's final standing in the design. As with all items in the Cologne 2026 Shop, 50% of the royalties support the teams, players and tournament organizer. The original dynamic pricing system determined th

brianlev · 2026-07-29via Steam News

Old School RuneScape

Wyrmscraig is OUT NOW! | July 29th

{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/39707052/bf1841c8c88ea41bc4b867ff1410e72f2b0ff0d8.png Wyrmscraig, a player-designed island in collaboration with Gnome, will be OUT NOW! Get stuck into the new quest, new Slayer Master Mortimer, repeatable boss, brand new skilling activities and rewards! Changelog - July 29th Wyrmscraig is OUT NOW! Sail to Wyrmscraig, a brand-new island made in partnership with Gnome, the winner

Mod Yume · 2026-07-29via Steam News

Black Desert Online

HEIDEL BALL PASS - Summer 2026, Heidel Ball by the Emerald Sea

The Heidel Ball 2026, prepared for our Adventurers, begins on July 25 (18:00 PT) | July 26 (01:00 UTC) 👇 Join us through the official Black Desert channels! YOUTUBETWITCH

Black Desert Online · 2026-07-26via Steam News

Destiny 2

Discussion time: Have you ever said goodbye to an MMO you've played for 1,000s of hours?

s someone who writes guides for a living, I'm always hopping between different games, riding the ever-rolling wave of live service updates, DLC, and new releases that define our industry. I've dipped my toes into all sorts of MMOs over the years, but amidst the constant barrage of games, only one ended up sticking around for me, and that was Destiny 2... Read more.

Sean Martin · 2026-07-25via Steam News

Brawlhalla

Earn Free Items During the Summer Championship Doubles Weekend

Summer Championship Doubles WeekendThe Summer Championship Doubles Weekend begins today! This weekend let's you earn your Summer Doubles Twitch Drops while watching the best players in the world compete to becomes Summer Doubles Champions. For a full list of streamers that will have the partner drops you can visit https://www.brawlhalla.com/news/summer-championship-doubles-twitch-drops-live-now

Leftstickdown · 2026-07-24via Steam News

Black Desert Online

[July 23] Sea Palace Adventure, Heidel Ball Hot Time & Celebration Feast!

Check out this week's new events!{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/28674304/6bf895ff107c107a7f3e88997ef1fbc578921425.jpg Wonders Await in the Sea Palace July 23, 2026 (Thu) after maintenance - Aug 6, 2026 (Thu) before maintenance You are invited to a fairy-tale adventure in the Sea Palace. Complete the Sea Palace entry quest and dive into the Swirling Sea to enter the Sea Palace! Four Tales of the Sea Palace {ST

rat · 2026-07-23via Steam News

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