League of Legends Patch 14.01 Meta Report: What Champs are Strong?

Happy new season Summoners! 2024 season kicks off in 14.01 with not only massive item changes, but also changes in jungle objectives and map terrain. Though we are sharing a completely knew experience from season 13, the same new season shenanigans will apply as live servers begin to tap into the OP reserves held within the rift.

With the large scale of changes, finding the best champion to play will be extremely volatile as new builds, pathing, and meta shifts change on the daily.  So here are the reported top 3 champions per Role that are poised to be objectively superior. Along this were also adding the top 3 items that the winners are taking. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, these picks will certainly give you the competitive edge in 14.01.

14.01 Best Top Lane Champions

If you thought Top lane was an island before, in patch 14.01 it's getting a whole lot more isolated. In Season 14, the map changes have made it harder for Junglers to make surprise visits to the top lane. This shift indirectly makes champions who excel in the early game gain the upperhand. Going for champions that can rule in 1v1 situations will be optimal, so here are the top 3 picks for 14.01 Top laners.

Trundle

Lets kick off season 14 with a little trolling. Trundle is set to be a strong choice for Season 14 since he's really good at one-on-one fights, especially AD scalers, and the top lane is a lot harder to gank now. His ability to shred through tanky opponents makes him a great fit for the challenges we're expecting in the new season. So, if you're looking for a reliable pick, Trundle's got you covered for the upcoming battles on the Rift.

On LoLalytics, he's sitting on a 52.78% win rate and a massive ban rate of 15.39%. Those who face it without respecting the stat check end up staring at a grey screen. Here are the top performing items for trundle:

• HullBreakerWe have a familiar face in season 14 with a powerhouse split pusher that Trundle is. However hullbreaker isn't the same item it was last season. In 14.01 Hullbreakers new "Boarding Party" helps nearby siege and super minions gain armor and magic resist along with bonus damage against structures. This will keep Trundle at the top of the split pushing potential. Trundle top with a Hullbreaker in his kit brings a 57.18% winrate.
• Profane HydraThis new lethality item give assassins a valuable reason to rush Tiamat. With bonus damage against champions lower than 30% health, Profane Hydra is the perfect item for a 1v1 trundle who hates leaving people at 1 hp.
• Sundered SkyWith the loss of Divine Sunderer, a new damage and sustain item hits the scene. Sundered Sky's first hit on a target crits and heals for % health missing. Season 13 trundle was a strong tank buster with Divine Sunderer. Sundered Sky swaps it around and makes Trundle a strong first hitter. Add Profane Hydra to the mix and the kill is secure.

Fiora

Fiora has been on top of the top-lane for a while now, thanks to her impressive ability to split-push and carry. In  season 14, tanks are projected to be on the rise. This makes Fiora an even better option since she excels at cutting through them effortlessly. Currently she is sitting at a 55.61% win rate, and here are the items responsible.

• Frozen HeartNothing is more annoying than a Fiora that doesn't die. With tanks taking over, Fiora going extra armor and anti-attacker is going to do its fair share of adding Fiora to the roster. A tanky bruiser that dashes, blocks, and heals after 4 precision hits with her ultimate, Frozen heart makes achieving that a lot easier.
• Manamune/MuramanaWith a 61.38% win rate, the mana to AD scaling on fiora goes through the ceiling. This Combo with Frozen heart the mana scaling does on-hit damage worth 1.5% maximum mana bonus physical damage. Know what better than just AD scaling? Adding mana scaling to the mix.
• Guardian AngelRemember what I said about a Fiora that doesn't die? GA is going to be every late game Fiora's best friend. With a 59.49% win rate, Guardian angel restores 50% of health after taking lethal damage. Perfect combination to 1v5 and

Singed

Why fight tanks in a tank meta when you can just... run away? Singed is one of the highest performing top laners so far in 14.01. Strong performing top laners are Aatrox, Jax, and Trundle (as previously mentioned). And the best counter to these has been singed. As we enter a tank meta, % health damage in champions is a strong factor in counter picking. Gwen popped in your head thinking of that didn't she? Singed holds a whopping 59.07% win rate over Gwen, so only beware the ranged top laners. Here's what the singed winners are taking:

