Top Lane Tier List 26.7
Hey Friends,
With this patch I’m introducing the new graphic layouts for pro play and solo queue. It should be way more clear now, at a glance, what changed in the tier list from the previous patch. Likewise, the post thumbnail now displays the entire infographic, so you are able to quickly locate the tier list from the home page with ease. The post itself will still delve a bit deeper into the analysis and interesting topics.
26.7 was a small patch that didn’t directly impact the pro play meta game, though we are seeing some developments regardless. Jayce escaped the jungle jail and his top lane pick rate is skyrocketing for several reasons. Ranged counter picks are doing well which makes tanks less safe to blind pick and Malphite got nerfed a while ago. Recent changes to Jayce made him more threatening in the hammer stance making him more oppressive when ahead.
As a response to Jayce’s surge in pick rate, we are already seeing Yorick slowly rise in priority as one of the answers. We might see players experiment with champions like Skarner to neutralize the laning phase. I’ve noticed Korean top laners experiment with niche picks like Naafiri and Lucian into Jayce as well, but time will tell if they’re good enough of an answer to pull off in pro play.
Solo queue is following a similar trend as pro play, especially in the apex tiers where Jayce is seeing a big resurgence. Ornn and Singed received tap down nerfs, though they’re still in a good spot overall. Cassiopeia buffs from 26.6 are finally live. They will make her more threatening during the first few levels of the laning phase which is a big deal in top lane. Nonetheless, her mastery curve is steep and it will take a while for new Cassiopeia players to fully shine on her. If you’re interested in my thought process about all the buffs and nerfs, check out my 26.7 patch rundown.
Until next time o7.
