Are you ready to dominate the Howling Abyss? Our LoL ARAM guide is your key to success in League of Legends ARAM. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll learn how to beat your opponents on the single-lane battlefield.

We cover everything from the best builds and runes to advanced gameplay tips. You’ll uncover the secrets of the Howling Abyss and learn to adapt to the changing meta. With our help, you’ll become an ARAM master in no time.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Master champion selection and team composition for ARAM success
- Learn optimal builds and runes for different roles in ARAM
- Understand ARAM-specific buffs and nerfs to gain an edge
- Discover essential strategies for poke, siege, and teamfighting
- Maximize gold and experience gain on the Howling Abyss
- Avoid common ARAM mistakes to improve your win rate
Introduction to ARAM: All Random All Mid in League of Legends
ARAM is a special game mode in League of Legends. It offers a new way to play compared to the usual games. Played on the Howling Abyss map, it’s a fast-paced battle between two teams in a single lane.
What is ARAM?
ARAM means All Random All Mid. Players get random champions from League of Legends 160+ champs. This makes the game exciting as players must learn new champions and team setups quickly.
The Howling Abyss Map
The Howling Abyss is a narrow map for ARAM. It has four health relics that come back often, helping champions. The map’s design means constant battles, making every fight intense and strategic.

Key Differences from Summoner’s Rift
ARAM is very different from Summoner’s Rift:
- Champions start at level 3 with all basic abilities
- Gold and experience gain are faster
- Special items like Guardian’s Horn are available
- Healing abilities are 50% less effective
- Champions get bonus damage to structures after 18 minutes
- Players can surrender at 8 minutes unanimously or 12 minutes with a majority vote
These changes make ARAM a unique experience. It’s all about quick teamfights and fast decisions. This makes ARAM a favorite among players looking for something different from Summoner’s Rift.
ARAM Champion Select and Team Composition
In ARAM, picking champions is a surprise. Players can’t choose their champions, making the game excitingly unpredictable. The game randomly picks characters from the whole roster, making each match unique.
Even though you can’t pick your champion, you still have options. ARAM lets you influence your team’s makeup in two ways:
- Rerolls: Use these to get a new random champion
- Trading: Swap champions with willing teammates

A good team in ARAM has a mix of everything. You want a balance of AP and AD damage to keep the enemy on their toes. Champions with poke abilities help wear down opponents from a distance. And, having a champion to start fights is key.
Think about these roles for your team:
- Frontline tanks to soak up damage
- Damage dealers (both AP and AD)
- Utility champions for crowd control and support
Champion synergy is important. Look for abilities that complement each other. A well-rounded team has the best chance to win on the Howling Abyss.
Top-Tier ARAM Champions
In ARAM, some champions stand out more than others. We’ll look at the best champions for each role, from marksmen to tanks and supports.

Marksmen and ADCs
Marksmen are great in ARAM because they can attack from far away and deal lots of damage. Jinx is especially good because of her powerful passive, making it easy to get kills.
Sivir is also a top choice because she can clear waves and deal consistent damage.
Caitlyn is another strong pick. She controls the map well and can attack enemies from far away with her traps.



Mages and AP Carries
Mages are amazing in ARAM because they can deal a lot of damage quickly and control crowds. Veigar is very powerful because he can increase his AP fast and deal a lot of damage.
Lux is still a great pick, even though her damage is a bit lower, because she can spam CC.
Fiddlesticks is also very good. He can change the game with his ultimate and has great vision control.



Tanks and Frontliners
Tanks are key in ARAM because they can take a lot of damage and protect their team. Sion becomes almost unstoppable with items like Heartsteel and Warmog’s.
Darius is also a top tank pick because he can deal a lot of damage and turn fights around.
Wukong is one of the best AD bruisers. He gets better in fights because he can attack constantly.



Supports and Utility Champions
Support champions are very useful in ARAM. Janna is considered one of the best because she can shield and control crowds very well.
Nami is great because she can heal, deal damage, and control crowds.
Sona is also a strong support mage. She can deal a lot of damage and has a game-changing ultimate.