• Mejai's SoulstealerGood at not dying? Mejai's Soulstealer scales with champion kills and assists obtained without dying yourself. With 10 stacks 10% movement speed is granted. Scaling AP damage with movement speed is music to a singed ears. If that's not enough to convince you, Singed with Majai's Soulstealer is sitting at a 80.82% winrate.
• TrailblazerSpeaking of movement speed, there's a new item that pushes singed to the realm of utility. Trailblazer comes with a built in 5% movement speed, with a scaling 20 ms while moving. It creates a trail at max speed that increase the ms of allies by 15%. Afterwards, similar to dead mans plate, the next attack discharges the bonus ms to slow the target by 50% for 1 second.
• CryptbloomAnother new item hits 14.01 and singed players are eating it up. Crytpbloom adds to the newly found utility to singed, and this time in the form of a heal. (Maybe we Singed support this season?) Every takedown with this item creates a "healing nova" on their location that heals allies scaling off ability power. On top of this, Cryptblooom comes with 30% magic penetration. Singed Win rate with this item is 63.78%

14.01 Best Jungle Champions

Changes to the top lane map will significantly impact how the jungle role is played. It is now more challenging to gank both top and mid lanes. Junglers spiking at level six or favoring full clears should have an advantage at the beginning of Season 14. Fiddlesticks and Nocturne are prime champions to look out for in 14.01. However, there are some other champions who regardless of meta expectations, are excelling. Here are the reported top champion picks for jungle in 14.01.

Jax

Jax continues to be a top-tier pick for the Jungle in Season 14. As an excellent duelist, he can take control of games when ahead and has versatility in handling various matchups. With the upcoming item changes, Jax is expected to maintain or even enhance his strength. Jax is currently the most consistently performing Jungler with a 56.33% winrate worldwide. Here's the top performing items for Jax in 14.01.

• Spear of ShojinSpear of Shojin continues to be an amazing pick for Jax in season 14. Jax is a master of staying on top of enemies. Because of this, Shojin's "Focused Will" damage on his empowered W will become a force to be reckoned with. Additionally every hit Jax lands cuts the cooldown for non-ultimate abilities. As a result this item is sitting with a 60.45% win rate on Jax jungle. Altogether this makes Spear of Shojin an absolute Jax must have.
• Sterak's GageCertainly one of the most straight forward items in the game. Sterak's is the perfect item for AD brusiers looking to become unstoppable. The item is about the same as it was last season. Shortly upon receiving damage that would put you under 30% health, a shield scaling on percent health is granted. Additionally  10% size increase and extra tenacity is given. Perfect for situations when Jax is in a pinch, will take a lot more than just one person to take him down. As a result, Sterak's Gage on Jax jungle has a winrate of 62.14%.
• Sundered SkyThis item will certainly prove to be popular among all AD bruisers. Like Trundle, Jax benefits greatly in 1v1 situations and profit off of items that deal burst damage and sustain. The 6 second cooldown (per target) on "Lightshield Strike" is perfect for a champion with the kit Jax and trundle run. Unquestionably champions with empowered attacks will have their dividend payouts from Sundered Sky. The win rate with this item in Jax's arsenal is 57%. So if you're looking to run it down with Jax, don't miss out.

Graves

With the new jungle changes, champions with mobility and great clears are rising above. With the utility graves brings and a great long range execute ultimate, Graves is kicking off season 14 strong. Best players with Graves jungle are sitting at a phenomenal 57.29% winrate. At this time strong junglers Kayn, Nocturne, and Rengar struggle to get an edge against Graves in 14.01. Here are the top performing items with Graves in season 14 thus far.

