What's up, summoners! Ready to climb those ranked ladders in League of Legends? It's that time again, guys, where we dive deep into the meta for patch 12.21 and figure out which champions are absolutely crushing it. We all know how crucial it is to pick the right champion, especially when you're trying to make that big climb. Picking a champion that's currently strong in the meta can seriously give you an edge, making your games smoother and your win rate soar. So, whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, understanding the current tier list is super important. It’s not just about playing your favorite champ; it’s about playing the smartest champ for the current game balance. This patch, 12.21, brings its own set of buffs, nerfs, and item adjustments that shake things up. We've scoured the data, analyzed pro play, and listened to the community to bring you the definitive tier list. Get ready to find out who the top-tier picks are, who's still solid, and maybe even who you should avoid for now. Let's get into it and make sure you're always bringing your A-game to the Rift!

S-Tier: The Absolute Best Picks in Patch 12.21

Alright guys, let's kick things off with the S-Tier. These are your absolute best picks in patch 12.21, the champions that are currently dominating the Rift with their potent kits, strong itemization, and overall meta relevance. If you see one of these bad boys available, especially if it's in your main role, seriously consider picking them. They often have low counter-play, high impact at all stages of the game, and a high probability of carrying your team to victory. In this tier, we're talking about champions who can single-handedly win games if played correctly. They excel in team fights, have incredible split-pushing potential, or can snowball incredibly hard from the early game. Their damage output is often overwhelming, their survivability is top-notch, and their utility can turn the tide of any engagement. These are the champions that the balance team is likely keeping a close eye on, as they represent the peak of power in the current meta. Mastering even one S-tier champion can drastically improve your rank. They often have few significant weaknesses, meaning that even if the enemy team tries to counter them, they can still find ways to be effective. Their kits are usually well-rounded, providing them with tools for engage, disengage, crowd control, and high damage. So, if you’re looking to make a serious impact and climb efficiently, focus your efforts on learning and mastering these S-tier powerhouses. They are the go-to picks for a reason, offering the highest potential for success in patch 12.21. We've seen them consistently perform well across various skill levels, from low elo stomps to high elo dominance. Their ability to adapt to different team compositions and game states makes them incredibly valuable assets to any team. Don't sleep on these champions; they are the true kings of the current patch and will give you the best chance to secure those much-desired wins and climb the ranks with confidence.

Top Laners

For the top lane in patch 12.21, Fiora remains an absolute terror. Her dueling potential is off the charts, and with the right build, she can shred through tanks and squishies alike. The current itemization really favors her ability to snowball. Gwen is also making a huge splash. Her sustained damage and mobility make her a menace in extended fights, and her ultimate can zone out entire teams. Players who can manage her spacing and cooldowns will find immense success. We're also seeing a lot of success with Darius. His inherent tankiness combined with his immense true damage output makes him a lane bully that's hard to shut down. Once he gets a kill, his reset mechanic can lead to devastating multi-kills. He's particularly strong against bruisers and can even pressure some tanks effectively. The ability for Darius to snowball is incredible, and in this patch, the item builds just seem to amplify that. His passive, Hemorrhage, stacks up quickly, and with his ultimate, Noxian Guillotine, he becomes a massive threat in team fights. Even if the enemy team tries to build armor, his true damage from his passive and Q still shreds them. The sheer presence he brings to the lane is enough to deter many opponents from even attempting to trade. His lane dominance often translates into early game objectives for his team, such as dragons and turrets, giving his team a significant advantage. Furthermore, his inherent tankiness allows him to survive ganks and even turn them around. The resurgence of bruiser items also plays into his hands, making him even more durable and deadly. For those who enjoy a champion that rewards aggressive play and can carry games through sheer force, Darius is a top contender. He's relatively straightforward to pick up but has a high skill ceiling for those who master his combos and positioning. The power spike he gets with certain items, like Trinity Force orStridebreaker (depending on the meta shifts), can make him nearly unstoppable in the mid-game. His ability to secure kills and then utilize his ultimate to chain them is a cornerstone of his carry potential. So, if you're looking to make a statement in the top lane, Darius is definitely a champion you should be considering in patch 12.21. His impact on the game is undeniable, and his ability to consistently perform makes him a standout pick for climbing.

