League of Legends Patch 13.16 Best Champions For Each Role

In the ever-evolving landscape of League of Legends, the art of champion selection is a symphony of strategy, adaptability, and mastery. As the patches roll on and the meta takes shape, certain champions rise to prominence, wielding their strengths to influence the outcomes of battles on the Fields of Justice. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the top champions across each role, unveiling their unique attributes and providing insights into how they fit into the intricate tapestry of the current meta, specifically focusing on patch 13.16.

Top Lane Champions:

Starting in the Top Lane, at number three, we have Fiora. She's among the best blind-pickable and versatile top laners in the current meta. Despite a season-long nerf to her passive's vital damage, Fiora remains a force in dueling. A quick tip for Fiora players is to be mindful of your vital positions and to remember that missing your Q ability lengthens its cooldown. Moreover, it's crucial to anticipate the enemy top laner's pivotal ability to Parry, as using your Riposte effectively against key enemy moves can turn the tide in your favor. Notably, you can also use your W ability offensively to slow enemies and lower their attack speed. A smart approach can make all the difference in your trades.

Sliding into number two is Rumble, the top-tier AP champion in the Top Lane. What makes Rumble shine even more is his adaptability to a wide array of compositions. While his passive and heat mechanics have been scrutinized this season, patch 1316's buffs have bolstered his strength. Players are advised to consider building Demonic Embrace, particularly given the value of its passive in the Top Lane. The upcoming buff to Sorcerer's Shoes also warrants its priority as part of Rumble's itemization. Furthermore, his engagement synergizes well with certain junglers and supports like Jarvan IV and Leona. Rumble's improved damage scaling and survivability make him a reliable pick in the evolving Top Lane landscape.

At the summit of the Top Lane pyramid, we find Jax. Unquestionably one of the most impactful champions, Jax thrives on his versatile build paths and mastery of empowered auto attacks. A tidbit of advice for aspiring Jax players centers around timing. When Jax reaches level six, his W's empowered auto should be perfectly synchronized with his regular auto attack, delivering a potent burst of damage. Similarly, practicing patience when employing his Q ability is crucial. Much like Fiora, calculated engagement is key, ensuring that you're entering the fray when you possess a clear advantage. With builds such as Divine Sunderer and Trinity Force at your disposal, Jax's dominance in the Top Lane remains steadfast.

Jungle Champions:

Venturing into the jungle, our third pick is Nidalee. This AP jungle champion demands a refined mechanical skill set and efficient ability management. Her fluidity in clearing camps is augmented by the red buff's auto-attacks, maximizing her early-game damage output. A significant distinction of Nidalee gameplay lies in her Pounce ability. Smartly leveraging her gap-closer is essential, emphasizing engaging only when you possess a lethal opportunity or a substantial power advantage. A tip for beginners is to utilize the brushes for her passive, gaining better pathing control and positioning during fights. While mastering Nidalee's mechanics might require some practice, the rewards of her versatile kit make the effort worthwhile.

Stepping into the second slot is Ekko, a jungler who harmonizes exceptionally well with engage-focused compositions. Notably, Ekko's recent buffs in patch 1316 propel him to new heights. With amplified damage from his passive and improved shielding from his W, Ekko's early-game potency and skirmish potential are revitalized. This enables aggressive playstyles and early invades, especially against opponents starting on their blue buff. Tactical restraint is crucial, however, as Ekko players are advised to resist the temptation to expend their full combo immediately. Reserving his Q ability for isolating fleeing targets can translate into efficient and deadly ganks. As a jungler, Ekko thrives in scenarios where precise timing and calculated aggression can reshape the tide of battle.

Ascending to the throne of the jungle is Kindred, an exemplar of scaling power and map control. Kindred's unique mark mechanic mandates vigilant awareness of marked camps and their respawn timings. This mechanic, while demanding attention, grants Kindred players opportunities to exert influence across the map. Monitoring and potentially contesting these marked camps facilitate optimal scaling and damage output. A noteworthy skill to hone is managing your positioning during fights, capitalizing on Kindred's range advantage. Playing to Kindred's strengths—punishing enemy mistakes and leveraging your range—can drastically alter the course of engagements. The combination of strategic camp marking, precision in positioning, and a well-timed ultimate can forge Kindred's reign as a dominant jungle presence.

Mid Lane Champions:

Transitioning to the mid lane, our third selection is Xerath. A strategic choice, Xerath thrives as a counter-pick against specific matchups. While his vulnerability to assassins and high mobility champions warrants caution, his skillshots possess substantial damage and range. Utilizing your abilities in a synergistic manner is key to mastering Xerath. An effective technique is initiating with your W for the slow, subsequently landing your Q ability. Furthermore, seizing opportunities to queue abilities over walls when enemies are within fog of war can capitalize on their limited vision. By recognizing the nuances of lane priority and capitalizing on range advantages, Xerath players can consistently control the flow of skirmishes and teamfights.