• Serylda's GrudgeLethality this season is now a flat rate instead of a scale. Serylda's still has the damaging ability slow effect, however it now only effects enemies under 50% health. This effect excels with graves already existing slow with his W smoke screen. Utility is the new theme of season 14 as new items race to give champions bonus effects. The win rate with this item on Graves is currently ay 61.44%. Evidently 14.01 makes running away a questionable option when dealing with Graves.
• HubrisAny lethality champion is looking at this new item to boost their egos. Correspondingly Hubris's passive effect "Ego" creates statues erected at base that increases damage per statue. Another key point to add is this this item is at an 58.97% win rate. For 90 seconds after a takedown you gain 15+1 per statue attack damage. Undoubtedly snowballing with Graves has become a lot easier than ever before.
• Opportunity"After being out of combat against champions for 8 seconds, gain 5-10 (based on lvl) Lethality. This Lethality lasts for 3 seconds after dealing damage to champions." Could lethality junglers wish for a better item? Furthermore, this item grands built in 5% movement speed, with additional 150 ms for 1.5 seconds after a champion takedown. Roaming, diving, and getting away in season 14 graves will be his bread and butter. A 57.82% win rate goes to show for this new item, so be sure to pick it up when you're running Graves this patch.

Rengar

Rengar in the hands of their one trick have always been a danger to society. His players are sitting at a 58.01% win rate this season 14 wordwide. Rengars ability to restore health makes him one of the most durable assassins this game has to offer. With the Jungle changes, there new brushes in wider ranges to stalk prey in. Additionally combined with the following items, Rengar becomes a threat even Kha'zix would regret taking on.

• Axiom Arc Sometimes the hardest part about playing Rengar is that people learn to avoid brushes. However Rengars ultimate ignores that obstacle. So it comes to no surprise that more ultimate equals more victories. Axiom Arc returns in season 14 with its signature cooldown reduction of ultimate abilities. As a result Axiom Arc on Rengar comes with 61.84% win rate. Happy hopping!
• Edge of Night Edge of Night shows its face in 14.01 practically unchanged from last season. "Annul" blocks the next enemy ability as its passive spellshield. Henceforth Rengar continues to have an extra factor to his durability. With a 59.47% win rate with the pick rate of 21.47%, Edge of Night is a Rengar must have.
• Lord Dominik's Regards As season 14 evolves on the daily, it is apparent that tanks are beginning to dominate the meta. As a result, Lord Dominik's Regards in the hands of Rengar has reported to be an extremely deadly combination. Deal up to 15% bonus damage against champions with greater max health. Mixed with built-in armor penetration, with this item Rengar is fit to be the perfect pocket pick. With a 58.21% win rate, Lord Dominik's Regards is set to be Rengar's ace in the hole.

14.1 Best Mid Lane Champions

With the wider river and introduction to new items, new strategies will emerge for the mid lane in 14.01. Looking specifically at AD assassins that build the new Lethality Tiamat item, Profane Hydra. This item will incentivize an easy shoves and roaming in the rift. Zed, Talon, Naafiri, and even Wukong will finally catch the break they need. But as the meta starts to get pieced together, here are the current front runners for the mid lane.

Akshan

Overall, Akshan's kit allows him to navigate various situations, making him a valuable asset whether coordinating with allies or evading enemy threats. In this new confusing time for mid laners, being on the receiving end of ganks is going to be a bit more difficult to avoid. So champions great at wave clear, long range damage, and solid escapes are a perfect mixture for Akshan to shine in 14.01. Evidently his win rate with his best players is at a comfortable 57% and here are some Items responsible:

• OpportunityLike Graves, Akshan benefits extremely well to Opportunity's "Preparation." Gaining bonus lethality after being out of combat for 8 seconds. Akshan's stealth makes him an extremely helpful mid laner to assist the jungle carry the load of making map impacts. Opportunity and its movement speed bonus help Akshan players a 63.38% win rate when picked. Give it a shot!
• Rapid FirecannonRapid Firecannon is an item that is performing very well with Akshan. Shouldn't come to any surprise to anyone familiar with its effect which remains consistent in season 14. Bonus range for Akshan adds to his already annoying levels of poke possibility. Rapid fire has a 59.31% overall win rate when paired with Akshan in 14.01.
• Terminus One of the only new items added for marksmen this new season is perfect for our scoundrel hunter. Terminus applies on-hit and has 2 different effects that alternate between "light" and "dark". Light grants armor and magic resist for 5 seconds. Dark grants 6% armor penetration and magic penetration (up to 30%) for 5 seconds. This adds a surprising opportunity for durability for marksmen like Akshan. And with a winrate of 56.18% its evident the magic and armor penetration are getting put to good use. Give it a try when you queue up mid this season!