Junglers

In the jungle, Viego continues to be a top-tier pick. His ability to snowball is immense, and his possession mechanic allows him to adapt to any fight. If he gets a lead, he can often run away with the game. Graves is also a strong contender, offering incredible clear speed and dueling potential. His ability to kite and deal massive damage makes him a threat in skirmishes and ganks. Lee Sin, as always, remains a high-skill, high-reward pick. While demanding, a skilled Lee Sin player can dictate the pace of the game with unparalleled map pressure and outplays. He’s a champion that, when mastered, can feel almost unbeatable. The mobility and damage Lee Sin brings to the table are exceptional, allowing him to make flashy plays and secure kills that can swing the momentum of a game entirely. His early game ganks are potent, and his ability to counter-jungle and invade enemy territory can put opponents significantly behind. While he does fall off slightly in the late game compared to some other junglers, his impact in the mid-game, especially with objective control and skirmishes, is undeniable. The skill expression with Lee Sin is incredibly high; landing his Qs, utilizing his wards for mobility, and executing his combos effectively requires significant practice. However, for players dedicated to mastering him, the reward is immense. He can dive the backline, peel for his carries, or even assassinate key enemy targets. His ultimate, Dragon's Rage, is one of the most impactful abilities in the game, capable of knocking away dangerous threats or securing kills. The synergy he has with certain item builds, often focusing on lethality or bruiser items, further amplifies his threat. Even when behind, a skilled Lee Sin can often find a way back into the game through smart decision-making and well-timed plays. His ability to adapt to various situations and provide utility beyond just damage makes him a versatile pick. So, for those who enjoy a high-octane, mechanically intensive playstyle, Lee Sin is a prime choice in patch 12.21. His impact on the game is profound, and his consistent presence in high-level play is a testament to his strength. He embodies the kind of champion that rewards dedication and skill, offering a high carry potential for those who invest the time to master him. His role in controlling vision and initiating fights also makes him a crucial component of a winning team composition.

Mid Laners

For the mid lane, Ahri is a fantastic choice. Her mobility, crowd control, and burst damage make her a well-rounded pick that can adapt to many situations. Her charm is a powerful tool for setting up kills or escaping danger. Viktor continues to be a dominant force. His scaling potential is immense, and his ability to control waves and deal sustained damage makes him a threat in the mid and late game. Cassiopeia is also incredibly strong. Once she gets going, her DPS is astonishing, and her ultimate provides crucial crowd control. Mastering her positioning and mana management is key to unlocking her full potential. She offers incredible scaling into the late game, where her sustained damage can melt entire teams. Her ultimate, Petrification Gaz e, is a game-changing ability that can stun multiple enemies, creating massive opportunities for her team. The ability to control waves effectively and zone opponents with her toxic pools makes her a formidable presence in the mid lane. Cassiopeia’s kit allows for high player expression; her ability to weave in auto-attacks between spells, manage her mana efficiently, and position herself correctly in fights is crucial for maximizing her damage output. While she can be vulnerable in the early laning phase, once she hits her power spikes, particularly with items like Rod of Ages or Seraph's Embrace, she becomes a monster. Her passive, Serpentine Grace, allows her to cast spells without spending mana once she reaches a certain level, further enhancing her sustained damage and presence in extended fights. She’s particularly effective against champions who lack mobility or have predictable engage patterns. Her consistent damage output makes her a reliable source of DPS for her team, and her ability to secure kills through sustained aggression is significant. For players who enjoy a champion that rewards careful positioning, mana management, and a high skill ceiling, Cassiopeia is an excellent pick in patch 12.21. Her ability to carry games through sheer damage and control makes her a valuable asset to any team looking to secure victory. Her consistent performance and high carry potential solidify her spot as a top-tier mid laner. She also offers a degree of safety with her E ability, Twin Fang, which can be used to kite or disengage from threats.

