Are you frequently finding yourself as the scapegoat in a League of Legends game, wondering, “What lane should ADCs play?” Welcome to the club, Summoner! It’s time to unmask the conundrum that continues to perplex the minds of every Attack Damage Carry (ADC) out there. You’re not alone in this quest. In 2021, over 90% of ADC players chose the bottom lane, according to Mobalytics. But is this traditional route always the best choice? Let’s agitate this question and propose an answer, shall we?
TL;DR
- Over 90% of ADCs opt for the bottom lane
- The ADCs’ vulnerability in the early game directs them towards the bottom lane
- The bottom lane allows ADCs to farm and scale effectively into the late game
- Understanding your champion and gameplay can lead to unconventional lane choices
- Secret tips to excel in your chosen lane
show
Following the Crowd: The Classic Bottom Lane
“ADCs are typically squishy with low survivability, so they are best suited to the bottom lane where they can be supported and protected while they farm and scale into late game,” says Marc Merrill, co-founder of Riot Games. Indeed, it’s no surprise that the bottom lane has become the traditional playground for ADCs. Given their low health points and weak defense, the ADCs usually need an early-game ally. The bottom lane provides this support, helping them withstand the initial onslaught and gear up for a late-game impact.
The Roads Less Traveled: Exploring Other Lanes
Though the bottom lane is the standard choice for ADCs, it’s not etched in stone. Depending on your champion’s abilities and your gaming style, other lanes can also be your battlefield.
Mid Lane:
The mid lane is often left to the mages, but some ADCs, like Lucian or Tristana, can hold their own here. This lane offers more farm and solo experience, which can translate into a faster scale-up for the ADC. However, it also exposes you to more frequent ganks, requiring vigilance and adept control.
Top Lane:
The top lane is typically home to tanks and bruisers. A select few ADCs, like Vayne or Quinn, can leverage their ranged advantage to bully these champions. However, playing ADC top might leave your team unbalanced and open to enemy assaults.
Mastering Your Chosen Lane
Choosing your lane is half the battle; mastering it is another. Here are some secret tips from Tony Fallon, our experienced gaming journalist:
Bottom Lane: Improve your last-hitting to maximize gold and scale quicker Understand your support and coordinate with them for effective gameplay Learn to control the minion wave to create safety or set up for ganks
Mid Lane: Constantly ward the river to avoid ganks Roam to other lanes when possible to impact the entire map
Top Lane: Understand your match-ups and trade when advantageous Communicate with your team about potential enemy teleports to Dragon
The Role of the Jungle and the Roaming ADC
While the main lanes have their distinctive characteristics and perks, let’s not forget about the jungle. For the daring and adventurous ADCs who thrive on unpredictability, the jungle can be a rewarding though challenging option. Jungle: The jungle is usually reserved for champions who excel at taking down neutral monsters. Certain ADCs, like Kindred and Twitch, have found success in the jungle thanks to their kit’s suitability to such a playstyle.
However, being the team’s jungler comes with its own set of responsibilities, including keeping track of objective spawns and supporting all lanes. The role of ADC doesn’t always confine you to a specific lane throughout the game. Some ADCs, like Quinn and Twitch, can use their unique abilities to roam around the map, exerting pressure on all lanes. Roaming ADCs can provide unexpected support, tip the scales in skirmishes, and keep the enemy team constantly on edge.
Choosing Your Path: A Recap
Choosing the right lane as an ADC is a blend of understanding your champion, recognizing your personal playstyle, and aligning with your team’s needs. Remember:
Bottom Lane: Offers support and protection to ADCs, helping them farm and scale into the late game.
Mid Lane: Presents more farm and solo experience but requires adept control and constant vigilance.
Top Lane: Can be dominated by certain ADCs, but might risk leaving the team composition unbalanced.
Jungle: A rewarding yet challenging option suitable for certain ADCs, with added responsibilities. Roaming: A dynamic role for ADCs with mobility or stealth in their kit, capable of pressurizing all lanes.
