Patch 25.24 Champion Updates
The final patch of Season 15 for League of Legends is rolling out with significant changes, affecting numerous champions across various roles. Five champions are set to receive buffs, while seven face nerfs. Additionally, one rune adjustment targets ADCs, spilling over effects to specific champions like Yorick and Urgot.
Solo Queue Tier List Adjustments
We aim to provide a concise update to the solo queue tier list for each role, factoring in these changes. Here's a closer look at the current top lane and jungle dynamics:
Top Lane Updates
- Nasus Buffs: Nasus receives an increase in health and Q damage, but this isn't enough to change his current A-tier status.
- Zahen Review: With impending nerfs yet unspecified, Zahen remains in the OP tier, contingent on future adjustments.
- Top Picks:
- Malphite and Zahen currently dominate the OP tier.
- Swain benefits from consecutive buffs, making him a strong pick for those who enjoy underrated champions.
- Sejuani's AP ratio buffs are noteworthy, potentially enhancing her viability. However, with less than a 0.5% play rate, her inclusion awaits more widespread adoption.
- Viktor is another niche option to watch as his top lane potential might increase due to Q shield buffs.
Jungle Changes
Sejuani receives numerous buffs, although their impact may be limited due to her lack of AP scaling in the jungle. Key changes include a reduction in Q cooldown and adjustments to R.
- Mundo remains a strong presence despite minor nerfs to Q monster damage, keeping him in the A-tier.
- Blue Kayn sees a slight passive damage nerf, maintaining his B-tier position.
- Kha'Zix is downgraded from OP to S-tier following W damage reductions.
- Master Yi, impacted by base health and AD growth nerfs, stays in A-tier due to negligible overall impact.
- Zed's insane pre-nerf jungle clear speed slows with a passive monster damage adjustment, securing his place in B-tier.
Here is a useful table summarizing some of the key jungle tier placements:
| Champion | Tier | Changes Noted |
|---|---|---|
| Diana | OP | No changes |
| Jax | OP | No changes |
| Atrox | S | Newly viable jungle pick |
| Mundo | A | Q damage nerf impacts clear speed |
| Master Yi | A | Minor health and AD nerfs |
| Blue Kayn | B | Passive damage reduced slightly |
| Zed | B | Monster damage reduction nerfs |
In conclusion, while the top echelons of the jungle tier remain stable, recent patches have expanded the pool of viable choices. Atrox, for instance, emerges as a standout newcomer in the jungle scene.
Mid Lane and Jungle Adjustments
Following Atrox in terms of power is Malight, who performs consistently in the jungle. For those considering using Malight, opting for a tank build is advisable as it tends to be approximately 5% more successful than using AP. By focusing on maximizing the W ability and using the Press the Attack keystone rune, players can maintain significant damage output even in a tank build.
Fizz and Riven received buffs but failed to find strong positions and are likely to become less relevant in future patches. Swain, however, continues to gain attention; the buffs to his passive healing—now a flat 6% at all levels—provide early game sustainability. This boosts his viability and edges him toward the OP tier, but he remains in S tier for now.
Victor enjoys a rise in his Q shield, scaling up to 140, with an improved AP ratio. Situational play—such as opting for Q-max over E-max—is key to maximizing this benefit. Victor is particularly viable for top lane play with a focus on Q-max, but still just merits a B tier ranking in mid lane.
Mel's excessive power gains from previous patches have led to nerfs, specifically reducing her E damage and increasing her mana costs. Consequently, she remains in the B tier, upholding an average status. The mid-lane meta remains stable with Nefiri, Diana, and Ahri dominating the OP tier. If Swain's play rate doesn't rise after these buffs, it suggests a general aversion to playing him despite his strength.
ADC and Support Landscape
Riot has refrained from altering any ADCs in this patch, allowing Misfortune to retain her position at the top of the OP tier. The sustainable balance achieved among ADCs highlights Misfortune's predominance, though fewer champions need to be avoided, such as Yinar and Varus. Kalista remains a less viable option unless significant buffs are applied.
The support role, meanwhile, sees only Braum receiving enhancements. His buffs in base health and increased passive post-stun bonus damage solidify his standing in the S tier among supports. Swain receives a repositioning within support, moving to the B tier following his buffs, although his optimal roles are likely elsewhere. Mel, contrastedly, descends further into irrelevancy at C tier due to recent nerfs.
As we conclude the mid and late-season adjustments, notable champions in each role have been recalibrated, setting the stage for focused meta shifts in subsequent patches.
