If you’ve ever heard the term ADC in League of Legends and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. Short for Attack Damage Carry, the ADC is one of the game’s most iconic and essential roles — often feared for their late-game damage and revered for their positioning finesse. But what exactly does being an ADC involve, and why does this role carry so much weight (literally and figuratively) in a match?
Here’s a breakdown of what ADC means, how the role has evolved, and what it takes to master it on the Rift.
What Is an ADC?
ADC stands for Attack Damage Carry, a term that originated from early MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) terminology. In League of Legends, the ADC is traditionally the ranged, damage-dealing champion who lines up in the bot lane with a support champion.
The ADC’s job is to deal consistent physical damage, primarily through basic attacks (auto-attacks), especially in the mid to late game when their items come online. Unlike mages or assassins who rely on burst damage or spells, ADCs shine in extended fights where they can stay alive and output high DPS (damage per second).
Where Does the ADC Play?
ADCs are almost always found in the bottom lane, paired with a support. This 2v2 lane setup exists because ADCs are generally:
- Weak early and need protection.
- Item-reliant, needing gold to scale.
- Squishy, meaning they’re easy to kill without backup.
With a support by their side, the ADC can farm safely, survive early aggression, and build toward their power spikes.
Popular ADC Champions
ADC champions are usually ranged marksmen, though the meta occasionally includes other styles. Some of the most well-known ADCs include:
- Jinx – A high-scaling hyper-carry with AoE attacks.
- Kai’Sa – A hybrid-damage threat with strong burst and mobility.
- Ezreal – A skill-shot-heavy ADC with poke and escape tools.
- Caitlyn – Dominates early with long range and traps.
- Aphelios – Complex but powerful with multiple weapon combos.
In rare metas, melee champions like Yasuo or Seraphine are played as “bot lane carries,” but the core identity of the role remains the same: deal damage, stay alive, and carry the game.
Responsibilities of an ADC
Being the ADC comes with high expectations. The role isn’t just about right-clicking enemies — it’s about positioning, decision-making, and mechanics. Here’s what’s expected:
- Last-hitting minions to farm gold efficiently.
- Staying safe during team fights while still dealing damage.
- Knowing power spikes based on item timings.
- Kiting enemies — attacking while moving to stay out of range.
- Prioritizing targets — hitting what’s safe, not necessarily what’s ideal.
A good ADC doesn’t just survive — they thrive under pressure, often being the last hope in close fights.
ADC in the Modern Meta
The ADC role has seen numerous changes over the years. At times it has dominated the meta; at others, it has struggled under nerfs or shifts in support synergy and jungle pressure. Still, Riot continuously works to keep ADCs impactful through item reworks and champion updates.
In recent years, new items like Kraken Slayer, Galeforce, and Infinity Edge have reshaped how ADCs play. Riot has also introduced scaling dragons (e.g., Infernal and Hextech) and objectives that reward late-game damage — further empowering the role.
Why Is It Called a “Carry”?
The term carry refers to the player who can “carry” the team to victory — typically someone who becomes powerful enough to win fights on their own. ADCs fill this role by dishing out high, sustained damage in team fights — but only if they survive long enough to do so.
Supports, tanks, and junglers often play around their ADC, peeling for them or helping them farm, because a well-fed ADC can turn the tide of a game.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Damage
Being an ADC in League of Legends is about more than racking up kills. It’s about precision, awareness, timing — and being the reliable late-game backbone of your team. It’s a high-pressure role that rewards smart, consistent play and punishes mistakes harshly.
So the next time you see “ADC” in champion select, know that it doesn’t just mean a role — it means a responsibility. And sometimes, a chance to be the hero your team needs.
Written by:
Christian