Understanding the Meta Shift in Patch 25.10

Recent updates of Patch 25.10 have caused notable changes throughout the ranks for League of Legends champions. This article will summarise useful insights into managing successful games in solo queue and climbing up the ranks, keeping in mind the champions that are currently performing at their top form.

Champion Updates

With the advent of Patch 25.10, some champions have undergone major changes impacting their play, which is likely to affect their climbing abilities.

Champion Buffs: Cho’Gath, Senna, and Smolder

Cho’Gath’s base attack speed significantly bumped (0.625 to 0.658), and his ability E – Vorpal Spikes has acquired greater max health damage (from 2.5-3.5% to 3-4%). Despite his ability Q – Rupture bearing minor damage reductions, Cho’Gath now has a greater winning potential in solo queue as a tank-based champion.

As for Senna, the crit chance per 20 souls of her passive increased (from 8% to 10%), and her soul drop rate also saw a rise (from 8.4% to 14%), thereby improving her scaling. Although her Q heal AP ratio has decreased slightly, she remains a powerful choice as an ADC.

Smolder’s most recent changes are favorable. His scaling boosted with a raise in Q damage per stack from 0.3% to 0.4% and max HP burn damage per 100 stacks from 0.4% to 0.5%. His E ability also saw an increase in damage.

Champion Nerfs: Kayn and Lulu

Kayn’s HP growth was slightly reduced (from 109 to 103), making him less resilient as the match unfolds. Lulu’s armor growth decreased and her R – Wild Growth ability’s cooldown was increased at early ranks, making her slightly less potent, particularly as a laning support.

Patch 25.10: Notable Adjustments in Items and Runes

Patch 25.10 also involved significant item and rune changes. Champions like Ekko, Kayle, and Evelynn that have multiple synergies with the buffed items are in a favorable position for climbing, due to boosted power.

The Seraph’s Embrace item experienced a shield calculation change where it shifted from 20% current mana to 18% max mana. This change was a net nerf that affects mana-centric champions like Orianna, Cassiopeia, Ryze, Kassadin, Anivia, and Veigar.

The less expensive Stormsurge now offers enhanced movement speed but lost its movement speed-on-proc and bonus gold functions. The Unsealed Spellbook rune had its base recharge time reduced, offering more opportunities for creative spell swaps.

The Best Champions to Climb Ranked

According to tier lists and patch analysis, the following champions are recommended for various roles:

• Top Lane: Cho’Gath
• Jungle: Ekko and Evelynn
• ADC: Senna
• AP Carries: Champions that are not heavily reliant on the shield from Seraph’s Embrace are favored.
• Support: Tank or engage supports might see a surge in use as Lulu’s nerfs become apparent.

Considering these changes, the champions that have experienced direct buffs or have an increased number of synergies with buffed items are expected to be the most suitable for climbing. Simultaneously, champions relying on nerfed items or who have experienced direct nerfs might not perform optimally in the current patch.