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A Champion Who Excels in Jungle but Struggles in Top Lane: LoL’s Top and Jungle Roles Compared

Sometimes League of Legends champions can play multiple positions

League of Legends champions are sometimes versatile enough to be played in different positions on Summoner’s Rift. Their abilities and kits make it logical to pivot them to different roles on the map. However, there are instances where a champion excels in one role while struggling in another. Patch 13.19 introduced a champion named Briar who fits this description perfectly.

Introducing Briar: From Worst Top Laner to Best Jungler

Briar, the latest release in the game, is a unique champion who showcases this duality. As a jungle champion, Briar is considered one of the best with a win rate of 51.58% across all ranks, according to U.GG. Her jungling prowess is impressive and ranks her as one of the top performers in the game.

Small girl named Briar holding her weapon in League of Legends
Briar is a powerful champion, but not in every situation. Image via Riot Games

The Disappointing Performance in the Top Lane

Unfortunately, Briar’s success as a jungler is not replicated when played in the top lane. With a win rate of only 45.34%, she is currently one of the worst-performing top laners in the game, surpassing only K’Sante in terms of win rate. This discrepancy highlights her versatility as a champion and the influence that different roles can have on performance.

It becomes clear why Briar struggles in the top lane when her kit is examined closely. While she excels in all-in engagements and has powerful gap closers, her sustain is lacking in the top lane environment. This weakness exposes her to being shut down by opponents, especially with the help of the enemy jungler. Once Briar falls behind, her impact in mid-game teamfights diminishes significantly.

The Importance of Playing to a Champion’s Strengths

Understanding a champion’s strengths and weaknesses in different roles is vital for maximizing their effectiveness on the map. Briar’s case serves as a reminder that champions can excel in one role while struggling in another. It is crucial for players to adapt their strategies and playstyles according to a champion’s optimal position.

Despite Briar’s underwhelming performance in the top lane, she remains a formidable force in the jungle. Her dominating win rate and unique abilities make her an excellent pick for players who enjoy aggressive ganking playstyles. Whether in the jungle or the top lane, Briar’s impact on the game is undeniable.

League of Legends, Briar, top laner, jungler, win rate, versatility, strengths, weaknesses