As Season 15 of League of Legends approaches, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the best solo carry champions for each role. This guide dives deep into the top picks across the game, providing insights into builds, runes, strengths, and weaknesses to help you dominate the competition.

Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Adapt to the new patch and utilize champions that fit the current meta.
- Understand each champion’s strengths and weaknesses to maximize their potential.
- Build items and runes that complement your champion’s playstyle for effective gameplay.
Introduction to Season 15
Season 15 of League of Legends is upon us, and with it comes a fresh opportunity for players to establish dominance in the game. The new patch system has introduced a different way of numbering, now referred to as 25.S1.1, representing the year, season and patch. This change is not merely cosmetic; it reflects Riot’s intention to categorize patches more effectively, especially with thematic seasons in mind, the first being Noxus.
This season promises to be exciting, with new champion interactions, objective priorities, and rune adjustments that will shape the gameplay experience. As players dive into the new patch, understanding these changes will be crucial to climbing the ranks and maximizing your performance.

Understanding Patch 25.S1.1
Patch 25.S1.1 is not just a simple update; it brings significant changes that players must adapt to. The adjustments in champion abilities, item effectiveness, and rune mechanics can drastically alter the meta. Key highlights include:
- Champion Buffs and Nerfs: Understanding which champions have received buffs or nerfs will help you make informed decisions during champion select.
- Item Adjustments: Some items have been reworked or adjusted, impacting the build paths for various champions.
- New Runes: The introduction of new runes, such as Axium Archinist, will provide players with new strategic options.
Players will need to stay ahead of the curve by experimenting with different builds and strategies to find the most effective ways to leverage these changes.
Top Lane Picks
Irelia
Irelia has emerged as one of the top solo carry champions for the new season. The introduction of a new build focusing on
Hullbreaker has significantly boosted her power, especially in split-pushing scenarios. Players are now opting for a
Blade of the Ruined King into
Hullbreaker build, which has proven to be more effective than the previous Kraken setups.
Key strengths of Aelia include:
- Split-Pushing Capability: With her passive now applying damage to towers, Irelia excels at taking objectives and creating pressure in side lanes.
- 1v1 Potential: Irelia thrives in isolated fights, making her a formidable opponent in duels.
- Team Fight Execution: Although her team fight capabilities are more challenging to execute, her split-pushing can often lead to favorable situations for her team.
The core build for Irelia consists of Blade of the Ruined King, followed by
Hullbreaker, and situational items like
Wit’s End or
Death’s Dance.
- Core Item Build for Irelia:
Blade of the Ruined King
Hullbreaker
Wit’s End or
Death’s Dance (Situational)

- Best Runes for Irelia:
- Primary:
Conqueror
Triumph
Alacrity
Last Stand
- Secondary:
Biscuits
Jack of All Trades
- Primary:

Warwick
Warwick has solidified his position as one of the best skirmishing top laners this season. His ability to sustain through fights using his passive allows him to bait opponents into unfavorable trades. This is particularly effective in lower elos where players may not be familiar with his strengths.
Warwick’s strengths include:
- High Sustain: His passive provides immense healing, making him a difficult target to take down.
- Early Game Dominance: Warwick excels in early skirmishes, allowing him to secure early kills and snowball his lead.
- Flexible Playstyle: He can be aggressive in trades or play more defensively, depending on the matchup.
The recommended build for Warwick is Blade of the Ruined King into
Stridebreaker, followed by situational items based on the game state.
- Core Item Build for Warwick:
Blade of the Ruined King
Stridebreaker
- Situational items (based on game state)

- Best Runes for Warwick:
- Primary:
Lethal Tempo
Presence of Mind
Alacrity
Last Stand
- Secondary:
Second Wind
Revitalize
- Primary:

Malphite
Malphite remains a strong option for players looking for a straightforward yet effective champion. His ability to stack armor and slow opponents with his E makes him a great counter to AD champions, especially in the current meta.
Key aspects of Malphite include:
- Team Fight Impact: Malphite can initiate fights with his ultimate, making him a valuable asset in team compositions.
- Scaling Power: He outscales many AD fighters, becoming a critical force in late-game team fights.
- Armor Scaling: His abilities benefit from stacking armor, making him a tanky presence against physical damage dealers.
The standard core build for Malphite is Sunfire Aegis into
Thornmail, allowing him to maximize his tankiness while dealing damage in fights.
- Core Item Build for Malphite:
Sunfire Aegis
Thornmail
- Situational items (based on game state)

- Best Runes for Malphite:
- Primary:
Arcane Comet
Manaflow Band
Transcendence
Scorch
- Secondary:
Second Wind
Overgrowth
- Primary:

Jungle Picks
Wukong
Wukong has risen to prominence as a top-tier jungler this season, thanks to his recent buffs. His ability to engage and deal damage while being tanky makes him a versatile choice for various team compositions.
Wukong’s strengths include:
- Skirmishing Power: His passive allows for strong dueling potential against physical damage champions.
- Engagement Tools: Wukong can initiate fights effectively, providing utility and damage to his team.
- Adaptability: He can build according to the enemy team’s composition, choosing between damage and tankiness.
The core build for Wukong consists of Trinity Force into Sunderer, with situational options like
Black Cleaver or
Death’s Dance based on the game flow.
- Core Item Build for Wukong:
Trinity Force
Sundered Sky
Black Cleaver,
Death’s Dance, or
Sterak’s Gage (Situational)

- Best Runes for Wukong:
- Primary:
Conqueror
Triumph
Alacrity
Last Stand
- Secondary:
Magical Footwear
Cosmic Insight
- Primary:

Nocturne
Nocturne is a powerhouse choice for the jungle in Season 15, especially for players in lower ranks. His kit synergizes well with the current meta, allowing for easy picks and impactful ganks. The key to success with Nocturne lies in his ability to find isolated enemies and capitalize on their mistakes.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Nocturne excels at catching enemies off-guard with his ultimate, Paranoia, which plunges the map into darkness, making it difficult for opponents to react. He becomes significantly more powerful when combined with items like Stridebreaker and
Hextech Rocketbelt, providing him with both mobility and damage.
- Strengths:
- High burst damage with his abilities.
- Strong ganking potential with his ultimate.
- Ability to snowball games quickly.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to crowd control effects.
- Struggles against heavy tank compositions.
- Core Item Build for Nocturne:
Stridebreaker
Experimental Hexbelt
Infinity Edge (situational)
Guardian Angel (situational)
Death’s Dance (for survivability)

- Best Runes for Nocturne:
- Primary:
Conqueror
Triumph
Alacrity
Last Stand
- Secondary:
Ultimate Hunter
Sudden Impact (optional for added damage)
- Primary:

Warwick
Warwick has emerged as a top-tier jungler in Season 15, showcasing incredible skirmishing power and sustain that allows him to excel in early game fights. His unique mobility, granted by his passive which provides bonus movement speed to enemies below 50% health, enables him to capitalize on low-health targets and secure kills efficiently.
Warwick’s strengths include:
- High Sustain: His passive healing from damage taken makes him incredibly difficult to take down, allowing him to withstand fights and outlast opponents.
- Strong Early Game Pressure: Warwick thrives in the early stages of the game, which allows him to secure objectives and gank lanes effectively.
- Great Map Mobility: His ability to quickly respond to skirmishes with movement speed boosts makes him a formidable jungler for controlling the map.
The recommended build for Warwick in the jungle is to rush Stridebreaker for enhanced mobility and damage, followed by
Blade of the Ruined King for added sustain and damage output.
- Core Item Build for Warwick:
Stridebreaker
Blade of the Ruined King
- Situational items based on the game state

- Best Runes for Warwick:
- Primary:
Lethal Tempo
Triumph
Alacrity
Last Stand
- Secondary:
Celerity
Waterwalking
- Primary:

Mid Lane Picks
Viktor
Viktor has seen a resurgence in the mid lane, becoming a top-tier pick due to his flexibility and power. His ability to adapt his build according to the enemy composition makes him a valuable asset in any game.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Viktor shines against squishy champions, leveraging his Death Ray and Chaos Storm to deal massive damage. His unique build paths allow him to either burst down enemies quickly or sustain in longer fights.
- Strengths:
- High burst damage with skill combos.
- Excellent wave clear and zoning potential.
- Adaptable build paths based on matchups.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to assassins who can dodge his skill shots.
- Requires good positioning to maximize damage.
The core build for Viktor includes:
Item | Reason |
---|---|
![]() | Boosts burst damage and provides ability haste. |
![]() | Increases survivability and provides crowd control. |

OR against Tanks
Item | Reason |
---|---|
![]() | Deals burn damage over time and amplifies magic damage on enemies. |
![]() | Increases sustained damage and deals bonus damage based on enemy max health. |

Rune Setup
- Primary:
Summon Aery
Transcendence
Axiom Arcanist
Scorch
- Secondary:
Shield Bash
Bone Plating

This setup enhances his poke and ability uptime, allowing him to dominate mid lane.
Ahri
Ahri continues to be a strong solo carry champion in the mid lane. Her mobility and crowd control make her a formidable opponent, especially in lower ranks where players may struggle to evade her charms.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Ahri’s strength lies in her ability to outmaneuver opponents and pick off isolated targets. The charm from her ultimate can turn fights in her favor, making her a high-impact pick.
- Strengths:
- High mobility with her ultimate.
- Strong catch potential with her charm.
- Ability to deal both burst and sustained damage.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to heavy crowd control.
- Requires precise skill shots to maximize damage.
The recommended core build for Ahri consists of:
Item | Reason |
---|---|
![]() | Amplifies damage dealt to enemies with impaired movement or crowd control. |
![]() | Increases damage to immobilized or long-range targets. |

Rune Setup
- Primary:
Electrocute
Taste of Blood
Ultimate Hunter
- Secondary:
Transcendence
Manaflow Band

This setup maximizes her burst potential while providing sustain in fights.
Vex
Vex has been consistently strong in the mid lane due to her ability to counter many popular champions. Her wave clear and crowd control make her a valuable pick in any team composition.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Vex excels at shutting down champions that rely on mobility. Her ultimate can change the tide of fights, especially against champions who dive into her team.
- Strengths:
- Strong against mobile champions.
- High zoning potential with her abilities.
- Good wave clear and team fight impact.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to burst damage.
- Requires good positioning to maximize her abilities.
The core build for Vex includes:
The core build for Vex focuses on maximizing her burst potential and team fight impact. Start with Luden’s Tempest for its ability power and cooldown reduction, which will enhance her poke and wave clear. For the second item, opt for
Shadowflame, providing additional AP and health, which synergizes well with Vex’s burst damage. Finally, choose
Zhonya’s Hourglass or
Rabadon’s Deathcap as the third item, depending on whether you need survivability or extra crowd control. This build allows Vex to deal significant damage while remaining a threat in team fights.
- Core Item Build for Vex:
Luden’s Tempest
Shadowflame
Zhonya’s Hourglass or
Rabadon’s Deathcap (Situational)

Rune Setup
- Primary:
Electrocute
Taste of Blood
Ultimate Hunter
- Secondary:
Manaflow Band
Transcendence

This setup enhances her burst damage and provides sustain in the lane.
ADC Picks
Miss Fortune
Miss Fortune has made a strong comeback in the ADC role this season. Her unique combination of burst damage and area control makes her an impactful pick in team fights.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Miss Fortune is particularly strong against squishy opponents and excels in team fights with her ultimate, Bullet Time. Her ability to deal massive damage upfront makes her a valuable asset in any composition.
- Strengths:
- High burst damage with her abilities.
- Strong area control with her ultimate.
- Easy to play and impact team fights.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to dive champions.
- Requires good positioning to avoid damage.
- Core Item Build for Miss Fortune:
Youmuu’s Ghostblade
The Collector
Serylda’s Grudge

Rune Setup
- Primary:
First Strike
Cashback
Biscuits
Jack of all Trades
- Secondary:
Manaflow Band
Gathering Storm

