Best Mid Laners to Climb with in LoL Patch 14.12
As the new patch 14.12 has arrived, it's time to reevaluate the mid-lane champions and their effectiveness in the current meta. Let's take a look at some of the best mid-laners for this patch and delve into their strengths, weaknesses, item builds, and recommended runes.
Brand
Brand brings a fantastic amount of burst damage and is extremely good in teamfights. He has ridiculously good wave clear, and his damage over time is outstanding. However, he needs to hit his skillshot to maximize his effectiveness and is immobile and very squishy.
For Brand's build order, start with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions. Then, progress to Blackfire Torch, Sorcerer's Shoes, and Liandry's Torment. After that, aim for Rylai's and Zhonya's. Finally, complete the build with a Cryptbloom.
For Runes, take Sorcery into Arcane Comet, Manaflow Band, Transcendence, and Scorch. For his secondary runes, take Precision into Presence of Mind, Coup de Grace, Ability Haste, Adaptive Force, and Health (based on level).
Image Source: Riot GamesVex
Vex, a champion with immense damage potential, is a great pick for those who enjoy countering dashing champions. Her excellent range and ult resets allow for multiple casts in a teamfight, making her a formidable force. However, it's important to note that she's mana-hungry, especially in the early game. Her only mobility comes from her ultimate, so hitting the skillshot is crucial for maneuvering.
For her build order, start with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions. Build into Luden's Companion, Sorceror's Shoes and Shadowflame. Then, get Zhonya's into Rabadon's Deathcap and finish up with Cryptbloom or Banshee's Veil.
For Runes, take Domination into Electrocute, Cheap Shot, Eyeball Collection, and Ultimate Hunter. For secondary runes, take Sorcery into Manaflow Band, Scorch, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health (based on level).
Image Source: Riot Games.Malzahar
Malzahar is a very well-rounded pick, bringing amazing value and damage over time. His wave clear is astonishing, and his single target CC is exceptional. However, he lacks any mobility, which is countered by the cleansing effects.
For build order, start with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions. Then, similar to Brand, get Blackfire Torch into Sorceror's Shoes and Liandry's Torment. Next, build Rylai's into Rabadon's Deathcap and finish up with Zhonya's.
For Runes, take Sorcery into Summon Aery, Manaflow Band, Transcendence, and Scorch. For Secondary runes, take Inspiration into Magical Footwear, Cosmic Insight, and Adaptive Force for both Flex and Offense and Health (based on level).
Image Source: Riot GamesAhri
Ahri is an excellent pick as she has great mobility, can push lanes incredibly hard, and does well at picking off champions. She is also very good at snowballing. However, she heavily relies on hitting her skill shots and is incredibly squishy, relying on mobility to keep her alive.
For her build order, start with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions. Then, build Malignance into Magic Pen boots and Lich's Bane. After that, Get Rabadon's Deathcap and Zhonya's. Then, you can finish with a Mejai's Soulstealer.
For Runes, take Summon Aery into Manaflow Band, Transcendence, and Scorch.
For secondary runes, take Inspiration, Biscuit Delivery, Cosmic Insight, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health (based on level)
Image Source: Riot GamesTwisted Fate
Twisted Fate is another excellent champion to play, as he brings really good wave clear, easy stuns with his gold card, and scales very well. And his ultimate allows him to apply pressure from very far away. However, he somewhat relies on his ultimate to make plays, and he is very squishy with absolutely no mobility.
For his build order, start with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions. Then, build Mercury's Trades into Rod of Ages and Lich's Bane. After that, get Rapid Firecannon and Zhonya's, then finish up with a Rabadon's Deathcap.
For Runes, take Inspiration into First Strike, then Magical Footwear, Triple Tonic, and Cosmic Insight.
For secondary runes, take Sorcery into Absolute Focus, Gathering Storm, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health (based on level).
Image Source: Riot GamesAkshan
Akshan is a beast in the early game, with very high mobility, and is one of the best roaming champions in the game. And if that's not enough, he can also revive his teammates thanks to his W! However, he can be bullied if outranged by enemy champions, and his dash can easily be interrupted.
For his build order, start with Doran's Blade and a Health Potion. Then build into Kraken Slayer, Mercury's Treads, and Blade of The Ruined King. After that, get Lord Dominik's Regard (or Infinity Edge) and Rapid Firecannon, and finish with Yun Tal Wildarrows or Bloodthirster.
For Runes, take Precision into Press the Attack, Presence of Mind, Alacrity and Cut Down.
For secondary runes, take Resolve into Bone Plating, Overgrowth, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health.
Image Source: Riot GamesThe mid-lane meta for Patch 14.12 offers a diverse range of champions with unique strengths and playstyles. Whether you prefer burst damage, high mobility, or crowd control, there are viable options to suit various playstyles. With the correct item builds and rune setups, these mid-laners can thrive and make a significant impact on the game. It's crucial to adapt to the changes in the meta and explore different champions to find the best fit for your individual preference and playstyle. Remember to select your champions based on matchups as well. You can check your favorite champions' matchups on this website!