Tier | Description | Example Champions |
---|---|---|
S+ | Best Champions | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
S | Strong Picks | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
A | Above Average | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
B | Average Choices | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
ARAM-Specific Champion Buffs and Nerfs
ARAM champion adjustments keep the game mode fresh and balanced. Riot Games regularly tweaks champion performance to ensure fair gameplay. These changes affect various aspects of champions, from damage output to healing capabilities.
Recent champion buffs and nerfs have shaken up the ARAM meta. For instance, Camille received a 10% boost in shielding and gained 10 ability haste. On the flip side,
Dr. Mundo’s healing prowess took a 10% hit, impacting his sustain in fights.
Aatrox: 20% increase in tenacity
Akali: 20% boost in energy regeneration and tenacity
Ashe: 2.5% increase in attack speed, but longer cooldowns on W and R
Azir: 20% more ability haste and 2.5% attack speed increase
These champion buffs and nerfs aim to create a more dynamic ARAM experience. For example, Karma’s damage output dropped by 5%, reducing her poke potential.
Zac’s healing effectiveness decreased from 120% to 110%, affecting his sustainability in extended fights.
Champion | Buff | Nerf |
---|---|---|
![]() | +10% shielding, +20% healing, +10 ability haste | – |
![]() | -5% damage taken | -10% healing done |
![]() | – | +5% damage taken |
![]() | – | -5% shielding capacity |
These aram champion adjustments ensure that every game remains unpredictable and exciting. They encourage players to adapt their strategies based on the latest balance changes.
Effective ARAM Builds and Itemization
Mastering aram builds and itemization is key to winning in All Random All Mid. ARAM’s fast pace means you must choose items quickly for your champion.
Starting Items
Starting items shape your early game in ARAM. Mages start with Lost Chapter to boost mana and ability power. Marksmen use
B.F. Sword for more attack damage. Tanks go for
Guardian’s Horn for defense and health regen.
Core Items for Different Roles
Core items are the heart of your aram builds. Mages like Luden’s Tempest or
Liandry’s Anguish. ADCs rush
Infinity Edge or
Kraken Slayer for damage. Tanks choose
Sunfire Aegis or
Frostfire Gauntlet for durability.
Situational Items
Adjusting to the enemy team is crucial in ARAM. Use Grievous Wounds items like Executioner’s Calling or
Oblivion Orb against heavy healing.
Kaenic Rookern is great against mages, offering 80 magic resist and 400 health.
Warmog’s Armor is good for sustain builds, regenerating health in combat.
Jak’Sho the Protean boosts bonus stats after 5 seconds in combat.
Effective aram builds balance damage, survivability, and utility. Adjust your items to your champion’s strengths and the match’s needs for victory.
Optimal Rune Choices for ARAM
Choosing the right runes is key to a great ARAM experience. This guide will show you the best runes to use in the Howling Abyss.
Brand is a top pick in ARAM at the moment, thanks to the boost he receives through runes. Dark Harvest in the Domination tree gives Brand a 53.57% win rate. This rune is chosen in 73.72% of games, proving its worth in ARAM’s fast pace.

Jhin, a marksmen, benefits greatly from Fleet Footwork. This rune boosts his speed and endurance, essential in ARAM’s battles. Jhin’s unique style makes him a strong contender.

Maokai, a tank, excels with Aftershock. This rune increases his power to engage, making him a key player. With items like Fimbulwinter, Maokai becomes unstoppable on the bridge.

Champion | Primary Rune | Win Rate | Pick Rate |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Dark Harvest | 53.57% | 73.72% |
![]() | Arcane Comet | 52.00% | 69.06% |
![]() | Aftershock | 51.64% | 62.12% |
Remember, your runes should match your champion’s abilities and your team’s strategy. Try out different runes to find what suits your style in ARAM’s fast-paced world.
Summoner Spells in ARAM
ARAM summoner spells are key to your strategy. They are different from those in Summoner’s Rift. ARAM has spells made for its fast, single-lane gameplay.
The Mark summoner spell is a big deal in ARAM. It lets you throw a projectile that marks enemies. If it hits, you can dash to them, creating great engage chances.

Flash is still a top pick for its flexibility. It helps with quick escapes or surprise attacks.

Heal and
Barrier are good for staying in the fight longer. Clarity is for champions who need mana to keep playing.


Summoner Spell | Function | Cooldown (seconds) |
---|---|---|
![]() | Mark/Dash to enemies | 80 |
![]() | Short-range teleport | 300 |
![]() | Restore health to self and ally | 240 |
![]() | Temporary shield | 180 |
![]() | Restore mana to self and nearby allies | 240 |
Pick your summoner spells carefully. Think about your champion’s role and your team. The right spells can change the game in ARAM’s fast-paced battles.
LoL ARAM Guide: Essential Strategies
Mastering ARAM strategies is key to dominating the Howling Abyss. With an average game time of 20 minutes, every decision counts. Let’s dive into the core tactics that will elevate your ARAM gameplay.
Poke and Siege Tactics
Poke compositions reign supreme in ARAM. These teams excel at whittling down enemies from afar. A well-rounded poke comp often includes a tank to stun and disable foes, creating openings for damage dealers. Siege tactics involve coordinated pressure on enemy structures, capitalizing on poke damage to secure objectives.
Engaging and Teamfighting

