Are you tired of playing carry vs carry matchups in the top lane only to lose and not be able to make an impact in the late game? Look no further! These high-tier tank champions can absorb damage, dish out crowd control, and remain relevant throughout the game. Say goodbye to those frustrating “gg win lane, lose the game” moments and become a weakside toplaner who loses gracefully while your team influences the rest of the map.
1. Shen, The Eye of Twilight
Shen is not only a good solo-queue champion, but he’s currently dominating the top lane. His ultimate ability, Stand United, allows him to teleport to an allied champion and provide them with a shield. His Shadow Dash ability allows him to dash through enemy champions, making it easier for his team to clean up kills. Additionally, recent changes to the teleport summoner spell have made Shen even stronger, allowing him to teleport across the map without fear of the enemy teleporting in. With good wave management, Shen can make plays across the map while other slow waveclear toplaners are still trying to make an impact.
2. Tahm Kench, The River King
Tahm Kench has gained popularity since his kit rework, with players realizing the power of his new abilities. He has moved from the support role to the top lane due to changes in his Devour ability. With healing, damage absorption, and strong 1v1 combat abilities, Tahm Kench can hold his own in the top lane while providing a solid frontline and utility for his team. However, he is currently facing a high ban rate, so you may not always have the chance to play him.
3. Nasus, The Curator Of The Sands
Nasus remains a powerful champion in the top lane with his recent buffs. His Siphoning Strike ability can now proc spell effects, allowing him to sustain and punish longer trades and skirmishes. He excels against tanky compositions and can become a menace if left unchecked. His ability to stack siphoning strike while the enemy jungler is focused on shutting him down or letting the snowball out of control makes him a formidable opponent.
4. Dr. Mundo, The Madman of Zaun
Dr. Mundo has received multiple buffs since his rework, making him a force to be reckoned with in the top lane. He excels against champions like Poppy, Tahm Kench, and Shen and can sustain through trades and skirmishes, always remaining a threat. Feast or famine toplaners will be disappointed to find that their kill pressure on Dr. Mundo is not significant. He provides a strong frontline for his team and can deal considerable damage against isolated carries.
5. Poppy, Keeper Of The Hammer
Poppy received buffs in patch 11.19 that reduced the cooldown of her passive ability. She can now throw her buckler more frequently, providing additional damage and a shield for herself. She excels in team fights with her ability to stun enemies against walls, block dashes, and remove enemies from the fight with her ultimate. While she may struggle against certain champions, she is a powerful pick in the current meta if played in the right matchups.
6. Trundle, The Troll King
Trundle has recently received a buff that allows his Q ability to proc spell effects, giving him both damage and sustain. He excels against tankier compositions and provides utility with his ultimate ability, which steals armor and magic resistance from the target. With the prevalence of tank champions in the current meta, Trundle has found a place as a strong top laner.
7. Ornn, The Fire Below The Mountain
Ornn is a tank champion who provides utility to his team in the late game. His passive ability, Living Forge, allows him to upgrade his team’s items for free, providing valuable stat boosts. He also has powerful engage tools with his E and R abilities, making him a strong team fighter. While he may not have the highest win rates, his utility and engage potential make him a valuable top laner.
Try out these tank champions in the top lane and see how they can change the game for you. Say goodbye to being a coinflip carry and embrace the power of tankiness and utility!