The meta in League of Legends is always shifting, and with the latest patch (25.08), several new and exciting builds are taking over. From Crit Kai’Sa making a return to the rise of Rod of Ages for mid laners, there’s a lot to explore. We’ve compiled the top 10 most OP builds and rune setups you need to know about to ensure you’re not just playing—you’re dominating. So, let’s dive into these new game-changing setups and how they can turn you into a powerhouse on the Rift!

1. Gwen’s New Grasp Setup: Embrace the Short Trades

For the past patch, Gwen has been running Grasp of the Undying in high-elo games over her usual Conqueror. Why? Because Grasp provides huge value during short trades in the early laning phase, especially against champions like Riven, Renekton, and Aatrox.

  • Why Grasp?: This keystone is perfect for Gwen, as she thrives in early skirmishes, and Grasp makes her tankier and more lethal during these trades.
  • Summoner Spells: Pair Ignite with Teleport for more kill pressure early on.
  • Rune Page: Grasp, Demolish, Second Wind, and Overgrowth for survivability, plus Free Boots and Biscuits for mobility and sustain.
  • Build: Riftmaker into Nashor’s Tooth and Rabadon’s Deathcap.

This setup lets you carry lane and scale beautifully into the late game, where Gwen’s sustained damage really shines.

2. Quinn’s Static Shiv Rush: Speed and Power

The new Static Shiv rush on Quinn has been dominating in Korea, and now it’s making waves in solo queue worldwide. Instead of the typical Hydra rush, Shiv offers quicker spike damage and better roaming potential.

  • Why Shiv?: Shiv provides faster wave clear and movement speed, which gives Quinn the ability to roam and influence lanes much earlier than Hydra.
  • Build: Static Shiv > Edge of Night > Lord Dominik’s Regards for your core.
  • Rune Page: Electrocute, Sudden Impact, Ghost Poro, and Treasure Hunter for added gold gain. Secondary runes like Absolute Focus and Gathering Storm are perfect for scaling into the late game.

This build is all about mobility and snowballing, allowing Quinn to take over the game early on and carry through roaming.

3. Graves Umbreal Glaive: Snowballing Jungle

Graves has always been a strong jungler, but with Umbreal Glaive receiving buffs, this item is now a must-have in his build. The ward-revealing passive and lethality scaling make it an excellent tool for aggressive invades and ganks.

  • Why Umbreal Glaive?: The damage buff combined with the cheap cost and ward-revealing passive lets Graves hit his power spikes earlier and secure map control.
  • Build: Umbreal Glaive > Collector > Edge of Night.
  • Rune Page: Dark Harvest, Sudden Impact, Sixth Sense, and Treasure Hunter for added burst damage, with Triumph and Alacrity in the secondary runes.

This build is designed to capitalize on Graves’ early lead and create aggressive map pressure, all while keeping your vision in check.

4. Kha’Zix Umbreal Glaive: Perfect for Stealth Assassins

If Graves isn’t your style, Kha’Zix also thrives with Umbreal Glaive. The item’s ward-revealing passive and AD scaling give him the ability to jump in and out of fights, dealing devastating damage.

  • Why Kha’Zix?: The passive from Umbreal Glaive and the stealth mechanic combine perfectly to let Kha’Zix isolate targets and eliminate them before they know what hit them.
  • Build: Umbreal Glaive > Ghostblade > Edge of Night.
  • Rune Page: Dark Harvest, Sudden Impact, Sixth Sense, and Treasure Hunter with Free Boots and Cosmic Insight for extra mobility and cooldown reduction.

This setup maximizes Kha’Zix’s burst damage, allowing him to scale into a terrifying late-game assassin.

5. Rod of Ages on Lissandra: A Perfect Fit

A surprising pick that’s emerging this patch is Rod of Ages on Lissandra. With the recent catalyst buffs, Rod is providing Lissandra with the tankiness and mana sustain she needs to dive into fights and be more resilient.

  • Why Rod of Ages?: Lissandra thrives in melee range during teamfights, and the health and mana from Rod allow her to play more aggressively and take up space.
  • Build: Rod of Ages > Liandry’s Anguish > Zhonya’s Hourglass.
  • Rune Page: Electrocute, Cheap Shot, Grizzly Momentos, and Ultimate Hunter for added damage, with Mana Flow and Transcendence for more sustainability.

This new setup on Lissandra brings her from being a utility mage to a more durable frontline presence.

6. Rod of Ages on Swain: Bruiser Swain Strikes Again

Swain has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Rod of Ages buffs. With his reliance on being in the thick of things, the added health and mana make him a frontline powerhouse.

  • Why Rod on Swain?: The extra health from Rod of Ages makes Swain tankier, allowing him to dive into fights and draw the attention of enemies while dealing substantial damage.
  • Build: Rod of Ages > Liandry’s Anguish > Riftmaker.
  • Rune Page: Aery, Mana Flow, Transcendence, and Scorch with Conditioning and Overgrowth for more scaling and survivability.