Teamfighting is the heart of ARAM. Dive compositions thrive on all-in engagements, requiring precise coordination. With over 165 champions available, understanding your team’s strengths is crucial. Effective teamfighting often decides matches, as surrendering is rare in this fast-paced mode.
Wave Management
Smart wave management is essential for controlling map pressure and experience gain. Players start at level 3 with 1400 gold, so early wave control can snowball your advantage. Pushing down turrets is vital for victory, making efficient wave clearing a top priority.
Strategy | Key Focus | Typical Champions |
---|---|---|
Poke | Long-range damage | Xerath, Ziggs, Varus |
Siege | Turret pressure | Caitlyn, Azir, Heimerdinger |
Teamfight | All-in engages | Malphite, Amumu, Orianna |
Wave Management | Lane control | Sivir, Anivia, Singed |
Remember, utilizing rerolls wisely can significantly boost your team’s win rate. Guardian items are particularly valuable, offering a gold efficiency of up to 195% and increasing the odds of securing high win-rate champions.
Maximizing Gold and Experience in ARAM
In ARAM, gold and experience gain is faster than on Summoner’s Rift. Players must adapt their strategies to make the most of this accelerated pace. Efficient farming of minion waves is key to staying ahead in levels and items.
After the 18-minute mark, minion waves spawn more frequently. By 30 minutes, the time between waves drops to just 13 seconds. This increased wave frequency offers more opportunities to gather aram gold and aram experience.
To maximize your gold income, focus on last-hitting minions and participating in champion takedowns. Champions with strong waveclear abilities excel at farming minion waves quickly, allowing them to accumulate gold faster than their opponents.
Experience gain in ARAM is shared among nearby allies. Staying close to minion waves as they die ensures you receive a portion of the experience, even if you’re not last-hitting. This shared experience system helps support champions stay relevant without needing to focus on farming.
Time | Minion Wave Spawn Rate | Gold/Exp Gain |
---|---|---|
0-18 minutes | Normal | Standard |
18-30 minutes | Increasing | Accelerated |
30+ minutes | Every 13 seconds | Maximum |
Remember, in ARAM, teamfights are frequent. Participating in these skirmishes not only helps your team but also provides a significant boost to your gold and experience. Balancing farming minion waves with engaging in teamfights is crucial for optimal resource gain.
Health Relics and Sustain
Health relics are key in ARAM sustain. They are magical orbs that appear at set spots on the Howling Abyss map. They help champions who need healing. Knowing how they work is essential for ARAM success.

There are four health relics: two outer and two inner. They are near each team’s outer turrets. The outer ones show up at 1:45, and the inner ones at 2:30. After being picked up, they come back after 90 seconds, offering healing chances all game long.
The healing happens in two steps. First, the champion gets 8% of their health and mana back right away. Then, after 2.5 seconds, a light beam heals nearby allies for 16% of their missing health and mana. This healing method promotes smart positioning and teamwork.
Health Relic Effect | Individual Heal | Team Heal |
---|---|---|
Missing Health Restored | 8% | 16% |
Missing Mana Restored | 8% | 16% |
Activation Time | Instant | After 2.5 seconds |
Controlling health relics is a big part of ARAM sustain strategies. Teams might use traps to lure opponents to relic spots or plan fights around when relics appear. Since there’s no natural healing on Howling Abyss, these spots are crucial for staying in the fight and keeping your team on the map longer.
ARAM Snowball Mechanics
The ARAM Mark is a special summoner spell in ARAM that makes the game more exciting. It marks enemies and lets champions dash to them. This can lead to unexpected plays and escapes.

It has two parts. The first part throws a snowball that marks an enemy if it hits. The second part lets the caster dash to the marked target, dealing true damage upon arrival. This spell introduces new strategies and playstyles to ARAM.
Mastering the Mark mechanics takes practice. It’s a skillshot that requires accuracy and timing. Players must think about enemy positioning, minion waves, and team composition when using it. Skilled players can start fights, chase down weak targets, or escape danger.
Snowball Mechanic | Description | Strategic Use |
---|---|---|
Mark | Throws a snowball that marks the first enemy hit | Reveal hidden enemies, check bushes |
Dash | Allows caster to dash to marked target | Engage fights, follow up on ally engages |
True Damage | Deals true damage upon reaching the target | Secure kills on low-health enemies |
The ARAM spell Mark makes ARAM gameplays more interesting. It encourages players to be creative and adjust their strategies. Whether you’re a tank or a squishy carry, mastering this skillshot can greatly improve your ARAM performance.
Late Game Tactics and Win Conditions
In ARAM late game, the focus shifts to decisive teamfights and pushing for victory. As the match progresses, champion damage to turrets ramps up, reaching a peak of +25% at the 30-minute mark. This mechanic adds urgency to securing wins through smart plays and coordinated pushes.
Win conditions in ARAM vary based on team composition. Some teams excel at poke and siege, while others shine in all-out teamfights. Recognizing your team’s strengths is key to formulating effective strategies. For instance, a team with strong engage potential might look for opportunities to force fights, while a poke-heavy composition might prefer to whittle down enemies before committing.