This setup maximizes her damage output while providing sustain in fights.
Corki
Corki is another strong ADC pick this season, known for his burst damage and ability to outtrade other marksmen. His unique build path allows him to excel in both poke and all-in scenarios.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Corki’s ability to deal burst damage through his spells makes him a formidable opponent in the lane. He thrives when paired with engage supports that can help him land his abilities.
- Strengths:
- High burst damage with spell rotations.
- Strong poke potential in the lane.
- Good scaling with items.
- Weaknesses:
- Shorter range compared to other ADCs.
- Vulnerable to crowd control effects.
The core build for Corki consists of:
- Core Item Build for Corki:
Trinity Force
Manamune
Rapid Firecannon

Rune Setup
- Primary:
Conqueror
Presence of Mind
Alacrity
Cut Down
- Secondary:
Biscuits
Jack of all Trades

This setup maximizes his damage output while providing sustain in the lane.
Sivir
Sivir has emerged as a strong ADC pick for Season 15, gaining traction due to her ability to control waves and initiate fights effectively. Her kit allows her to be impactful both in team fights and during the laning phase.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Sivir’s strengths lie in her wave clear and team fight potential. She excels at stalling games and can quickly turn the tide when ahead. However, she can be vulnerable to heavy dive compositions.
- Strengths:
- Excellent wave clear with her Q.
- Strong team fight initiation with her R.
- Ability to stall games effectively.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to champions with high mobility.
- Requires good positioning to avoid damage.
The recommended core build for Sivir consists of:
- Core Item Build for Sivir:
Essence Reaver
Navori Flickerblades
Infinity Edge
Lord Dominik’s Regards (siuational)
Guardian Angel (siuational)

Rune Setup
- Primary:
Lethal Tempo
Presence of Mind
Alacrity
Cut Down
- Secondary:
Magical Footwear
Biscuits

This setup maximizes her damage output while providing sustain in fights.
Support Picks
Vel’Koz
Vel’Koz has seen a rise in popularity as a support champion due to his significant damage output and crowd control. His ability to poke and zone out enemies makes him a valuable asset in team fights.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Vel’Koz excels at dealing damage from a distance and providing utility with his crowd control. However, he can struggle against champions with strong engage or mobility.
- Strengths:
- High damage output with abilities.
- Strong zoning potential with his ultimate.
- Can poke enemies effectively from a distance.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to all-ins from engage supports.
- Requires good positioning to maximize damage.
The recommended core build for Vel’Koz consists of:
Item | Reason |
---|---|
![]() | Enhances Vel’Koz’s poke and zone control by amplifying damage in areas where enemies are grouped. |
![]() | Synergizes with Vel’Koz’s long-range abilities and crowd control, increasing damage to immobilized or distant targets. |
![]() | Ideal for sustained damage, especially against tanky champions, as it deals bonus damage based on enemy max health. |
OR | |
![]() | Boosts Vel’Koz’s burst damage and wave clear, making it a strong choice for aggressive poke and quick trades. |

Rune Setup
- Primary:
Arcane Comet
Manaflow Band
Transcendence
- Secondary:
Cosmic Insight
Ultimate Hunter

This setup enhances his poke and ability uptime, allowing him to dominate in lane.
Tahm Kench
Tahm Kench has solidified his position as a top-tier support champion due to his exceptional skirmishing power and the ability to protect his carries. His kit allows him to thrive in both offensive and defensive situations.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Tom Kench’s strengths lie in his ability to absorb damage and initiate fights. However, he can struggle against champions with strong crowd control or burst damage.
- Strengths:
- High survivability with his shield and healing.
- Can initiate fights effectively with his ultimate.
- Strong skirmishing capabilities.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to heavy crowd control.
- Requires good positioning to maximize effectiveness.
The recommended core build for Tom Kench consists of:
Item | Reason |
---|---|
![]() | Provides utility and mobility, allowing Tahm Kench to reposition quickly or assist allies in fights. |
![]() | Increases damage and tankiness, making it ideal for Tahm Kench to scale into a durable frontline threat. |
![]() | Enhances sustain and survivability, allowing Tahm Kench to stay in prolonged fights and protect allies effectively. |

