Riot Games is changing ARAM: Mayhem in Season 2 Act 2 with Patch 26.12, removing the Traits system and replacing it with new systems and a larger set of Augments designed to keep the mode fresh, champion-focused, and more varied from game to game. The studio said Traits had succeeded in adding depth and helping players discover strong combinations, but they also created unintended problems. Because many Augments led to the same gameplay “fantasy,” games became more homogenous, and repeated Trait-driven patterns made matches feel too similar. Riot also said Traits sometimes outshined individual champions, pushing players to chase the Trait bonus instead of building around their chosen champion. In addition, too much power was locked into Trait effects, making some single Augments feel less rewarding on their own.
To address that, Riot is reintroducing some popular Trait ideas as standalone Augments. One example is Stackasaurus, which will now exist as an independent Augment so players can access its stacking-scaling power without needing to assemble a full Trait set. The team said this reflects a broader goal of testing fun, interactive mechanics while keeping the mode open-ended and easy to enjoy.
The update also expands the Augment pool with two major new categories: Ability Augments and Quest Augments. Ability Augments are designed to significantly change a single ability or core gameplay pattern, creating new and sometimes extreme champion experiences. Examples include Multishot, which fires extra spell bolts at nearby enemies when casting an ability, and Chain Reaction, which extends knock-up effects and deals additional damage when enemies collide with one another or with terrain. Riot said these additions are meant to make champions feel different in meaningful ways and push players toward creative builds.
Quest Augments add another layer by rewarding players for completing specific in-game goals. Existing examples include Quest: Steel Your Heart and Quest: Urf’s Champion, and the update introduces new ones such as Quest: Tooth Fairy, where dealing a large amount of damage in a short time causes enemies to drop teeth that grant Lethality and Magic Penetration. Another new option, Quest: Support Main, rewards healing or shielding allies by increasing team regeneration based on the value of those effects. Riot framed these Augments as a way to support different champion archetypes while encouraging stronger build identities.
On balance, Riot acknowledged that some of these new ideas may seem overpowered, but said ARAM: Mayhem is meant to prioritize fun and freshness over strict numerical parity. The developers outlined their balance philosophy: every champion should have a strong build to aim for, no champion should always get one, and no single build should decide every match. Riot said it will continue rotating out Augments that distort gameplay, adding new ones to support underserved champions, and adjusting numbers when necessary. The studio also confirmed that more Mayhem content is already being discussed for later this year and into next year.
