League of Legends Champions Tier List: Best Mid Lane Champions Guide to Climb the Ranked Ladder
The League of Legends (LoL) meta is constantly evolving with each patch, and Patch 14.20 is no different. With a series of item changes, buffs, and nerfs to champions, it’s crucial to stay updated if you’re aiming to climb the Ranked ladder. Whether you’re a veteran looking to adapt to the new meta or a new player aiming to improve, this guide covers the best mid-lane champion picks in Patch 14.20 to help you achieve victory in your games.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top champions by tier, so you can pick a mid-laner that aligns with your playstyle. From the S-tier champions that dominate the mid-lane to more situational picks, you’ll find a range of options that can help you carry your team to victory.
Understanding the LoL Meta in Patch 14.20
Before we dive into specific champion recommendations, it’s important to understand how the patch has shaped the current meta. Changes to Mythic items, updates to runes, and adjustments to champions have all shifted the dynamics of mid-lane combat. Some champions have received buffs that enhance their damage or utility, while others have been nerfed, making them less effective. As always, it’s essential to monitor these changes to ensure you’re playing champions that have an edge in the current meta.
Now, let’s take a look at the top-performing mid-lane champions in Patch 14.20.
S-Tier Mid-Lane Champions: The Best of the Best
These champions represent the pinnacle of mid-lane dominance in Patch 14.20. Whether through superior mobility, burst damage, or utility, these champions have what it takes to win you games and climb the ladder.
1. Yasuo
The wind-slicing swordsman is back in full force. With buffs to his Q and R, Yasuo is once again a powerhouse in the mid-lane. His ability to chain combos and deal devastating crit damage makes him a favourite among players looking to solo carry games. While he can be challenging to master, his potential is unmatched in skilled hands.
2. Yone
Yasuo’s brother, Yone, shares many of the same attributes that make Yasuo powerful. His mobility and burst damage have been bolstered with buffs to his Q’s critical strike damage, making him a terror in Patch 14.20. His ability to engage from a distance and dish out damage quickly makes him an ideal pick for aggressive mid-laners.
3. Ahri
Ahri’s mobility and charm are invaluable in the current meta. With decent damage output and excellent roaming potential, she remains a solid pick in the S-tier. Ahri’s kit is versatile, allowing her to either poke from a distance or engage in close-range skirmishes. Her charm ability can also turn fights around by catching enemies off guard.
4. Lux
Lux continues to dominate in Patch 14.20. Her versatile kit featuring long-range damage, shields, and crowd control makes her one of the best mid-laners in the game. Her ability to poke from a distance, combined with her AOE ultimate, allows her to dish out massive damage in team fights.
5. Syndra
Syndra has made a triumphant return to the mid-lane meta. Her burst damage and ability to clear waves quickly make her a formidable opponent. Patch 14.20 has solidified her spot in the S-tier, and with the right positioning, she can take over games.
6. Vex
Despite her small stature, Vex is one of the hardest champions to deal with, especially for mobile assassins like Yasuo and Yone. Her passive ability punishes dashes, making her a strong counter to many of the top-tier mid-lane champions in this patch.
7. Sylas
Sylas offers a high skill ceiling and rewards players who can master his kit. His ability to steal enemy ultimates gives him flexibility and makes him a constant threat in any game. Sylas is especially potent in Patch 14.20 thanks to his solid sustain and ability to burst down squishy champions.
8. Hwei
Hwei might not be as popular as other mid-laners, but those who invest time in mastering him will find a versatile champion with excellent wave clear and the ability to zone enemies. Though squishy, Hwei’s mobility and burst potential make him a viable S-tier pick.
A-Tier Mid-Lane Champions: Great Picks with Slight Limitations
While not quite as dominant as the S-tier picks, these champions are still excellent choices for mid-lane and can easily carry games if played well.
1. Veigar
Veigar’s Q got nerfed slightly, but don’t be fooled this champion still scales infinitely. His E ability, Event Horizon, is one of the most powerful tools in the game for controlling zones and locking down opponents. His burst damage is still incredible, making him a solid A-tier pick.