Rune Setup
- Primary:
Grasp of the Undying
Second Wind
Shield Bash
Unflinching
- Secondary:
Triumph
Alacrity

This setup maximizes his tankiness and utility in team fights.
Poppy
Poppy is another excellent support champion who excels in providing crowd control and utility. Her ability to disrupt enemy engages makes her a valuable asset to any team composition.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Poppy’s strengths lie in her ability to control the battlefield and protect her carries. However, she can struggle against champions with high mobility or ranged poke.
- Strengths:
- Strong crowd control with her E and R.
- Can peel for carries effectively.
- Good roaming potential with her passive speed boost.
- Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to burst damage from assassins.
- Requires good positioning to maximize effectiveness.
The recommended core build for Poppy consists of:
Item | Reason |
---|---|
![]() | (Hypothetical) Likely enhances Poppy’s damage and crowd control, making her engages and trades more impactful in lane. |
![]() | Provides bonus movement speed and extra damage on the first attack, helping Poppy engage or chase down enemies effectively. |
![]() | Grants a shield to allies, making it a great utility item for protecting your team during fights while Poppy peels or engages. |

Rune Setup
- Primary:
Hail of Blades
Sudden Impact
Relentless Hunter
- Secondary:
Hextech Flashtraption
Cosmic Insight

This setup enhances her engage potential and survivability in fights.
Conclusion
As Season 15 unfolds, success in League of Legends requires more than just mechanical skill – it demands a deep understanding of champions, their itemization, and the evolving meta. This comprehensive guide has outlined the most effective solo carry champions across all roles, providing players with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in their ranked journey.
Several key themes emerge from our analysis:
- Role Diversity and Adaptability
Each role offers multiple viable carry options, from Irelia’s split-pushing potential in top lane to Vel’Koz’s high-damage support style
Champions like Viktor and Ahri demonstrate the importance of versatility in build paths and playstyles
- Strategic Item Building
Success relies heavily on understanding core item builds and when to adapt them
Situational items play a crucial role in maximizing champion effectiveness based on game state
- Optimal Rune Selection
Each champion benefits from carefully tailored rune setups that enhance their strengths
The flexibility to adjust rune choices based on matchups and team compositions
- Meta Understanding
Patch 25.S1.1 has reshaped the competitive landscape, introducing new strategic considerations
Champions that can adapt to various team compositions tend to perform better consistently
To maximize your chances of success in Season 15:
- Master a Small Champion Pool: Focus on 2-3 champions per role rather than trying to play everything
- Stay Informed: Keep up with patch notes and meta shifts
- Practice Adaptability: Learn to adjust builds and strategies based on game circumstances
- Focus on Fundamentals: Maintain strong CS, vision control, and objective awareness
Remember that while these champions are currently strong, success ultimately comes from mastering your chosen picks and understanding how to leverage their strengths in different situations. Keep practicing, stay adaptable, and most importantly, enjoy your journey through Season 15!
FAQ
What are the best ADC champions for Season 15?
Sivir, Misfortune, and Corki are currently top-tier picks.
Which support champions should I consider?
Vel’Koz, Tom Kench, and Poppy are excellent options for support.
What are some good mid lane champions for solo carrying?
Viktor, Ahri, and Vex are excellent mid lane picks for solo carrying this season.
How can I improve my gameplay in Season 15?
Focus on champion mastery, understanding the meta, and adapting your builds to your team composition.
How can I choose the right champion for my role?
Consider your playstyle, the current meta, and the specific strengths and weaknesses of each champion when selecting your role.
What items are considered essential for ADC champions?
Items like Galeforce, Infinity Edge, and Blade of the Ruined King are crucial for maximizing damage output in ADC champions.
What strategies can I use to climb the ranks in Season 15?
Focus on mastering a few champions, understanding item builds, and adapting your strategy based on the game situation and opponent picks.