Kennen

Kennen's mix of poke, crowd control, mobility, and energy efficiency makes him a strong and versatile mid-lane champion. His ability to coordinate effectively with ganks enhances his impact in the mid lane and contributes to the overall success of the team. Kicking off this season with a 53.59% win rate, Kennen is shocking everyone with these items.

• Mejai's SoulstealerThe movement speed bonus that mejai's soulstealer might be the creme of the creme with the bonus AP. The more slippery kennen gets, the harder it is to finally catch him and take his stacks of Glory. Rushing Dark Seal will be a smart move for passive and aggressive Kennen players. Evidentially the 79.30% win rate when paired with Kennen speaks for itself.
• Cosmic DriveCosmic Drive on Kennen has a reported 64.41% win rate in 14.01. Movement speed is a huge deal when it comes to Kennen. A well timed Kennen needs to be in a fight and out of a fight while outputting as much damage as possible. Cosmic Drive has 100 AP and an astonishing 30 Ability Haste which assists with Kennen abusing the fact that he doesn't run out of mana. (Due to the fact that he uses energy instead).
• Rabadon's Deathcap This is one of the most straight forward items in the game and is a staple with all mages who are looking for an extra kick. Magical Opus increases total AP by 35% in 14.01. The win rate on Kennen is currently 67.69%. Dealing heavy damage with Kennen is essential, pair a fully stacked Majai's Soulstealer and Cosmic drive and victory will come easy.

Rumble

Rumble mid excels with AoE damage, sustained output, and versatile playstyle. His current win rate is a solid 52.60%, showcasing effectiveness. Resource-efficient, Rumble controls zones, bullying lanes with effective roams. His adaptability and powerful team-fighting contribute to his consistent success. Here are the items that top performing rumbles:

• CryptbloomThis heavy hitting item adds a healing utility to Rumble's already extensive arsenal. As whenever you get a takedown on an enemy champion within 3 seconds of damaging them, a healing nova is created in the location that heals scaling of 50% AP. Cryptbloom on Rumble currently has a 58.45% win rate. Pair this item with a Rabadon's Deathcap and perhaps, this next item.
• Mejai's SoulstealerThis is the third time Mejai's Soulstealer is recommended in this article, and for good reason. A fully stacked Mejai's is no joke, and on Rumble it's showing to have a 79.14% win rate. It is important to note that in order for this item to work well, your safety should be priority. As dying invloves losing 10 stacks of hard earned kills. Luckily Rumble is well known to be able to keep his distance and stay away from danger.
• StormsurgeStormsurge has been causing a lot of chaos with burst mages like Katarina. "Squall" deals extra damage against targets after dealing 35% of the targets health within 2.5 seconds. Currently this item is sitting at a 55.86% win rate on Rumble. Rumble is capable of absurd amounts of damage without needing any gimmicks. But the extra granted 25% movement speed assists with speedy getaways after a well landed aoe combo.

14.01 Best Bot Lane Champions

The map changes will significantly impact the dynamics of battles. Evidently making the bottom lane the easiest for junglers to gank. Expect increased action in the bot lane early on, giving an advantage to ADCs skilled in skirmishing. Champions with the ability to sustain prolonged fights will likely integrate well into the meta. That being said, here are the current top performing picks for the 14.01 bot lane.

Jinx

Looking for a little extra chaos mixed in with the new season? Jinx is performing extremely well this new season with a win rate of 56.86% among her best players. Her minigun excels in sustained fire during team fights, while her rocket launcher provides area-of-effect damage for impactful engagements. Jinx's utility between Zap and her Flame Chompers assist very well when being on both receiving ends of any gank. Here are some items to take with Jinx.

