How to Build the Perfect Champion Pool for Solo Queue Climbing

In the world of League of Legends, contrary to what some people might suggest, one-tricking is not always the best strategy to climb in solo queue. While one-tricking can provide a comfort pick and in-depth knowledge of a specific champion, playing multiple champions has its advantages. This article aims to explain why having a diverse champion pool is crucial for success in ranked games and provides a guide on how to create the perfect champion pool tailored to your needs.

Introduction

Before diving into the specifics of building the perfect champion pool, it's essential to understand the drawbacks of one-tricking and the benefits of diversifying your champion selection. While being a one-trick can be effective at times, it leaves you vulnerable in situations where your champion doesn't fit the team composition or gets countered by the enemy's picks.

The Pitfalls of One-Tricking

One-tricking can lead to problems in champ select, such as getting countered or not having a champion that synergizes well with your team. In solo queue, where communication is limited, a well-rounded champion pool becomes even more critical.

Understanding the Meta

Although you can play off-meta picks, it's essential to align your champion pool with the current meta. Meta champions are popular for a reason – they are tried and tested to be strong in the current game state. Avoid forcing weak or unpopular picks into your pool just because you enjoy playing them.

Covering Your Bases

Each role in League of Legends has specific needs in a team composition. For example, top lane, jungle, or support should have at least one frontliner that can engage fights when necessary. ADCs should have both physical and magic damage options. Always analyze your team's composition and pick a champion that complements it.

Balancing Early, Mid, and Late Game Strength

A well-balanced champion pool should include options that perform well in the early, mid, and late game. Having a mix of champions with various power spikes ensures that your team can adapt to different stages of the game effectively.

Building the Perfect Champion Pool for Each Role

Top Lane

In the top lane, your champion pool should have a mix of AD and AP options, along with a champion that can engage fights and provide a solid front line. Examples include Fiora for AD threat, Malphite for AP threat and hard engage, and Garen as a beefy counter to assassins.

Jungle

Junglers have a wide variety of options. Your pool should include a mix of tanky options like Sejuani, Zac, or Maokai, as well as damage-oriented champions like Kha'Zix, Kindred, and Evelynn. Having an early-game option like Elise can be advantageous for snowballing.

Mid Lane

In the mid lane, you should have a mix of control mages and assassins. Additionally, it's a good idea to include one beefy melee champion like Galio to counter assassins effectively.

Bot Lane (ADC)

For ADCs, consider mixing traditional marksmen with AP carries like Seraphine, Swain, or Karthus. This adds versatility to your champion pool and can surprise opponents in draft.

Support

Support players should diversify their pool, including enchanters, mages, and tanky engage supports. Enchanters work best with strong team fighting compositions, while engage supports are great for aggressive laners.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect champion pool is crucial for climbing in solo queue. By diversifying your champion selection, you ensure that you can adapt to different team compositions and increase your chances of success. Remember always to consider the meta, team composition, and balance between early, mid, and late-game strength.