With every League of Legends patch update, the meta shifts, and certain champions rise to dominance. Patch 25.06 brings significant buffs and nerfs that impact the best champions to climb ranked. If you’re serious about improving your rank in LoL, picking the strongest meta champions is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down the top five best champions to climb in League of Legends, covering their strengths, optimal builds, and the best rune setups. Whether you’re a jungle main, ADC player, or top lane warrior, these picks will help you rank up efficiently.
1. Jarvan IV – Best Jungler in Patch 25.06
Jarvan IV is one of the best junglers in League of Legends right now. His recent buffs enhance his durability and teamfight engage, making him a must-pick for those looking to dominate the jungle.
Why Pick Jarvan IV?
- Early Game Pressure: His EQ combo makes for deadly ganks.
- Best Teamfight Initiator: His ultimate, Cataclysm, locks down key targets.
- Versatile Build Options: Can be played as a bruiser or tank.
Best Jungle Build for Jarvan IV:
- Core Items: Black Cleaver, Sterak’s Gage, Guardian Angel, Thornmail (anti-heal), Randuin’s Omen (vs. crit), Spirit Visage (vs. magic damage).
- Boots: Mercury’s Treads or Plated Steelcaps depending on enemy team composition.
- Situational Items: Thornmail (anti-heal), Spirit Visage (vs. magic damage), Randuin’s Omen (vs. crit).
Best Rune Setup:
- Primary (Precision): Conqueror, Triumph, Legend: Tenacity, Last Stand.
- Secondary (Resolve): Second Wind, Unflinching.
2. Jhin – Best ADC to Climb Ranked in LoL
Jhin remains one of the strongest ADCs in Patch 25.06, thanks to his powerful long-range poke and high burst damage.
Why Pick Jhin?
- High Burst Damage: His fourth shot crit is devastating.
- Long-Range Engage: His Curtain Call ultimate secures kills from afar.
- Excellent Crowd Control: Deadly Flourish (W) roots enemies.
Best ADC Build for Jhin:
- Core Items: The Collector, Rapid Firecannon, Infinity Edge, Lord Dominik’s Regards (vs. tanks), Guardian Angel (for survivability), Mortal Reminder (anti-heal).
- Boots: Galeforce or Berserker’s Greaves depending on playstyle.
- Situational Items: Lord Dominik’s Regards (vs. tanks), Guardian Angel (for survivability), Mortal Reminder (anti-heal).
Best Rune Setup:
- Primary (Domination): Dark Harvest, Taste of Blood, Eyeball Collection, Ravenous Hunter.
- Secondary (Precision): Presence of Mind, Legend: Bloodline.
3. Kha’Zix – Best Assassin Jungler for Solo Queue
Kha’Zix thrives in solo queue due to his high burst damage and ability to isolate targets for quick kills.
Why Pick Kha’Zix?
- Isolation Damage: Easily picks off lone enemies.
- Stealth and Mobility: His evolved ultimate grants more escape potential.
- Snowball Potential: A fed Kha’Zix can carry games solo.
Best Jungle Build for Kha’Zix:
- Core Items: Youmuu’s Ghostblade, Edge of Night, Serpent’s Fang, Guardian Angel (for survivability), Serylda’s Grudge (armor penetration), Maw of Malmortius (vs. AP damage).
- Boots: Mercury’s Treads or Ionian Boots of Lucidity depending on the need for CC reduction or cooldown reduction.
Best Rune Setup:
- Primary (Domination): Electrocute, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection, Relentless Hunter.
- Secondary (Precision): Triumph, Coup de Grace.
4. Naafiri – Best Mid Lane Assassin for Climbing
Naafiri’s mini-rework in Patch 25.06 makes her one of the strongest assassins in the mid lane meta.
Why Pick Naafiri?
- High Burst Damage: Quickly eliminates priority targets.
- Best Roaming Mid Champion: Can easily impact side lanes.
- Snowball Potential: Early kills lead to complete map control.
Best Mid Lane Build for Naafiri:
- Core Items: Black Cleaver, Death’s Dance, Guardian Angel, Maw of Malmortius (vs. magic damage), Serylda’s Grudge (armor penetration), Edge of Night (spell shield).
- Boots: Sorcerer’s Shoes for penetration or Mercury’s Treads for crowd control resistance.
Best Rune Setup:
- Primary (Domination): Electrocute, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection, Relentless Hunter.
- Secondary (Precision): Triumph, Coup de Grace.
5. Lucian – Best ADC for Aggressive Players
Lucian is one of the strongest bot lane champions in the current patch due to buffs that improve his damage output and mobility.
Why Pick Lucian?
- Best Early-Game ADC: Strong lane dominance.
- High Mobility: His E dash allows for aggressive trades.
- Great Synergy with Engage Supports: Pairs well with Thresh, Nami, and Nautilus.
Best ADC Build for Lucian:
- Core Items: Navori Quickblades, Infinity Edge, Lord Dominik’s Regards, Guardian Angel (for survivability), Mortal Reminder (anti-heal), Mercurial Scimitar (CC cleanse).
- Boots: Berserker’s Greaves or Galeforce depending on your need for mobility.
Best Rune Setup:
- Primary (Precision): Press the Attack, Presence of Mind, Legend: Bloodline, Coup de Grace.
- Secondary (Sorcery): Nimbus Cloak, Gathering Storm.
Final Thoughts – How to Climb Ranked in League of Legends
Patch 25.06 has brought major changes to the League of Legends meta, and mastering these champions will give you the best chance at climbing ranked. Whether you’re dominating the jungle with Jarvan IV and Kha’Zix, carrying bot lane with Lucian and Jhin, or taking over mid with Naafiri, these top-tier champions will help you gain LP fast.
However, climbing ranked isn’t just about playing strong meta champions. To truly improve, focus on consistency, map awareness, and adapting your builds and playstyle to each game. Don’t tilt after losses—every game is a learning opportunity.
Good luck in solo queue, and may your climb to Challenger be a smooth one! If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends. GG WP! 🚀