Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Riot Games

Riot is targeting ranged top laners in League’s Patch 10.9, buffing Quinn, Lissandra, and Gnar

Have bruisers had their day?
This article is over 4 years old and may contain outdated information

The League of Legends top lane meta has been dominated by bruisers in the 2020 season, with champions like Aatrox, Sett, Ornn, and Renekton taking the highest priority on the competitive stage. In Patch 10.9, Riot is looking to change this and throw a wrench into the works.

Recommended Videos

Quinn, Lissandra, and Gnar are each receiving buffs in the next patch—the perfect counters to tanky melee champions. 

Quinn, despite technically being an ADC, is typically seen in the top lane. In the current patch, her win rate is respectable in solo queue but she’s rarely seen in competitive play. Her lane dominance and ability to abuse melee champions should only be amplified in the next patch. Sanguine Blade, one of Quinn’s core items, is also set to receive buffs. 

Lissandra is another champion that can be flex picked in either the mid or top lane. In solo queue, she has a 50 percent win rate. In terms of the mid lane, though, she’s not cut out for the meta. But with a few buffs under her belt, she could easily fit as a top lane counter.

Gnar sits at a disappointing 48 percent win rate in Platinum and above, one of the lowest in the top lane position. He was once a strong counter to melee champions, but with nerf after nerf, he’s fallen to the wayside. His damage output just isn’t up to scratch. If Riot can find the right balance and buff Gnar accordingly, he may find his way back into the metagame. 

The full list of buffs for Patch 10.9 will be unveiled later this evening.


Follow us on YouTube for more esports news and analysis.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Jerome Heath
Jerome Heath
Senior editor
Jerome has been in and around the gaming industry for the last eight years, and he's not going anywhere anytime soon.