Today’s ADC Meta is Ridiculous

For years, ADC (Attack Damage Carry) players in League of Legends have been told they need to play flawlessly just to stay relevant in the game. It’s a role that has been seen as weak, heavily reliant on team support, and too easy to shut down. But now, the situation has flipped entirely, and ADC players are seeing their champions thrive—not just in the bot lane but also in mid and top lanes.

This shift has thrown the game's meta into chaos. This created a situation where ADCs dominate like never before, and not in a healthy way.

AD Carries in the Mid Lane

In the current pro play meta, ADCs have expanded far beyond their traditional bot lane role, becoming regular picks in mid and top lanes. The LCK and LPL Summer season matches have highlighted this shift. Where ADCs like Tristana, Corki, and Lucian are now the top mid lane choices. Tristana has an 84% presence, Corki 82%, and Lucian 41%—all from these highly competitive leagues. These champions have squeezed traditional mages out of the mid lane, leaving little room for them to compete.

LeBlanc is one of the few mages still holding on in the mid lane, often picked to counter these ADCs. However, even she struggles against the sheer power and late game presence of champions like Tristana and Corki. Additionally, Zeri, who holds a 20% presence in pro play, is primarily picked for the mid lane, not the bot lane, even though she can be an option also for top.

This trend of ADCs dominating multiple lanes is pushing traditional mages out of the meta. Thus, creating an unbalanced and problematic game state.

AD carries also Taking over the Top Lane

The top lane, traditionally dominated by bruisers and tanks, has also seen a rise in ADC picks. Vayne, in particular, has always been a strong pick in the top lane, typically favored in solo queue but often disliked in professional play. With the current dominance of ADCs across various lanes, it's become increasingly logical to pick Vayne in the top lane. Her strength as an ADC is now amplified by the ridiculous meta, where ADCs are thriving more than ever.

Twisted Fate has also emerged as a significant force in the top lane. MSI showcased his power, and he continues to be frequently banned in pro play with 22% presence due to his exceptional pushing power and the challenges he presents for top laners.

His ability to apply pressure and outmaneuver traditional top lane champions underscores the impact ADCs have had in reshaping lane dynamics. The increasing prevalence of ADCs in the top lane has led to a meta where flexibility is at a premium. However, it also contributes to a stale and one-dimensional gameplay experience.

The Band-aid solution

Riot Games is aware of the growing imbalance and has addressed it in Patch 14.15. This patch specifically targets some of the key items that have contributed to the rise of ADCs in all lanes. Such as Statikk Shiv, Kraken Slayer, and Fleet Footwork. These items have been instrumental in making ADCs strong throughout the game, and the nerfs aim to reduce their early-game power.

In addition to the item nerfs, Riot has also introduced some band-aid solutions for mages, increasing the values of their items slightly. These changes are intended to lower the pressure that ADCs currently exert in lanes, allowing for a more balanced game. However, whether these changes will be enough to curb the dominance of ADCs remains to be seen.

What Went Wrong

While some might argue that the triple ADC meta is an exciting development, it’s important to recognize that it is, in fact, harmful to the overall health of the game. ADCs are designed to be strong in the late game. However, their current dominance from the early game onwards is disrupting the balance of the game. When ADCs are strong throughout the entire match, they push other roles out of the meta. This makes it difficult for non-AD champions to find their place.

The current state of the game, where ADCs can dominate all three lanes, is not sustainable. This triple ADC meta is not just a passing trend but a serious issue that needs to be addressed to prevent the game from becoming stale and predictable.

The Worlds 2024 Meta Might be in Danger 

As professional play is often a patch behind, the triple ADC meta may continue to dominate in the short term. However, the changes in Patch 14.15 offer a glimmer of hope for a more balanced future. Riot Games must continue to monitor the situation closely and make the necessary adjustments to ensure the game remains healthy and competitive.

The dominance of ADCs across multiple lanes is a clear sign that something is wrong with the current meta. While the current state of the game might have answered the prayers of ADC players. It has done so in a way that could harm the game in the long run. As we move forward, Riot should find the right balance between champion power and role diversity. This will be crucial to preventing this nightmare from reaching Worlds.

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