League of Legends: Who Should I Buy? A Smart Approach to Unlocking Champions

Updated: 3rd April 2025 2 min read

With several champions in League of Legends, new players often face the same question: Who should I buy in the beginning? The answer isn’t as simple as listing “strong” or “meta” picks. Champion choice depends on your playstyle, goals, and the role you want to master. Here’s a concise guide to help you make the best decision for you.

1. Know Your Role

Before buying anyone, decide what role you enjoy:

  • Top lane: Prefer solo duels and tanky champions? Try Darius or Garen.
  • Jungle: Like map control and surprise attacks? Warwick or Amumu are beginner-friendly.
  • Mid lane: Enjoy burst damage and flashy plays? Consider Annie or Ahri.
  • ADC (bot lane): Want to carry with consistent damage? Jinx or Caitlyn are great starts.
  • Support: Prefer helping others win? Leona or Thresh give strong impact and utility.
Crystalis Motus Leona

2. Think Long-Term

Instead of chasing the meta, pick champions that:

  • Have simple mechanics if you’re new (e.g., Malphite, Miss Fortune).
  • Are viable in most patches and ranked (e.g., Lee Sin may be cool, but not beginner-friendly).
  • Match your personality—love chaos? Try Shaco. Like strategy? Go for Twisted Fate.
Lunar Guardian Malphite

3. Use Free Rotation First

Every week, Riot offers a free champion rotation. Try before you buy. You’ll get a feel for mechanics and see if they fit your style.

4. Best All-Around Starter Champions

If you just want to unlock someone reliable:

  • Garen – Easy, tanky, and effective in low ranks.
  • Annie – Burst mage with a simple kit and high carry potential.
  • Jinx – Great ADC to learn positioning and late-game impact.
  • Amumu – Jungle made easy with great teamfight utility.
  • Lux – Popular, safe, and fun to play as support or mid.

Final Word

Don’t fall into the trap of buying champions just because they’re popular or flashy. Think about your role, your goals, and how much fun you’re having. League of Legends is about mastering a few champions you love—not owning them all.

Buy smart. Play often. And most importantly—enjoy the climb.

Written by:

Christian