As we move further into Patch 25.09, top lane players are seeing major shifts in both the meta and champion power dynamics. With major buffs to champions like Shen and Sett, as well as heavy nerfs to Gwen, the top lane is in a constant state of flux. This article will break down the most impactful champions and highlight the best picks for climbing in solo queue.
🏆 TL;DR: Pick These Champions to Win
- OP Picks: Sett, Shen – These champions are dominating the top lane with immense lane control, tankiness, and great teamfight presence.
- Low Elo OP: Heimerdinger, Garen, and Yorick – Ideal for low Elo due to their simplicity and ability to carry without relying heavily on mechanical skill.
- Best Bans: Sett, Shen, Aatrox – These champions are exceptionally strong and should be banned if you don’t want to face an uphill battle in the top lane.
If you’re looking to climb the ranks, these champions are the ones you need to prioritize.
🔹 Top Lane Tier List for Patch 25.09
| Tier | Champions |
|---|---|
| OP | Sett, Shen |
| Low Elo OP | Heimerdinger, Garen, Yorick |
| Best Bans | Sett, Shen, Aatrox |
| S | Urgot, Kayle, Poppy, Ornn, Vayne, Kennen, Kled, Ryze, Riven, Warwick, Quinn, Olaf, Zac, Teemo, Cassiopeia, Malphite, Aatrox, Fiora, Singed, Heimerdinger, Garen |
| A | Akali, Yorick, Mordekaiser, Wukong, Irelia, Karma, Cho’Gath, Vladimir, Rengar, Darius, Pantheon, Renekton, Camille, Volibear, Gangplank, Trundle, Gragas, Tryndamere, Nasus, Mundo |
| B | Gwen, Tahm Kench, Yasuo, Ambessa, Gnar, Aurora, Rumble, Illaoi, Sylas, Jax, Swain, Sion, Yone |
| C | Jayce, K’Sante, Smolder, Udyr, Maokai, Nidalee |
🔹 Key Changes and Meta Shifts for Top Lane
Sett & Shen – Dominating the OP Tier
Sett and Shen are making waves this patch, with both champions seeing significant buffs to their kit. Sett’s Q buff has been especially impactful, providing him with more damage and better sustain during fights. Shen, thanks to his recent buffs, is now considered a top-tier pick, particularly in higher ELO play. Shen’s main weakness, lack of wave clear, is mitigated by his shift in meta toward Titanic Hydra as the core item. This item gives Shen the ability to clear waves efficiently while also providing significant tankiness.
Gwen – Falling from Grace
Gwen’s recent nerfs have had a massive negative impact on her power. While she once stood tall in the OP tier, her recent AP ratio and armor scaling adjustments have pushed her down into the B tier. If you’re a Gwen player, it’s time to look for alternative picks as she struggles to maintain her relevance in the top lane meta.
Yorick & Heimerdinger – Strong Picks in Low Elo
Heimerdinger and Garen continue to perform well in lower ELOs, with their straightforward kit and tanky nature making them hard to outplay. Yorick, despite not being in the top ranks, still remains an effective pick, especially in more casual settings where his split-pushing power can shine.
Kayle – A Steady Pick in the S Tier
Kayle remains a consistent pick for top lane players looking for a scaling champion. Though she has a weaker early game, once she reaches her full power, she can decimate teams. Be sure to keep her safe in the early levels, and once you hit level 16, Kayle becomes a major threat.
Aatrox – High Risk, High Reward
Aatrox has always been a high-skill champion, but his strength continues to fluctuate. Currently, he holds an S tier spot, but he’s best suited for experienced players who can master his combos and positioning in fights. If played well, Aatrox can be an unstoppable force, but a poor performance can make him a liability to your team.
Top Lane Tier List Highlights
- Sett and Shen are clearly the strongest picks, especially with Shen being a major force in the top lane.
- Gwen’s nerfs have taken a significant toll, making her one of the weakest picks in this patch.
- Yorick and Heimerdinger are still reliable in lower Elo but struggle against higher-tier picks.
- Aatrox and Kayle remain strong but have higher skill caps and require solid understanding to maximize their potential.
🔹 Best Top Lane Picks for Solo Queue in Patch 25.09
- Sett (OP Tier) – Excellent tank and damage dealer with great lane pressure. Sett is perfect for solo queue with his ability to dominate early skirmishes and teamfights.
- Shen (OP Tier) – Great for providing map-wide pressure with his global taunt and utility. Shen excels in teamfights and can save teammates with his ultimate.
- Kayle (S Tier) – Scales well into the late game and can carry teamfights once she hits level 16. Keep her safe early on to let her thrive later.
- Urgot (S Tier) – Strong early-to-mid game presence with great dueling power and teamfight damage. Urgot is hard to deal with if played correctly.
- Poppy (S Tier) – A solid tank with great crowd control and utility. Poppy can stop dashes and is effective against many meta top lane champions.
- Vayne (S Tier) – A very strong duelist and tank shredder. Vayne is strong in 1v1s and excels in extended fights, especially when positioned well.
🔹 Final Thoughts – Top Lane Meta in Patch 25.09
The top lane in Patch 25.09 is diverse, with strong picks like Sett, Shen, and Urgot taking charge, while Gwen has fallen off significantly due to her nerfs. For solo queue players, focusing on high impact and versatile picks like Sett and Shen is essential to climbing the ranks. Avoid picking Yorick or Heimerdinger in higher Elo games, as they are outclassed by stronger options.
✔️ Shen and Sett are your go-to picks for consistent top lane power.
✔️ Kayle remains a strong late-game pick, but she needs protection in the early levels.
✔️ Gwen’s nerfs make her a risky pick now.
✔️ Aatrox is high-risk, high-reward and should only be picked by experienced players.
For more in-depth guides and meta updates, be sure to keep an eye on LoLNOW.gg as we continue to break down the latest patch notes and optimal strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best picks for top lane in Patch 25.09?
The best top lane picks for Patch 25.09 are Sett, Shen, Urgot, and Kayle. These champions provide strong laning power, great teamfighting utility, and scaling into late game.
Has Gwen been nerfed in Patch 25.09?
Yes, Gwen has received significant nerfs, including reductions to her Q’s AP ratio and armor growth, causing her to drop from a top-tier pick to the B tier.
Which champions should I avoid in top lane for solo queue?
Avoid picking champions like Yorick and Heimerdinger in higher Elo solo queue, as they struggle against stronger, more versatile picks like Sett and Shen.
