The Shifting Meta in League of Legends: Mages Rising in the Bot Lane
The meta in League of Legends is always changing, requiring players to adapt their strategies frequently. While major changes usually happen during the preseason, significant adjustments can still impact the game in unexpected ways.
Despite Patch 13.15 not directly affecting the ADC role, many players have started bringing mages back to the bot lane. This is a response to the rise of AD-centric champions in the mid lane, creating opportunities for AP-centric champions to shine elsewhere.
The win rates of Seraphine and Swain, in high Elo bot lanes, are currently above 55 percent, according to stats site OP.GG. However, they are not as popular as more meta picks like Ashe, Kai’Sa, and Ezreal, resulting in below two-percent pick rates. Close behind them are Karthus and Ziggs, with win rates of 54 and 53 percent, respectively.
These mages excel at wave clear even with minimal items and shine when paired with engage or tank supports. They can deal efficient burst damage from a distance and overcome their mobility and close-range weaknesses with the help of these supports. The power spike they experience with just a Mythic item is undeniable.
One advantage these four mages have over traditional ADCs is their access to additional crowd control. Swain can drag opponents back with his E, Seraphine’s ultimate charms a row of foes, and Ziggs can melt towers with his W. These unique tools set them apart and give them an edge in individual scaling.
In the past, Riot Games has not made significant changes to mages in the ADC position. Therefore, it is likely that they will continue to thrive among players who are comfortable playing them outside of the mid lane. However, if these champions or others become detrimental to the bot lane meta, adjustments may be made in the future.
League of Legends, meta, ADC, mages, bot lane, Seraphine, Swain, win rates, engage supports, tank supports