Bot Laners (ADC)

As an ADC, Kai'Sa is a premier pick. Her ability to evolve her abilities based on item choices offers incredible flexibility, and her burst damage is potent. She can dive in and out of fights with her ultimate, making her hard to pin down. Aphelios is another strong choice, offering a diverse range of weapon kits that can adapt to any situation. His damage output is consistently high once he gets going. Miss Fortune is also seeing a lot of play and success. Her early game dominance and devastating ultimate can quickly snowball games. Her Q ability, Double Up, combined with her passive, makes her incredibly strong in lane trades, and her ultimate, Bullet Time, can wipe out entire teams if positioned correctly. She synergizes well with engage supports, making her a formidable force in the bot lane. Her build paths are also quite flexible, allowing her to adapt to the enemy team's composition. The simplicity of her kit, combined with her high impact, makes her accessible to a wide range of players. The ability for Miss Fortune to create significant pressure in lane, combined with her explosive team-fight potential, makes her a standout ADC. Her ultimate, in particular, has the power to turn the tide of any engagement, especially when combined with crowd control from her support. The consistent damage output she provides, coupled with her poke potential, allows her to control objectives and pressure the enemy. Her scaling is also quite respectable, meaning she remains a threat throughout the game. For players looking for a reliable and impactful ADC that can carry games, Miss Fortune is an excellent selection in patch 12.21. Her ability to snowball from the early game and deliver devastating damage in team fights makes her a top-tier threat. The synergy she has with champions like Leona or Nautilus, who can lock down enemies, amplifies her already potent ultimate.

Supports

For supports, Nami is a standout. Her healing, crowd control, and buffs make her an incredibly versatile enchanter. She can save allies, set up kills, and provide crucial utility. Thresh remains a perennial favorite. His hook, lantern, and peel potential are invaluable, making him a constant threat and a lifesaver for his team. Blitzcrank, despite his reliance on landing hooks, can completely dictate the flow of a game if he's landing his abilities. A well-placed hook can instantly turn a fight. He provides immense pick potential, and once an enemy is isolated, Blitzcrank can often secure a kill by himself or set up his team for an easy takedown. His power comes from his ability to create advantages through individual outplays. The threat of his Rocket Grab forces enemies to play cautiously around minions and terrain, which can be exploited by his team. While he can be frustrating to play against when he's landing his hooks consistently, he also presents opportunities for counter-play if his hooks are missed. His ultimate, Static Field, provides a powerful silence and AOE damage, which can be crucial in team fights or when diving into the enemy backline. Blitzcrank’s kit offers a unique blend of offensive and defensive capabilities, allowing him to engage, disengage, and set up plays. He synergizes well with aggressive ADCs who can capitalize on the picks he creates. Despite his reliance on landing skill shots, his impact on the game is undeniable. A good Blitzcrank player can consistently create advantages for their team, making him a top-tier support choice in patch 12.21. His ability to completely change the outcome of a game with a single well-timed hook is what makes him so feared and respected. His presence alone can alter the enemy team's positioning and decision-making, making him a powerful psychological weapon. So, if you enjoy a champion that rewards precise aim and can create game-winning opportunities, Blitzcrank is definitely a support to consider. His pick potential is unmatched, and his ability to punish mispositioning is second to none.