This build makes Swain an unstoppable force in the mid and late game, providing him with tankiness and sustain while dealing continuous damage.

7. Crit Kai’Sa: The Ultimate DPS Build

Kai’Sa players rejoice—Crit Kai’Sa is back, and she’s better than ever. After extensive testing, it’s been confirmed that Crit Kai’Sa outperforms on-hit builds across all situations.

  • Why Crit?: Crit Kai’Sa has been shown to deal higher DPS than the traditional on-hit builds. With Infinity Edge as your second item, you become a hyper-carry in late-game teamfights.
  • Build: Galeforce > Infinity Edge > Phantom Dancer (or Hurricane for melee comps).
  • Rune Page: Lethal Tempo, Triumph, Alacrity, and Cut Down for scaling, with Free Boots and Biscuits for better early-game sustain.

If you’re looking to maximize Kai’Sa’s potential, this Crit Build is the way to go.

8. Jarvan Support: Underrated, But Strong

Jarvan support is slowly making a comeback, thanks to the Umbreal Glaive buffs and his ability to engage and burst from long-range. His support build offers strong early-game lane pressure and makes it easier for ADCs to thrive.

  • Why Jarvan Support?: With Umbreal Glaive and his E, Jarvan can increase your ADC’s damage output with attack speed and use his long-range engage to control the flow of fights.
  • Build: Umbreal Glaive > Sundered Sky Core > Bloodsong (for item upgrades).
  • Rune Page: Electrocute, Cheap Shot, Grizzly Momentos, and Treasure Hunter for burst damage, with Triumph and Alacrity for better utility.

Jarvan support is perfect for aggressive ADCs like Misfortune, Kai’Sa, and Tristana.

9. Vel’Koz: Shurelya Rush for Mobility

Vel’Koz is receiving a strong boost this patch with the rise of Shurelya over Luden’s Echo. The added movement speed makes Vel’Koz even more dangerous in teamfights, allowing him to reposition and kite with ease.

  • Why Shurelya?: The active movement speed lets Vel’Koz be much more aggressive while also having an escape tool when enemies get too close.
  • Build: Shurelya> Horizon Focus > Rylai’s Crystal Scepter.
  • Rune Page: Dark Harvest, Cheap Shot, Deep Ward, and Relentless Hunter for sustained poke, with Manaflow and Scorch for more lane pressure.

This build helps Vel’Koz roam more efficiently and dish out devastating damage in the process.

10. Lucian’s Infinity Edge: Dominating the Bot Lane

Lucian players have finally caught on—Infinity Edge is now the go-to second item for Lucian. This item allows him to melt through squishies and bruisers alike, giving him the burst potential he needs.

  • Why Infinity Edge?: Infinity Edge provides a massive damage spike, making Lucian a strong mid-game and late-game pick.
  • Build: Essence Reaver > Infinity Edge > Flicker Blades (or Phantom Dancer).
  • Rune Page: Press the Attack, Presence of Mind, Bloodline, and Cutdown with Free Boots and Biscuits for sustain.

This build is all about quick burst combos, making Lucian a dangerous ADC throughout the game.

Want to improve your itemization even further? Visit LoLNOW.gg for more in-depth guides and updates on the best builds and strategies in League of Legends.

Source: SkillCapped – OP New Builds and Runes in Patch 25.08

Frequently Asked Questions about Patch 25.8 Builds

Why is Grasp the best keystone for Gwen right now?

Grasp provides Gwen with strong sustain and burst potential in short trades, especially against early game fighters like Riven or Renekton. It allows her to outtrade Conqueror in certain matchups, giving her the edge in lane.

How does Crit Kai’Sa outperform On-Hit builds in Patch 25.08?

Crit Kai’Sa builds offer higher DPS and burst potential compared to On-Hit builds, making her a superior pick for scaling and teamfights. The Infinity Edge second item provides a huge damage spike, especially against squishier targets.

Is Umbreal Glaive better on Graves or Kha’Zix?

Both Graves and Kha’Zix benefit from Umbreal Glaive due to its cost reduction, damage boost, and ward-revealing passive. However, Kha’Zix thrives in stealth and makes better use of the item’s ward reveal in the jungle, making it slightly more effective on him.

Why is Rod of Ages so strong on Swain and Lissandra now?

Rod of Ages provides Swain and Lissandra with the necessary health and mana to dive into fights and be more resilient, which is especially important for Swain as a frontline bruiser. Lissandra also benefits from the added survivability when jumping into melee range during teamfights.

What makes Jarvan support a good pick in Patch 25.08?

Jarvan support has gained popularity due to the recent Umbreal Glaive buff, which synergizes well with his engage potential. His E ability provides attack speed for his ADC, and the Umbreal Glaive allows him to roam and engage with greater effectiveness.