League of Legends: Are ADCs Under-Powered?
Fans of League of Legends have been expressing their concerns about the state of AD Carries (ADCs) in the game. Many argue that ADCs lack the damage, survivability, and agency needed to excel in the bot lane. Mages are even starting to take over their role. Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, is aware of this issue and looking to address it. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of the ADC meta and possible solutions to the problems identified by fans.
Changes in the Game
Several changes between Seasons 6 and 7 have greatly affected ADCs. These changes have had a combined effect on the ADC role, making it challenging to balance their power.
- Lethality: Flat armor penetration was replaced with lethality, which scales into the late game.
- Youmuu’s: The active on Youmuu’s Ghostblade no longer provides attack speed, affecting ADCs who prefer aggressive, kill-oriented playstyles.
- Fervor of Battle: Changes to this mastery have limited its effectiveness for champions who rely on abilities for damage.
- Turret First Blood: The bot lane turret is the weakest outer turret, and the bonus gold from turret first blood often leads to early fights in the bot lane.
These changes have nerfed ADCs who like to trade early and assert dominance in lane. However, there are other playstyles for ADCs to explore.
Changes in Player Behavior
The way the game is being played in all positions has shifted, with Riot Games encouraging a more teamwork-oriented approach. Junglers have been incentivized to gank more frequently, while solo laners have discovered the benefits of roaming and taking down the first turret. This faster pace of the game doesn’t align well with the slower power curve of ADCs. ADCs lack crowd control, mobility, and sustain, making it difficult for them to join in on early skirmishes. Consequently, the bot lane often becomes a farming contest, disconnected from the rest of the map. ADCs become heavily reliant on their teammates for protection.
Changes in ADC Attitudes
ADCs have raised concerns about their lack of agency in the game. They heavily rely on their teammates for protection, which diminishes the impact of their choices. Games are often decided in the early stages, and ADCs feel that their individual performance has minimal influence. ADCs also face limited champion diversity, with few marksmen being played outside of the bot lane. This lack of diversity hinders the development of the ADC role, making it less dynamic and strategic. ADCs are seeking more impactful choices and the ability to showcase their high-level mechanics.
Possible Solutions
Addressing the issues faced by ADCs requires careful consideration. Reworking itemization, creating new items for ranged attackers, and matching the power curve of marksman champions to the length of the game are potential solutions. Furthermore, ADCs could explore non-marksman champions that can be played in the bot lane for greater diversity. Riot Games should closely monitor the evolving meta and make adjustments accordingly. It’s important for all roles to feel impactful and for ADCs to have early survival options under turret.
The Future of ADCs
The meta is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial for Riot Games to observe how the changes unfold over the next few patches. The bot lane could benefit from a shake-up, just as other roles have in the past. ADC mains may need to adjust their mindset and find satisfaction in different aspects of the game until the meta shifts in their favor.
League of Legends, ADC, AD Carries, meta, Riot Games, gameplay changes, player behavior, champion diversity, itemization, power curve