A-Tier: Strong and Reliable Picks

Moving on to the A-Tier, these champions are strong, reliable, and very viable picks in patch 12.21. While they might not have the absolute overwhelming power of the S-Tier, they are still excellent choices that can absolutely carry games if played well. These champions often have fewer weaknesses or are more consistent than S-tier picks, making them a safer bet for players who want a solid performance without needing to rely on the absolute peak of the meta. They are versatile, have good scaling, and can fit into a variety of team compositions. A-tier champions are the backbone of many successful strategies, and mastering one of them can lead to consistent climbing. They might require a bit more team coordination or a slightly more specific build path to reach their full potential, but their impact is undeniable. These are champions that you can confidently pick into most matchups and expect a good performance. They often possess a good balance of damage, survivability, and utility, making them adaptable to different game states. Their strengths are clear, and while they might have a few exploitable weaknesses, these are often manageable with good gameplay. Think of A-tier champions as the workhorses of the meta; they might not always be the flashiest, but they get the job done consistently and effectively. They are often less prone to hard counters than S-tier champions and can provide a stable performance even when the meta shifts slightly. Their reliability makes them fantastic for players who want to focus on improving their own gameplay rather than constantly chasing the absolute strongest picks. You can't go wrong with an A-tier champion, and they are an excellent foundation for climbing the ranked ladder in League of Legends. They offer a high win rate potential without the same level of risk associated with some of the more niche or overpowered S-tier picks. Their consistent performance across different stages of the game makes them valuable assets.

Top Laners

Garen is a solid pick, offering consistent damage and surprising tankiness. His simplicity makes him accessible, and his execute ultimate is a great finisher. Renekton continues to be strong, especially with his early-game dominance and ability to snowball. His fury mechanic allows for powerful trades and all-ins. Rumble provides excellent AoE damage and a powerful ultimate for team fights. His zone control is significant, making him a threat in skirmishes and objective fights. Rumble's sustained damage and ability to burst targets make him a versatile threat in the top lane. His Flamethrower and equalizer abilities can zone out enemies and deal significant damage in team fights. The ability for Rumble to control the battlefield with his ultimate, Scrap Shield, provides him with both offensive and defensive capabilities, allowing him to initiate fights or disengage when necessary. His ultimate, The Equalizer, is particularly impactful, capable of devastating multiple enemies caught in its radius. This makes him a valuable asset in objective fights and team skirmishes. Rumble's kit rewards aggressive play and good positioning, allowing him to consistently output high damage. He excels in skirmishes and can duel effectively against many top lane champions. The itemization for Rumble in this patch further enhances his damage output and survivability, making him a consistent threat. His ability to pressure lanes and create opportunities for his team makes him a valuable pick. For players who enjoy a champion with strong area-of-effect damage and a high impact ultimate, Rumble is a great choice in patch 12.21. His ability to dominate team fights and control objectives solidifies his position as a strong contender in the top lane. His kit also offers a degree of safety with his shield, allowing him to survive unfavorable trades or poke.

Junglers

Ekko is a great pick in the jungle, offering good clear, ganks, and team fight presence. His ability to reset his ultimate makes him surprisingly durable. Sejuani provides excellent crowd control and tankiness, making her a great initiator and front-liner. Her passive makes her very difficult to kill in extended fights. Jarvan IV offers strong ganking potential and a game-changing ultimate that can trap key targets. His engage and initiation are top-notch. Jarvan IV's combination of crowd control, damage, and initiation makes him a potent jungler. His E-Q combo provides a reliable engage, and his ultimate, Cataclysm, can isolate and trap priority targets, allowing his team to focus them down. His clear speed is decent, and his ganks are potent, especially when combined with the lockdown provided by his ultimate. Jarvan IV excels at starting fights and controlling the tempo of the game. His ability to create picks and initiate team fights makes him a valuable asset to any team composition. The synergy he has with other engage champions or follow-up damage dealers is immense. He's particularly effective at locking down mobile threats or squishy backline carries. His item builds often focus on bruiser items, giving him a good balance of damage and survivability, allowing him to dive into the enemy team and disrupt them effectively. For players who enjoy a champion that can initiate fights, provide crowd control, and has a strong presence throughout the game, Jarvan IV is an excellent choice in patch 12.21. His ability to dictate the pace of engagements and secure objectives makes him a reliable and impactful jungler. His impact extends beyond just fighting; his ability to pressure lanes with his E-Q can force enemies to play defensively, creating opportunities for his team.

