League of Legends Best Mid Lane Champions of 2024
As we approach the close of 2024, it's time to reflect on the champions that have defined the mid-lane role throughout the year. The dynamic shifts in the meta have highlighted powerful contenders, from Ahri's elusive charm to Sylas' ability to turn the tide of battle with stolen ultimates and Viktor's late-game scaling prowess. These champions not only thrived in solo queue but also made their mark in competitive play, shaping the narrative of the season.
In this article, we'll look back at the most dominant mid-lane champions of 2024, examining their optimal build paths and effective rune setups. Whether you favored high mobility, burst damage, or crowd control, these top picks showcased the diverse strategies available in the mid-lane. Join us as we delve into the champions that have left an indelible impact on the game this year. Most of this data was compiled with the help of MetaSrc and u.gg! If you'd like to have a look at the stats and dynamics yourself, make sure to check them out!
Ahri
Ahri continues to be a staple mid-lane pick in 2024 due to her mobility, poke, and utility. Her charm and ultimate (Spirit Rush) give her immense outplay potential and great lane sustain. Ahri also thrives in teamfights due to her kite potential and ability to reposition frequently. With strong scaling and decent roaming potential, Ahri remains an effective and versatile pick in the current patch as well.
For her build order, we recommend the following:
Start with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions, and build Malignance, Sorcerer's Shoes, and Horizon Focus. Then, go into Rabadon's Deathcap and Zhonya's Hourglass. And finish up with Mejai's Soulstealer.
For runes, take Domination into Electrocute, Taste of Blood, Eyeball Collection, and Ultimate Hunter.
For secondary runes, take Sorcery into Manaflow Band, Transcendence, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health.
Sylas
Sylas' versatility and the ability to steal powerful ultimates have made him a top-tier champion in both solo queue and competitive play throughout most of 2024. Even in this patch cycle, Sylas continues to shine in the mid-game with strong dueling power and teamfight impact. His healing and crowd control from his ultimate have made him a high-priority pick, especially in pro play.
For his build order, we recommend the following:
Start with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions, then build into Hextech Rocketbelt, Sorcerer's Shoes, and Stormsurge. Next, get Zhonya's Hourglass, Rabadon's Deathcap, and finish up with Mejai's Soulstealer.
For Runes, take Domination into Electrocute, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection, and Relentless Hunter.
For secondary runes, take Resolve into Second Wind, Overgrowth, Adaptive Force for both Offense and Flex, then Health.
Viktor
Viktor has emerged as a dominant scaling mage in 2024, especially in the mid-to-late game. His ability to control waves with his E (Gravity Field) and Q (Siphon Power) allows him to exert significant map pressure. With itemization such as Liandry's Anguish and Rylai's, Viktor becomes an unstoppable force in teamfights, dealing huge AoE damage and providing zone control. But it's his late-game damage output, second to none in long, drawn-out teamfights, that will truly get your heart racing.
For his build order, we recommend starting with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions. Then, get Luden's Companion, Sorcerer's Shoes and Lich Bane. Next, get Rabadon's Deathcap and Zhonya's Hourglass. Then finish up with Void Staff.
For Runes, take Inspiration into First Strike, Cash Back, Triple Tonic and Cosmic Insight.
For secondary runes, take Sorcery into Manaflow Band, Transcendence, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health (Based on level).
LeBlanc
LeBlanc remains a high-skill, high-reward champion who continues to see consistent play throughout the patches in 2024. Her high burst damage, mobility, and lane control have kept her as a top pick, especially in solo queue. The ability to catch out enemies with her W (Distortion) and E (Ethereal Chains) makes her a nightmare in the hands of skilled players. With good roams and map pressure, LeBlanc can dominate the mid-lane if she gains an early advantage.
For her build order, we recommend starting with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions, then Luden's Companion, Sorcerer's Shoes, and Mejai's Soulstealer. Next, get Shadowflame or Rabadon's, depending on the match-up. If you get Shadowflame as your fourth item, you should get Rabadon's as a fifth; otherwise, get Void Staff and finish up with Banshee's Veil or Zhonya's Hourglass.
For Runes, take Domination into Electrocute, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection, and Ultimate Hunter.
For secondary runes, take Sorcery into Transcendence, Scorch, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health.
Anivia
Anivia's dominance in 2024 stems from her team-fighting utility, wave-clear potential, and zoning abilities, all of which are incredibly valuable in the current meta. With late-game scaling, strong item synergy, and resilience through her passive, she shines in both solo queue and competitive play. Anivia's ability to control space, disrupt engagements, and deal sustained damage makes her an excellent mid-lane pick in 2024.
For her build order, we recommend starting with Doran's Ring and two Health Potions. Then, get Rod of Ages, Sorcerer's Shoes, and Archangel's Staff. Next, get Liandry's Torment and Zhonya's Hourglass, then finish with Void Staff or Mejai's Soulstealer.
For Runes, take Sorcery into Arcane Comet, Manaflow Band, Absolute Focus and Scorch.
For secondary runes, take Domination into Cheap Shot, Relentless Hunter, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force and Health.
As we wrap up our exploration of the most dominant mid-lane champions of 2024, it's clear that adaptability and mastery of each champion's unique strengths have played a pivotal role in shaping the competitive landscape. From the high-impact plays of Ahri and the disruptive capabilities of Sylas to Viktor's scaling dominance, each champion has contributed to an exciting and diverse meta.
As players continue to refine their skills and strategies, the lessons learned from this year will undoubtedly carry forward into future patches and seasons. Whether you're looking to climb the ranks or enjoy the game, embracing the strengths of these champions can elevate your gameplay. Here's to a year filled with memorable moments on the Rift and to the champions who made them possible.
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Featured Image Credit: Riot Games
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