• Immortal Shieldbow Staying alive is one of the hardest things an ADC can pull off. Thanks to lifeline, Taking damage that would reduce you below 30% health, a 320-530 shield for 3 seconds. This item on Jinx has lead to many victories collecting to a 57.18% win rate. When this item is mixed in with solid attack speed items, Jinx is soon ready to 1v5.
• Lord Dominik's RegardsAs tanks begin to storm over the meta, Lord Dominik's regards becomes a staple for Jinx for in 14.01. Dealing 15% bonus damage against champs with greater max health is basically guaranteed to cut down anyone Jinx comes up against. A 55.51% win rate is what 14.01 brings us with this pair. Combine with attack speed items like Rapid Firecannon and Phantom Dancer for max use
• Murcirial ScimitarA rise of tanks isn't the only storm brewing in 14.01. Mages and champions with high crowd control are making large surges in season 14. Mercurial comes with built in 50 Magic Resist and crit, but the main use is its active ability, Quicksilver. Removing all crowd control (excluding Airborne) and gain 50% movement speed for 1.5 seconds. Jinx and Murcirial Scimitar has a reported 60.52% winrate this 14.01.

Yasuo

Yasuo in the bot lane introduces exciting possibilities, seamlessly capitalizing on knock-ups from supports. This is extremely well paired with the new jungle changes that make bot lane a lot easier for junglers to gank. With strong dueling skills and a unique mixed damage output, Yasuo adds a thrilling dynamic to the traditional bot lane experience. Additionally, his playstyle provides opportunities for creative plays and outplays, bringing a current 56.41% win rate with his best players. Here are the best Items to consider:

• Terminus This new item gives yasuo players a reason to go an on-hit item. Thanks to its "Juxtaposition" swapping between increasing armor and MR and increased armor and magic penetration up to 30%. The reported win rate with terminus on yasuo is 58.03%
• Immortal Shieldbow Just the same as seasons before, Immortal Shieldbow is a solid item on Yasuo. Yasuo works towards heavy damage and sustain for being in the front lines, and Immortal Shielbow is essential. The win rate with Immortal Shielbow is 57.67%
• Experimental Hexplate This new item has many exciting opportunities for bruiser type champions looking to ult as much as they can. A good knock up is all a Yasuo needs to become the main character of a game. Hexcharged gives 30 ability haste to the users ultimate. After casting this ultimate, gain 35% attack speed and 15% bonus movement speed for 8 seconds. Now yasuo players will not only get a good ult in, but get an added stat bonus. The winrate with this item is currently at 56.85%.  

Senna

Senna is a versatile ADC who excels in both receiving ally ganks and defending against enemy ganks. Moreover, Her long-range abilities make her a strong ally during coordinated ganks, offering crowd control and damage. On the defensive side, Senna's mobility and sustain help her evade enemies and turn unfavorable situations into opportunities, showcasing her adaptability in different scenarios. Though she excels as a support, Senna has been making strides as an ADC, with a current win rate of 52.01%. Here are the items Senna ADCs are taking:

• Serylda's GrudgeLet's face it, Senna has incredible potential with a mix of cc, durability, and long range. Serylda's Grudge makes the perfect item for Senna players looking to extra emphasis on slowing enemies down. There is a 62.79% Win rate tied to this pick to show that lethality Senna is on top of its game.
• Lord Dominik's RegardsCan't say it enough Lord Dominik's regards is for sure a must have item for 14.01 Cutting down tanks will be essential to every teams composition. Senna on this item is holding its own with a 58.46% Win Rate. Do not want to see that take effect late game after senna's range scales way too far.
• Sundered Sky This item has been mostly popular with melee range champions. But its effect isn't limited to just melee. With a whopping 59.18% win rate, Sundered Sky adds to the durability senna is capable of. Not mentioned before but Sundered Sky includes bonus health for 6 seconds if the user heals an access amount. A worthy item to be considered for Senna in season 14.