Mid Laners

Orianna provides excellent wave clear, poke, and a game-changing ultimate. Her ball control is key to her effectiveness. Sylas is a strong skirmisher with good engage and the ability to steal ultimates, making him incredibly versatile. Zed remains a high-skill assassin that can snowball incredibly hard if he gets an early lead. His burst damage is immense, and his mobility allows him to outplay opponents. Zed's high mobility and burst damage make him a potent assassin, capable of deleting squishy targets from the game. His shadow mechanics allow for complex outplays and high skill expression. While he can be challenging to master, a skilled Zed player can carry games single-handedly by snowballing his lead. His ability to split push effectively and create pressure on the map is also a significant threat. Zed excels in one-on-one duels and can easily assassinate priority targets in team fights if he finds an opening. His ultimate, Death Mark, makes him untargetable and allows him to deal massive damage upon reappearing. The synergy he has with lethality items further amplifies his assassination potential. While he can be vulnerable to crowd control and burst himself, his agility and outplay potential allow him to mitigate these risks. For players who enjoy an assassin playstyle that rewards mechanical skill and aggressive play, Zed is an excellent choice in patch 12.21. His ability to snowball and carry games makes him a highly impactful pick. His presence on the map often forces the enemy team to play more cautiously, and his ability to flank and surprise opponents is a key part of his strategy. His kit also offers escape tools, allowing him to disengage after securing a kill.

Bot Laners (ADC)

Jinx offers incredible late-game scaling and AoE damage. Her rocket form provides long-range poke, and her minigun shreds targets. Ezreal remains a safe and reliable pick due to his poke, mobility, and ability to build defensively. Caitlyn provides strong lane pressure and excellent range, making her a dominant force in the early game. Her traps can control zones and set up kills. Caitlyn's superior range and strong laning phase make her a dominant force in the bot lane. Her Piltover Peacemaker ability allows for excellent poke and wave clear, while her Yordle Snap Trap can control areas and set up ambushes for her and her support. Her ultimate, Ace in the Hole, provides global pressure and can finish off low-health targets across the map. Caitlyn excels at controlling the pace of the early game and building a lead that can snowball into the mid and late game. Her passive, Headshot, further enhances her damage output in lane and during trades. The synergy she has with engage supports who can lock down enemies is particularly potent, allowing her to capitalize on their crowd control with her high sustained damage. Her build paths often include items that enhance her critical strike chance and attack speed, making her a significant threat in team fights. For players who enjoy a safe, high-damage ADC with strong lane presence and good scaling, Caitlyn is an excellent choice in patch 12.21. Her ability to pressure objectives and control the map makes her a reliable carry. Her traps also provide valuable vision and zone control, adding to her utility.

Supports

Leona provides immense engage and crowd control, making her a fantastic initiator. Her passive also allows her team to deal bonus damage. Lulu offers great shielding, poke, and utility, making her a versatile enchanter that can protect carries and enable plays. Bard provides unique roaming potential and game-changing crowd control with his ultimate, making him a high-impact, high-skill support. Bard's ability to roam and influence other lanes, combined with his unique crowd control ultimate, makes him a highly impactful support. His Magical Journey tunnels can be used for engages, escapes, or to reposition allies. His ultimate, Tempered Fate, can stun enemies or allies, creating powerful playmaking opportunities. Bard's presence on the map can disrupt enemy rotations and create advantages for his team. His passive, Traveler's Call, allows him to collect chimes, which empower his basic attacks and grant him increased movement speed, further enhancing his roaming potential. Bard synergizes well with aggressive ADCs who can capitalize on the opportunities he creates. He offers a blend of offensive and defensive capabilities, making him a versatile pick in various team compositions. For players who enjoy a support with high mobility, unique crowd control, and significant roaming potential, Bard is an excellent choice in patch 12.21. His ability to influence the entire map and create game-changing plays makes him a valuable asset to any team. His playstyle rewards proactive decision-making and map awareness.