Capitalizing on enemy mistakes becomes crucial in the late game. A single misstep can lead to an ace, opening up the path to victory. Teams should remain vigilant, ready to punish overextensions or poor positioning. Remember, in ARAM, death timers grow longer as the game progresses, making late-game kills particularly impactful.
“In ARAM, victory often comes down to who makes the last mistake, not who makes the first play.”
To maximize your chances of winning, consider these late-game tactics:
- Coordinate cooldowns for synchronized engages
- Protect your damage dealers at all costs
- Use vision control to set up ambushes
- Prioritize objective control after winning teamfights
Time | Turret Damage Increase | Strategic Focus |
---|---|---|
18-24 minutes | +15% | Secure picks, build item advantages |
24-30 minutes | +20% | Force teamfights, push for inhibitors |
30+ minutes | +25% | Look for game-ending plays, protect carries |
By understanding these late-game dynamics and win conditions, you’ll be better equipped to close out ARAM matches and secure those hard-fought victories.
Common ARAM Mistakes to Avoid
In ARAM, players often make mistakes that can cost them the game. To get better, it’s key to know and avoid these common errors. One big mistake is poor itemization. Players should adjust their items based on their team and the enemy, not just follow one path.
Another mistake is not using health relics well. These resources are crucial for keeping your team strong on the map. Also, ignoring wave management can lead to losing towers and momentum. ARAM is like a tug-of-war, where you need to take ground from the enemy and know when to give back.
To improve and win more, play for your team. Make sure at least one teammate is alive to defend the tower. Don’t hesitate to “int with purpose” if it helps your team. Lastly, spot potential problems early and fix them before they get worse. By following these tips, you’ll get better at ARAM and rise through the ranks.
FAQ
What is ARAM in League of Legends?
ARAM stands for All Random All Mid. It’s a special game mode in League of Legends. Played on the Howling Abyss map, it has random champions and a single lane. The game moves faster than Summoner’s Rift.
How is champion selection handled in ARAM?
In ARAM, champions are chosen randomly. But, players can swap champions. Good teams mix damage types and have the right abilities.
What are some top-tier ARAM champions?
Top champions in ARAM include Jhin, Ashe, and Caitlyn. Also, Ezreal, Lux, Veigar, Ziggs, Amumu, Leona, Sona, and Soraka. They are great at poking, team fights, or helping the team.
How does Riot balance champions for ARAM?
Riot makes special changes for ARAM champions. They’ve nerfed Sona and buffed Nocturne. This helps balance the game.
What are some recommended starting items for ARAM?
Start with Lost Chapter for mages, B.F. Sword for ADCs, and Guardian’s Horn for tanks. Core items depend on your role but focus on damage, survival, or utility.
What runes are optimal for ARAM?
Good runes for ARAM boost sustain, poking, or team fights. Try Triumph, Ravenous Hunter, Gathering Storm, Aftershock, Electrocute, and Dark Harvest.
What summoner spells are important in ARAM?
ARAM has special summoner spells like Snowball for quick engagement. Flash is versatile, along with Heal, Barrier, Clarity, and Exhaust.
What are some essential ARAM strategies?
Key strategies include good poking and siege tactics. Also, team fights and wave management are crucial. Poke teams wear down enemies, while engage teams look for big fights.
How does gold and experience gain work in ARAM?
Gold and experience gain are faster in ARAM than Summoner’s Rift. Minions come faster, especially after 18 minutes. Getting CS and participating in fights is key.
What role do health relics play in ARAM?
Health relics are vital for sustain in ARAM. They appear at set times on the map. Managing these relics affects team health and fight chances.
How does the Snowball summoner spell work in ARAM?
Snowball is unique to ARAM. It marks enemies and lets you dash to them. Mastering Snowball is essential for champions who engage quickly.
What are some late game tactics and win conditions in ARAM?
Late game tactics focus on big team fights and controlling objectives. Win conditions depend on team strategy. They often involve making enemy mistakes, winning team fights, and pushing to the nexus.
What are some common ARAM mistakes to avoid?
Avoid bad item choices, poor relic use, and not adapting to your team. Also, don’t ignore wave management. Focusing on teamwork can greatly improve your win rate.