2. Kassadin
Kassadin is another champion that thrives in the late game. With enough items and levels, he becomes a monster capable of tearing through enemy backlines. His scaling potential is unmatched, and his mobility allows him to make plays across the map.
3. Akali
Akali’s burst and mobility make her a strong choice in Patch 14.20. Although she’s a high-risk, high-reward champion, her ability to dive in and out of fights can make her a game-changer. If you’re comfortable with her kit, Akali can carry games almost single-handedly.
4. Aurelion Sol
The Star Forger has found his place in the meta this season. Aurelion Sol’s kit allows him to dominate team fights with his AOE damage and zoning abilities. His scaling potential and ability to roam make him a great pick for mid-laners looking to make an impact across the map.
5. Diana
Diana offers fantastic burst and mobility. Her kit allows her to roam effectively, making her a great pick for mid-laners who want to control the map. With her ability to burst down squishies and engage team fights, Diana is a strong A-tier champion in Patch 14.20.
6. Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia remains a solid pick in the A-tier. While she can be a bit weak in the early game, her scaling into the late game makes her a force to be reckoned with. Her consistent damage and ability to kite enemies with her poison make her a strong mid-lane pick.
7. Naafiri
Naafiri is still holding strong from previous patches. Her unique packmates allow her to block skill shots, and her E ability grants her excellent mobility around the map. If you’re looking for a mid-laner with great roaming potential, Naafiri is a solid choice.
8. Swain
Swain’s damage output and tankiness make him a formidable A-tier champion. His ability to sustain in fights and deal consistent damage makes him a great pick for mid-laners who want to survive long engagements and outlast their opponents.
9. Neeko
Neeko is one of the more fun champions in League of Legends. Her ability to deceive opponents with her clone and transform into teammates offers a unique playstyle. In skilled hands, Neeko can easily outsmart and outplay her enemies, making her a solid A-tier pick.
B-Tier Mid-Lane Champions: Reliable Picks with Some Drawbacks
B-tier champions are still viable in most situations, but they may lack the damage, utility, or consistency of higher-tier picks.
1. Pantheon
Pantheon’s recent buff to his W has made him more viable in the mid-lane. While he’s not as strong as some other champions, his early game dominance can help you snowball leads and secure wins.
2. Twisted Fate
Twisted Fate’s global ultimate can be game-changing in the right hands, but he’s a bit weaker in the current meta compared to other champions. Still, a skilled TF player can use his kit to help the team, making him a decent B-tier pick.
3. Katarina
Katarina is a difficult champion to master, but in the right hands, she can carry games like no other. However, her dependence on player skill makes her a risky pick, placing her in the B-tier for Patch 14.20.
4. Annie
Annie’s stun and shield make her a reliable mid-laner, but she’s not at the top of her game in this patch. While she’s still a good choice, there are better mid-lane options in Patch 14.20.
This tier list covers the most popular and effective mid-lane champions in Patch 14.20. However, remember that personal skill, experience, and playstyle all contribute to how successful you’ll be with a champion. While S-tier champions are generally the best picks, don’t be afraid to experiment with different mid-laners and find the one that fits you the best.
FAQ
Q: How often does the mid-lane meta change in League of Legends?
A: The mid-lane meta can shift with every patch, depending on balance changes made by Riot Games. It’s essential to stay updated on patch notes to see how champions and items are affected.
Q: What are the best Mythic items for mid-lane champions in Patch 14.20?
A: Popular Mythic items for mid-laners include Luden’s Tempest, Liandry’s Anguish, and Everfrost. These items offer strong burst damage, poke, and utility.
Q: Is it worth learning S-tier champions if I’m not experienced with them?
A: While S-tier champions are typically the strongest, it’s more important to pick champions you’re comfortable with. If you’re unfamiliar with an S-tier champion, take time to practice before using them in Ranked games.
Q: Should I pick the same mid-laner every game?
A: It’s always good to have a small champion pool to adapt to different matchups. While you may excel with one champion, having alternative picks can help you in challenging situations.
Q: How do I counter mobile assassins like Yasuo and Yone in the mid-lane?
A: Champions with crowd control (CC) abilities, like Vex or Neeko, can punish mobile assassins. Building defensive items, such as Zhonya’s Hourglass, can also help mitigate their burst damage.