B-Tier: Solid Picks with Situational Strengths

Finally, we have the B-Tier. These champions are solid picks that can definitely work in patch 12.21, but they often have more situational strengths or specific niches they excel in. They might be more easily countered, require a very specific team composition to shine, or might not have the same raw power as the A or S-tier champions. However, don't underestimate them! A skilled player on a B-tier champion can still perform very well, especially if they know their champion's matchups and have a good understanding of the game. These are champions that might be better in specific metas, against certain enemy team compositions, or require a more dedicated player to get the most out of them. They often have clear weaknesses that the enemy team can exploit if they are aware of them. However, their strengths can be significant enough to warrant picking them in the right circumstances. B-tier champions are great for players who want to play something a little less common or who have a deep understanding of a particular champion's intricacies. They can be surprise picks that throw off the enemy team's draft. They offer a good balance of power and playability, and while they may not be the absolute strongest, they are far from weak. Many professional players utilize B-tier champions effectively by playing around their specific strengths and minimizing their weaknesses. They are the workhorses that can fill various roles and contribute to a team's success when played intelligently. Their viability often depends heavily on the player's skill and knowledge of the matchup. So, while they might not be the first picks you think of, B-tier champions are definitely worth considering when the situation is right. They can provide a unique edge and surprise factor to your gameplay, making them a valuable part of the overall meta.

Top Laners

Dr. Mundo offers excellent sustain and tankiness. Yone is a high-skill, high-reward champion with great mobility and damage, but he can be vulnerable to CC. Jax is a strong duelist who scales well into the late game but can struggle in the early laning phase. Dr. Mundo's immense sustain and tankiness make him a formidable presence in the top lane. His passive allows him to regenerate health rapidly, and his ultimate provides a significant boost to his survivability. Mundo's cleaver abilities allow him to poke enemies and farm from a safe distance, making him difficult to zone out. His damage output, while not as bursty as some other top laners, is consistent and scales well into the late game. He excels at being a frontline tank that can soak up damage and disrupt enemy formations. His ultimate, Maximum Dosage, makes him incredibly difficult to kill, allowing him to dive into enemy teams and absorb a significant amount of damage. Mundo's kit is relatively straightforward, making him accessible to a wide range of players. However, mastering his positioning and knowing when to engage or disengage is key to maximizing his effectiveness. He's particularly strong against champions that rely on sustained damage, as his inherent tankiness and healing can outlast them. For players who enjoy a champion that is difficult to kill and can act as a reliable frontline, Dr. Mundo is a solid pick in patch 12.21. His ability to survive extended fights and provide consistent pressure makes him a valuable asset. His simplicity combined with his tankiness makes him a great choice for players who want to focus on macro play and objective control.

Junglers

Kayn can adapt his form based on the game state, offering both assassin and tank playstyles. Kindred excels at kiting and dealing sustained damage but requires good positioning. Xin Zhao offers strong early-game aggression and ganks but can fall off if he doesn't snowball.

Mid Laners

Annie provides reliable burst damage and crowd control with her stun. Malzahar offers excellent wave clear and suppression with his ultimate, making him a safe pick against assassins. Diana is a strong AP fighter with good engage and burst potential.

Bot Laners (ADC)

Samira is a high-skill ADC with great snowball potential but can be vulnerable if her combo is interrupted. Jhin offers unique burst damage and crowd control but requires careful positioning and itemization. Varus can be built for poke or all-in, offering flexibility but requiring good skill shot accuracy.

Supports

Morgana provides excellent crowd control and spell shields, making her a great pick against heavy CC teams. Soraka offers unparalleled healing but is very vulnerable to aggression. Alistar is a strong engage tank with good crowd control but requires good timing to be effective.