Adapting to Changes: Updates and Meta Shifts
League of Legends is renowned for its dynamic nature. Riot Games continuously updates the game, bringing about meta shifts that can significantly impact lane choices. Keeping track of these changes can help you adapt and capitalize on new opportunities. For instance, a patch could buff an ADC that excels in the mid lane, or the addition of a new champion could shift the meta, making the top lane more viable for ADCs. Staying updated with patch notes and meta analyses can help you stay one step ahead of the competition.
Wrapping it Up
While traditionalists might prefer the time-tested bottom lane, breaking away from convention can sometimes lead to exhilarating outcomes. Understanding the strategic significance of each lane and tailoring it to your champion and playstyle can help you make the most of your ADC pick in League of Legends.
FAQs
Q1: Why do most ADCs play in the bottom lane?
The bottom lane provides a support who helps the ADC survive the early game, which is their most vulnerable phase.
Q2: Can an ADC play in the mid lane?
Yes, certain ADCs, like Lucian or Tristana, can play effectively in the mid lane, provided you can handle frequent ganks.
Q3: Is the top lane suitable for ADCs?
Only a few ADCs, such as Vayne or Quinn, can handle the top lane due to their ranged advantage over typical top lane champions.
Q4: How can I improve as an ADC in the bottom lane?
Mastering last-hitting, coordinating with your support, and learning to control the minion wave are crucial to improving as a bottom-lane ADC.
Q5: What should I keep in mind when playing as an ADC in the mid lane?
Warding the river and roaming to other lanes when possible can boost your impact as a mid-lane ADC.
Q6: What tips should I follow when playing as an ADC in the top lane?
Understanding your match-ups and communicating with your team about potential enemy teleports to Dragon can help when playing as a top-lane ADC.
Q7: Can ADCs play in the jungle?
Yes, certain ADCs like Kindred and Twitch have had success playing in the jungle due to their ability to effectively take down neutral monsters.
Q8: What is a roaming ADC?
Roaming ADCs are those who use their unique abilities to move around the map, providing support in multiple lanes and keeping the enemy team on their toes.
Q9: What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a lane as an ADC?
The most important things to consider are understanding your champion’s strengths, recognizing your personal playstyle, and aligning with your team’s needs.
Q10: Is it beneficial to switch lanes during the game?
Switching lanes, or roaming, can be beneficial in applying pressure across the map and catching enemies off-guard. However, it should be done judiciously, ensuring your original lane is not left vulnerable.
Q11: How do game updates affect the choice of lane for ADCs?
Game updates can bring changes to champion abilities, map structures, or overall meta, which can influence the viability of certain ADCs in different lanes. Staying updated with patch notes is essential to adapt and excel.
Q12: Is it better to stick to the traditional bottom lane as an ADC?
While the bottom lane is a tried and true choice for ADCs, don’t be afraid to explore other options. Depending on your playstyle and champion, other lanes, or even the jungle, can be equally, if not more, effective.
Q13: How do I decide the best lane for my ADC?
Your lane decision should be a blend of your champion’s strengths, your playstyle, the current meta, and the team’s composition. Understanding these factors can help you choose the optimal lane.
Q14: Can I change my lane during the game?
Yes, ADCs with mobility or stealth in their kit can roam around the map. However, ensure your original lane is not left vulnerable while you’re roaming.
Making the Decision: Final Words
While statistics and tradition suggest the bottom lane as the favored home for ADCs, don’t let that limit your options. Remember, League of Legends is as much about personal skill and strategy as it is about adhering to traditional roles. Your decision should reflect your playstyle, champion mastery, and understanding of the game’s intricacies. So, whether you stick to the familiar bottom lane, venture into the mid or top lanes, brave the jungle, or adopt a roaming strategy, remember to enjoy the game. After all, that’s what it’s all about!
The lane you choose as an ADC will have a significant impact on your gameplay and team dynamics. While the bottom lane is a time-tested choice, venturing into the mid or top lanes with certain champions can yield surprising results. The choice ultimately comes down to your champion, gameplay style, and the team’s needs.
Also check out: Ekko Jungle Guide
Sources:
- Mobalytics Statistics, 2021
- Marc Merrill, Co-Founder, Riot Games
- Tony Fallon, Gaming Journalist, leaguetips.gg
(5 votes, average: 4.60 out of 5)
Loading…