At the midpoint of the mid lane hierarchy, LeBlanc emerges as a fierce contender. LeBlanc's popularity and ban rate are testimony to her dominance in the current meta. Boasting incredible versatility and potential for explosive outplays, LeBlanc thrives in a wide array of matchups. Her recent buffs in patch 1316 enhance her prowess further. However, understanding her kit intricacies is crucial to fully unleash her potential. Mastering LeBlanc's trading patterns, understanding her all-in combos, and weaving in her passive-enhanced auto attacks can yield optimal results. Leveraging her unparalleled mobility and crowd control enables skilled players to maintain a constant threat on the map, consistently outmaneuvering opponents.

The crowning achievement of the mid lane realm is Taliyah. A true powerhouse with a well-rounded kit, Taliyah excels in both skirmishes and map-wide influence. Notably, her recent buffs have positioned her as the undisputed queen of mid lane dominance. Employing her seismic shove to manipulate terrain and trap enemies is a hallmark of skilled Taliyah players. The interplay of her abilities offers versatile trading patterns, capitalizing on both burst damage and sustained pressure. Taliyah's map presence is a defining attribute, with her ultimate serving as a bridge to pivotal skirmishes and engagements. Embracing her ability to punish enemy mispositioning and translating it into successful ganks and map-wide influence cements Taliyah's reign as the mid lane monarch.

Bot Lane Champions:

Shifting to the bot lane, our third choice is Karthus, who offers a unique approach to the marksman role. Rather than relying on traditional auto-attacks, Karthus excels through his ability to lay waste to enemies with devastating magical damage. While he may not fit all compositions, he thrives against certain matchups and engages. Players should exercise caution when facing opponents with superior range or mobility. Karthus' synergy with the Trinity Force, coupled with his ability to channel his ultimate in death, continues to make him a formidable presence in the meta.

Ascending to the second slot is Draven, renowned for his unparalleled raw damage output. A marksman champion who thrives on mechanics and positioning, Draven excels in skilled hands. His reliance on catching axes necessitates mindful positioning in fights, ensuring that you're maximizing damage while avoiding unnecessary risks. Combining Draven's spinning axes with the power of the Trinity Force allows him to establish dominance in the bot lane. Being mindful of spacing and prioritizing engagements that capitalize on his raw power define the path to success for Draven enthusiasts.

Our top pick for the bot lane throne is Aphelios. Despite changes and shifts in the meta, Aphelios maintains his reputation as an adaptable and potent marksman. The mastery of his arsenal, carefully choosing the right weapons for each situation, is key to his success. An adept Aphelios player can manipulate fights by exploiting the strengths of his unique weapon combinations. His interaction with the Trinity Force ensures that he remains a threat from close and afar. With a variety of weapons at his disposal, understanding each weapon's intricacies and utilizing them strategically is the hallmark of a true Aphelios master.

Support Champions:

Entering the realm of supports, we encounter Janna, a champion who wields the power of wind and provides valuable utility to her team. Positioned at number three, Janna's strength lies in her ability to disrupt and counter enemy engage attempts. While her counter-engage potential is high, it's important to note that she's best suited as a counter-pick against aggressive, all-in compositions. Her Q ability, Howling Gale, is a vital tool for interrupting enemy approaches and buying time for your team. Janna players should focus on timing her crowd control abilities effectively to negate the enemy's advances. Mastering her shield, Eye of the Storm, is also paramount. Employing it to mitigate damage and empower your carry can sway trades and skirmishes in your favor.

Stepping into the second spot is Rakan, a support champion known for his graceful dance and dynamic playstyle. Rakan is a versatile pick with the capacity for both engage and protection. His quick dashes and crowd control make him a force in skirmishes and teamfights alike. Rakan's recent buffs have amplified his ability to engage, heal, and disrupt enemies. The key to excelling with Rakan is to master his W ability, Grand Entrance. Timing its usage for optimal engages while avoiding dangerous situations is paramount. Combining it with his ultimate, The Quickness, to immobilize and charm enemies creates opportunities for your team to secure kills. Adapting your playstyle to the ever-changing landscape of the game is crucial to unleashing Rakan's full potential.

Ascending to the apex of support champions is Seraphine, a melodious mage who wields her music as both a weapon and a boon to her team. Seraphine's kit is replete with crowd control, healing, and area-of-effect damage, making her a versatile and impactful pick. Despite recent changes, her kit's innate power remains potent. Her ability to control engagements and influence teamfights with her ultimate, Encore, is unparalleled. A subtle but powerful tip for Seraphine players is to use her ultimate in synergy with her allies' crowd control abilities. This coordination can unleash devastating chain CC on the enemy team, dictating the pace of engagements. By mastering the art of positioning, Seraphine players can maintain the distance required to provide consistent support while simultaneously dealing impactful damage.