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Best Champions to Climb League of Legends Ranked in Patch 25.12
If you're looking to climb the Solo Q ladder in League of Legends, then you know that knowing which champions are performing best in the current meta can make all the difference. With Riot’s latest balance changes shaking up key roles across the Rift in Patch 25.12, now’s the perfect time to reassess your champion pool.
In this patch, a few standout picks are dominating their lanes, and win rates, thanks to direct buffs and evolving playstyles. In this guide, we’ll break down the most reliable champions for each role to help you win more games and rank up faster in Patch 25.12.
Top Lane
Mordekaiser
The recent buffs to Mordekaiser's bread and butter, his [Q] Obliterate, have propelled the champion to the top of the leader board. With a current win rate of 52.48%, Mordekaiser stands as one of the very best top lane champions to climb Solo Q in Patch 25.12 thanks to his out-of-this-world damage numbers, resilience, and simple kit.
Yorick
Ever since his rework, Yorick has been nothing short of a menace in the top lane. A master of split pushing, this grave digger can solo win games by putting relentless pressure out on the map, potentially turning even the grimmest of games around.
Yorick's ability to carry his team to victory is precisely what sets him apart from the opposition, placing him among the best champions with which to climb the ranked ladder.
Sett
For about the millionth consecutive patch, Sett stands as one of the best champions in the top lane. Tanky, good access to crowd control, surprisingly good burst, and a good laning phase all make Sett the perfect champion when it comes to dominating the opposition.
Plus, if ever ahead, a well-timed [R] The Show Stopper can grant Sett easy access to the enemy carry for a quick deletion!
Jungle
Trundle
The Troll King's win rate has exploded recently, leading the champion to hold the single highest win rate (53.26%) in the jungle in Patch 25.12. A complete jungler that is easy to master, Trundle's kit can make him one of the toughest champions to deal with.
Not only does Trundle's [Q] Chomp almost guarantee that you win most early fights, but [R] Subjugate ensures you stay relevant in the late game. Just make sure you use your ultimate on the tankiest member of the enemy team so as to steal the highest amount of stats possible!
Warwick
Warwick has just about everything you could ask for on a jungler: his [W] Blood Hunt allows you to pick up early kills almost for free, while his [R] Infinite Duress can grant easy access to an enemy carry when needed later on.
Warwick's sustain, speed, good clear, and early burst continue to make the champion one of the very best junglers of Patch 25.12.
Volibear
Like Trundle, Volibear can prove to be a surprisingly strong early duelist while also being deceptively tanky later on. Rising through the ranks in recent weeks, Volibear's pick rate continues to balloon while maintaining a terrific win rate thanks to the champion's straightforward kit and playstyle.
Mid Lane
Malzahar
Malzahar continues to hold one of the best win rates in the mid lane across several patches thanks to his simple, yet effective playstyle. Thanks to his long-range, push capabilities, and the safety [P] Call of the Void, Malzahar will almost always have a comfortable time during the laning phase.
The real reason he continues to perform so well in Solo Q, however, is none other than his ultimate. No matter how fed an enemy carry may be, a single well-timed use of your [R] Nether Grasp can immediately shut down an opposing player's plans, making Malzahar a great pick in almost any game.
Xerath
This artillery mage's ridiculously long range often makes Xerath one of the most frustrating champions to deal with in the mid lane. Thanks to his superior poke, access to crowd control, and outstanding late-game burst, a proficient Xerath player can take over the game without breaking a sweat.
Just make sure you maximize the use of [P] Mana Surge in lane to keep your mana healthy and your opponents dancing!
Diana
After receiving buffs to her [P] Moonsilver Blade, Diana quickly rose to the top of the mid lane. One of the most effective assassins in the game, Diana's outstanding burst can help your team take out high-priority targets in the blink of an eye.
Likewise, a well timed [R] Moonfall can single-handedly turn a fight around, making Diana one of the best champions to climb ranked in Patch 25.12.
Bottom Lane
Nilah
With a current win rate of 53.74%, Nilah stands as one of the strongest champions not just in the bottom lane, but in the entire game.
Though her playstyle may be unlike that of any other ADC, her kit and damage numbers are currently sky-high, something that can be used to catch enemies off guard in Solo Q. Like Diana, Nilah's [R] Apotheosis can prove crucial in teamfights, so head out there and master Nilah before it's too late!
Sivir
After her most recent buffs, both Sivir's win rate and pick rate continue to rise. Thanks to her oppressive laning phase and fantastic wave clear, Sivir can be a farming machine in the bottom lane, granting you access to your core items faster than anyone.
When paired with the right support pick, a Sivir lane can prove to be one of the best ways to climb ranked in League of Legends Patch 25.12.
Jinx
One of the most picked AD carries in the game continues to hold on to an outstanding win rate thanks to her long range and terrific late game. Use your range or your [R] Super Mega Death Rocket! to secure an early kill in teamfights, activating your [P] Get Excited! to ensure you start rolling over the opposition.
Support
Milio
A favorite among ADC players, Milio ensures his carries are always safe and empowered! While his [W] Cozy Campfire and [E] Warm Hugs can enable your ADC to take over team fights, it is your [R] Breath of Life which will need to be timed to perfection to make sure your teammates can live to see another day.
As one of the very best enchanters in the game, Milio currently holds the highest support win rate (52.53%) in Patch 25.12.
Nami
While Milio excels at boosting his allies, Nami brings a more disruptive edge to the table. Her toolkit not only enhances her duo partner but also introduces potent crowd control via [Q] Aqua Prison and [R] Tidal Wave, both of which can punish mispositioned opponents with devastating precision.
In lane, [W] Ebb and Flow and [E] Tidecaller's Blessing apply relentless poke and trade pressure, often leaving her enemies scrambling to keep up. This blend of utility and control makes her a standout support for players looking to climb the ranks efficiently.
Sona
Completing the enchanter trifecta in the support role is Sona. Through decent poke in lane, her ability to heal and shield teammates, and an area-of-effect crowd control in the form of her [R] Crescendo, Sona brings the complete package to the bottom lane.
Though seemingly simple at first glance, players will be rewarded for mastering Sona's kit and the correct use of her [P] Power Chord forms with repeated victories!
Adjusting to the Meta!
The ranked grind never stays still, and neither should your champion pool. Patch 25.12 has introduced significant shifts that reward players who adapt quickly and capitalize on high-impact picks. Whether you're locking in early-game snowballers or scaling monsters that shine in teamfights, success comes down to understanding what works now.
So take advantage of the current meta, refine your mechanics, and don’t be afraid to commit to what’s strong. After all, climbing isn’t just about playing more, it’s about playing smarter.
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Featured image credit: Riot Games
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