14.01 Best Support Champions

Predicting the evolution of the support role is challenging due to the introduction of a single starting item for all supports. After accumulating enough gold with your support item, you can choose from five upgrades. If one upgrade proves significantly more powerful than the others then it could heavily influence the support meta. That being said, here are the front runners for the support role in 14.01.

Rakan

Rakan has consistently been among the top supports for over a year, and heading into the new season, he remains remarkably powerful. With a comprehensive kit that includes gank setup, mobility, engage, peeling, and shielding, Rakan possesses the tools needed to influence and carry games. With an overall 52.69% win rate, lets dive into the items this new season has to offer with Rakan.

• Kaenic RookernMages are starting to have their fun around the rift, but luckily Rakan has a response. After not taking magic damage for 12 seconds, gain a magic shield for 20% of max health. This item on Rakan has a 62.40% win rate and is the perfect response to an enemy team with a Mage that getting out of hand.
• Zeke's ConvergenceIt is a classic item that simply cannot be put down. However this item comes with a completely new effect and no longer chains to a specific ally. It's effect "Frostfire Tempest" Creates a storm around you for 5 seconds upon casting your ultimate that deals magic damage and slows enemies. This mixed in with Rakan's charm built in his ultimate is making Rakan an absolute unit to deal with. The win rate on Rakan is 57.59%.
• RedemptionA support role is a support role, and healing your team is always needed. Thanks to Rakans kit and many tanky options, extra healing is always a viable option. The win rate with this item says it all as it is at a reported 63.74%

Bard

Utility is in abundance this season and unsurprisingly, Bard players are eating good in 14.01. Overall, Bard stands out as a formidable pick for support players due to his combination of utility, mobility, and unique abilities, creating a strong and enjoyable support experience. With a 56.74% win rate, here are the best 3 items you need to take if you choose to play bard this season.

• Imperial MandateSomething not really talked about when it comes to bard is his CC Utility. Though the stun isn't the hardest thing to land, it is still at least a guaranteed slow upon hit. This is where imperial mandate shines best. With a 60.95% win rate, this item makes up for bards consistent need to roam and maximizes his time in lane.
• TrailblazerWith the new item that is assists with movement speed, "lead the way" can help bard help his fellow teammates roam with him a lot better than just portals. This item now makes it unecessary for Bard to go deadmans plate as it essentially does the same thing but so much more as a support. The win rate with this item is 55.20%.
• Mejai's Soulstealer Just to keep things honest, any champion that makes good use of movement speed and AP can really excel with mejai's soulstealer. Staying alive is a big ability with bard, and to scale heavily by doing what bard does best is the perfect mix for a 74.68% Win rate.

Blitzcrank

With Blitzcrank, every hook is a chance for a bot lane fiesta, turning the mundane into a symphony of electrifying plays. Blitzcrank thrives off of seeing a ton of action. And with the new jungle changes, junglers are going to be paying bot lane a whole lot of visits. Currently he's at a reported 53.24% win rate globaly, so here are the best performing items for you to grab.

• Shurelya's Battlesong Nothing like having Sivir's Ultimate as an item active. Blitzcrank works best when he's able to rally his team together to dive into the next victim he snags. Shurelya's is the perfect item for a support with the utility Blitzcrank provides. When this item is paired with Blitzcrank it has a reported 56.55% win rate.
• Frozen HeartIf there's anything any Blitzcrank player can agree on, it's that he runs out of mana really quick. Mana items mixed with cooldown reductions are essential to the success of Blitzcrank. Frozen heart provides that and more. Reducing the attack speed of the champions blitzcrank manages to get close and personal with. On top of that, Frozen hearts new "rock solid" Reduces damage from attacks scaling by health. This makes going tank insanely more viable for Blitz. Pairing this item has a reported 56.51% win rate.
• Zeke's ConvergenceAnd Finally, Just when you thought Blitz couldn't do more of CC, Riot decides to drop this items new effect. Casting your ultimate creates a storm around blitzcrank, and slows enemies by 30%. So now with this item, not only are enemies pulled to you, knocked up, and have their shields blown. They are also slowed while trying to get away. With the win rate of 56.27% percent, this paired with Blitzcrank creates the perfect storm.

 

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