Comprehensive guide to League of Legends champions

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League of Legends (LoL) is a titan in the gaming industry, captivating millions of players and viewers around the globe with its dynamic gameplay and intricate strategies. Central to the game’s allure are its champions—the player-controlled characters that bring the Summoner’s Rift to life. As of January 31, 2024, there are currently 167 League of Legends Champions released in the game, with the latest addition being Smolder, the Fiery Fledgling. This guide will delve into the world of League of Legends Champions, their roles, and how they contribute to the overall gaming experience.

What are League of Legends champions?

Champions in League of Legends are unique characters that players control during the game. Each champion comes with a set of abilities and attributes that distinguish them from others. These abilities can range from offensive skills and defensive maneuvers to utility and crowd control effects. The diversity in champion abilities and playstyles is one of the key factors that make LoL such a complex and engaging game.

How many League of Legends champions are there?

As the game evolves, Riot Games, the developer behind LoL, continually introduces new League of Legends Champions to keep the game fresh and exciting. By the end of 2023, the roster included 165 League of Legends Champions. As of January 31, 2024, this number has increased to 167 with the introduction of Smolder, the Fiery Fledgling. Each new champion brings something unique to the table, adding new layers of strategy and depth to the game.

Champion categories and roles

Champions in League of Legends are categorized based on their primary roles and attributes. Understanding these categories can help players make informed decisions about which champions to play and how to build their team compositions. Here are the main categories:

1. Tanks

Tanks are champions designed to absorb damage and protect their teammates. They usually have high health pools, armor, and magic resistance. Tanks excel in crowd control and can initiate fights, making them crucial in team battles.

Examples:

• Malphite: Known for his ability to soak damage and initiate team fights with his unstoppable force.
• Leona: A tanky support with multiple crowd control abilities.

2. Fighters

Fighters, also known as bruisers, are League of Legends champions that balance between dealing damage and absorbing it. They are versatile and can engage in prolonged fights, making them effective in both offensive and defensive roles.

Examples:

• Darius: A juggernaut who excels in close combat and can deal significant damage while also sustaining himself.
• Jax: Known for his dueling prowess and ability to dodge incoming attacks.

3. Mages

Mages are League of Legends champions that deal magic damage using their abilities. They often have high burst damage and are effective in controlling the battlefield with their spells. Mages usually have low health but compensate with their ability to deal massive damage from a distance.

Examples:

• Lux: A versatile mage who can damage, root, and shield her allies.
• Ziggs: A demolitions expert who can deal massive area-of-effect damage from a distance.

4. Assassins

Assassins are League of Legends champions designed to eliminate high-priority targets quickly. They have high burst damage and mobility, allowing them to dive into the enemy backline to take out key targets before escaping.

Examples:

• Zed: A shadowy assassin who can outplay opponents with his mobility and burst damage.
• Katarina: Known for her ability to deal massive area-of-effect damage and reset her abilities upon securing kills.

5. Marksmen

Marksmen, or ADCs (Attack Damage Carries), are League of Legends champions that deal consistent physical damage from a distance. They are usually squishy but can deal significant damage over time, making them essential in taking down objectives and enemies.

Examples:

• Ashe: Known for her utility and ability to initiate fights from a distance.
• Jinx: A hypercarry with the potential to deal massive damage in extended fights.

6. Supports

Supports are League of Legends champions that provide utility and protection to their team. They can heal, shield, and enable their allies to perform better in fights. Supports are crucial in maintaining team cohesion and ensuring the safety of their carries.

Examples:

• Janna: A support with strong disengage and protective abilities.
• Thresh: Known for his ability to hook enemies and provide crowd control.

Introducing Smolder, the fiery fledgling

The latest addition to the League of Legends roster, Smolder, the Fiery Fledgling, brings a fresh dynamic to the game. As a mage-assassin hybrid, Smolder excels in dealing burst magic damage while also having the mobility to escape dangerous situations. Her abilities revolve around manipulating fire to incinerate enemies and create zones of control on the battlefield.

Abilities overview

• Q – Ember Strike: Smolder launches a fireball that explodes upon hitting an enemy, dealing area-of-effect damage.
• W – Flame Shield: Smolder surrounds herself with a shield of fire, absorbing incoming damage and burning nearby enemies.
• E – Fire Dash: Smolder dashes through enemies, leaving a trail of fire that deals damage over time.
• R – Inferno Blast: Smolder unleashes a massive burst of flames, dealing significant damage to all enemies in a large area.

The role of champions in the meta

The term “meta” refers to the most effective tactics available in the game at any given time. The meta is constantly evolving as new patches and League of Legends champions are introduced. Understanding the current meta can give players a competitive edge, as it allows them to select League of Legends champions that are strong in the current game environment.

Impact on team composition

Team composition is crucial in League of Legends, as it determines how well a team can execute strategies and respond to different in-game scenarios. A balanced team composition typically includes:

• A tank for frontline protection.
• A fighter or assassin for engaging and dealing damage.
• A mage for burst or sustained magic damage.
• A marksman for consistent physical damage.
• A support for utility and protection.

Selecting champions that complement each other and fit the current meta can significantly increase a team’s chances of victory.

Champions are the heart and soul of League of Legends, each bringing unique abilities and playstyles to the game. With 167 champions available as of January 31, 2024, the diversity and depth of gameplay are unparalleled. Understanding the roles and categories of champions can help players make informed decisions and excel in their matches. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, the ever-evolving roster of champions ensures that there’s always something new to explore and master in the world of League of Legends.

So, how many champions in League of Legends 2023? As of now, the answer continues to evolve, with new champions like Smolder enriching the game and keeping the community engaged. Whether you’re strategizing for your next ranked match or simply enjoying a casual game, the champions of League of Legends offer endless possibilities and excitement.