League of Legends: The OP champions for each role you should use in Ranked for Patch 14.9

Climbing the ranks in League of Legends (LoL) can be tough, especially with meta shifts and the discovery of new builds by fellow players.

Patch 14.9 is one such game-changer, with nerfs hitting several previously overpowered (OP) champions and affecting item dynamics, particularly for fighter champions. These adjustments, set to drop in May, are bound to alter gameplay strategies for a while.

To stay ahead of the curve and improve your chances of climbing, we've got you covered. Here are the the champions you should prioritise in Ranked matches once LoL's Patch 14.9 rolls out:

Top Lane — Trundle

Trundle has consistently performed well in solo queue across recent patches and he will be unaffected by the item nerfs hitting many other fighters in 14.9.

His core build doesn't rely on items like Eclipse, Sundered Sky, or Sterak's Gage, indirectly amplifying his strength amidst the meta changes.

Recommended items for Trundle include Plated Steel Caps, Ravenous Hydra, Trinity Force, Blade of the Ruined King, and optionally, Hullbreaker.

If Trundle is banned, viable alternatives include Aatrox, Gragas, and Urgot.

Aatrox, especially, can excel with his lethality build, independent of the items facing nerfs in this patch. Lower elo players can also consider Kayle and Garen if Trundle isn't available, while reworked Skarner's effectiveness is expected to decrease due to multiple nerfs to the champion.

If you’re low ELO, you can also work with Kayle and Garen if Trundle isn’t available.

Jungle — Skarner

Despite receiving nerfs, reworked Skarner is anticipated to maintain his status as an OP tier jungle pick, boasting a current win rate of 54%.

With minor adjustments to his itemisation, he could still sustain a win rate of around 51-52%. Recommended items for Skarner in the jungle would include Heartsteel, Sunfire Aegis, Jak’Sho, Thornmail, and Iceborn Gauntlet.

Aside from Skarner, this patch presents an opportunity to lean towards mages like Fiddlesticks and Brand.

Brand, in particular, is underrated in the jungle and less susceptible to other fighters compared to previous patches.

Other S-tier jungle champions include Bel'veth, Reksai, and Warwick, whose builds aren't heavily impacted by fighter item nerfs.

Lower ELO players can also capitalise on Rammus, Master Yi, and Evelynn.

Mid lane — Diana, Brand

Mages will be dominating the mid lane in this patch, led by Diana and Brand.

Brand, specifically, can already function like a full-build champion once you build Liandry’s Torment. Even without the fighter item nerfs, he effortlessly sits at a 53.59% win rate, and this can increase after 14.9.

If you opt for Ghost as your secondary Summoner spell and then secure Rylai’s Crystal Scepter, Brand's damage potential becomes exceptionally high.

Diana will also feel great to play with Nashor’s Tooth, Storm Surge, Rabadon’s Death Cap, and Shadowflame.

Galio is another champion you can rely on, in case both Brand and Diana are unavailable. His recent buffs serve him well in 14.9, and has very versatile builds.

For low ELO, you can also use Fizz, Aurelion Sol, and Annie. However, if you plan to use either Diana or Brand, it’d be best to ban some S-tier champions like Aurelion Sol, Ahri, and mobile A-tier champs like Kassadin.

Bottom Lane — Kog’maw

He may not be the prettiest champion out there, but Kog’maw has been OP for multiple patches now, with a 53% win rate.

He’s a reliable early-game champion, and on top of that, he scales like a monster. On top of that, early-game items like Serrated Dirk and Collector got nerfed in previous patches, so this makes scaling for Kog’maw much easier.

Another champion you can prioritise in case Kog’maw is banned would be Jhin. He has a 51% win rate and has been great due to his recent buffs.

We also still think Jinx, is a good choice as well as an S-tier champion, despite the nerfs that she will be getting.

For low ELO, Ashe, Miss Fortune, and Jinx are solid picks, although in general, most AD Carry champs will still be good to play, so pick well depending on your team comp and the enemy team’s picks.

Support — Sona, Nami, Braum

With Janna and Blitzcrank facing nerfs, champions like Sona, Nami, and Braum are stepping into the spotlight.

Nami and Sona received impactful buffs in 14.7 and have been excelling ever since.

There have also been other indirect adjustments throughout the past patches that have benefitted enchanters, with items such as Solstice Sleigh, Blood Song, and Realm Spike all being nerfed while Dream Maker, a core item of Nami and Sona, has been buffed.

As for Braum, he synergises well with Jinx and Lucian, who are both solid picks in the bottom lane and is currently a difficult counter to many melee supports.

Lower ELO players can also consider Maokai, Zyra, and Brand as support options.

With a bit of practice, we’re hoping that you can work these champs well when Patch 14.9 kicks in. LoL Patch 14.9 will be released on Wednesday (1 May).

Anna is a freelance writer and photographer. She is a gamer who loves RPGs and platformers, and is a League of Legends geek. She's also a food enthusiast who loves a good cup of black coffee.

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