With over 160 champions in League of Legends, choosing who to play can feel overwhelming—especially for new or returning players. Each champion comes with a unique set of abilities, personality, and playstyle, and the choice you make can dramatically impact your enjoyment of the game. So how do you find the right fit in this chaotic battlefield? The answer lies in understanding both the game and yourself.
Understanding Your Playstyle
Before picking a champion, ask yourself: How do I like to play? Are you someone who thrives under pressure, diving into the enemy backline with bold aggression? Or do you prefer to sit back, support your team, and control the tempo from afar?
Here’s a quick breakdown of common playstyles and the champion roles that match them:
- Aggressive and Risk-Taking: Try assassins like Zed or Katarina. They’re high-risk, high-reward, and thrive on outplaying opponents.
- Strategic and Tactical: Control mages like Orianna or Viktor reward calculated positioning and timing.
- Protective and Team-Oriented: Support champions like Lulu, Thresh, or Janna focus on helping teammates succeed.
- Solo-Carry Mentality: Duelists like Fiora or Yasuo are great for players who want to carry games through individual skill.
- Tanky and Durable: Top lane tanks like Malphite or Sion are great for those who want to soak damage and lead engagements.
Choosing by Role
League of Legends is structured around five roles: Top, Jungle, Mid, ADC (Attack Damage Carry), and Support. Each offers a different gameplay experience.
- Top Lane: Often an island 1v1 matchup. Ideal for players who like independence and lane dominance.
- Jungle: A roaming role that involves decision-making and map control. Best for strategic thinkers.
- Mid Lane: The heart of the map. Mid laners are versatile and often key to a team’s success.
- ADC (Bot Lane): Damage dealers who scale into late game. Requires good positioning and mechanics.
- Support: Vision control, crowd control, and enabling your ADC. Great for team players who enjoy setting others up for success.
If you’re unsure where to start, try each role in a few games to see what feels right. Riot provides a list of recommended starter champions for new players, which can be a helpful jumping-off point.
Picking Based on Personality
Every champion in League of Legends is more than just a bundle of abilities—they’re characters with stories, voices, and attitudes. If you enjoy getting immersed in a fantasy world, this can influence your decision.
- Love anti-heroes? Try Kayn or Viego.
- Want cute and quirky? Consider Teemo or Yuumi.
- Into dark, brooding power fantasies? Mordekaiser or Swain may be your vibe.
- Prefer noble or virtuous? Look into Garen, Lux, or Jarvan IV.
Sometimes, falling in love with a champion’s lore or aesthetic can be just as important as their gameplay.
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For Beginners: Easy Champions to Start With
If you’re just getting started, some champions offer a smoother learning curve:
- Garen (Top): Durable and simple, ideal for learning the basics.
- Annie (Mid): Straightforward mage with strong burst.
- Amumu (Jungle): Tanky with clear teamfight value.
- Miss Fortune (ADC): Easy-to-learn marksman with impactful abilities.
- Leona (Support): Strong crowd control and survivability.
These champions let you focus on the game’s fundamentals without being overwhelmed by complex mechanics.
For Veterans: High-Skill Champs Worth Mastering
Looking for a challenge? Try these mechanically intensive champions:
- Riven: High mobility and combo potential in top lane.
- Lee Sin: A jungle icon with unmatched outplay potential.
- Yasuo/Yone: Fan favorites that reward timing and precision.
- Aphelios: A marksman with multiple weapons and steep learning curve.
- Zoe: A tricky mid laner with unpredictable burst.
These champions require practice but can be incredibly rewarding.
The Meta Factor
While personal preference is important, the meta (most effective tactics available) can also influence your pick. Some champions rise to prominence in patches due to buffs, nerfs, or item changes.
If you’re aiming to climb the ranked ladder, staying informed about the current meta can give you an edge. Still, mastery often outweighs meta. A well-practiced off-meta champion can outperform a trendy pick in the hands of someone who truly knows them.
Conclusion: The Champion Is You
There’s no single answer to “Who should I play in League of Legends?”—because the best champion is the one that suits you. Whether you’re drawn to a specific playstyle, personality, or challenge, the key is to experiment and explore. League is a game of constant discovery, and part of the fun is finding that one champion (or ten) that makes you feel unstoppable.
Written by:
Christian