Ever wondered which League of Legends champions gather dust on the digital shelf, rarely seeing the Summoner's Rift? With a roster constantly expanding, some champions inevitably become the wallflowers of the League, overshadowed by flashier or more effective picks. These are the least played league champions, often misunderstood, mechanically demanding, or simply out of sync with the current meta. We'll dive into why they're so unpopular, and whether they deserve a second look.
At a glance:
- Some champions are unpopular due to high difficulty, niche roles, or being power-crept by newer champions.
- Low pick rate doesn't always mean a champion is weak; some are strategically undervalued.
- Riot Games occasionally reworks unpopular champions to make them more appealing.
- Pro play heavily influences perception; what works in solo queue differs greatly.
- Community perception and stigma can also contribute to a champion's unpopularity.
Why So Lonely? The Reasons Behind Low Pick Rates
Several factors contribute to a champion's low pick rate. It's rarely just one thing; instead, it's often a combination of design, balance, and community perception.
- Difficulty Curve: Some champions, like Cassiopeia, have incredibly high skill ceilings. Mastering their intricate mechanics takes significant time and effort, deterring casual players.
- Niche Roles: Champions designed for specific team compositions or strategies, such as Ivern, have limited appeal in solo queue, where team coordination is less reliable.
- Meta Mismatch: The ever-shifting meta favors certain playstyles and champion kits. Champions who fall out of favor due to balance changes or the rise of counters quickly see their pick rates plummet.
- Outclassed: Sometimes, a champion's role is simply filled better by another. Kog'Maw, for instance, faces stiff competition from more mobile and versatile ADCs like Jinx.
- Negative Perception: Community perception can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Annie, despite having a straightforward kit and decent win rate, sometimes suffers from a stigma that discourages players from picking her. Teemo, as fandomspot.com notes, is the "most hated champion," which certainly impacts his popularity.
The Usual Suspects: Champions Gathering Dust
Let's shine a spotlight on some of the least played champions, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and the reasons behind their unpopularity. Data varies depending on the source and patch, but these champions consistently appear near the bottom of the pick rate charts.
Skarner: The Crystalline Vanguard
Skarner currently languishes with a pick rate around 0.55% according to LeagueFeed.net. He's often overlooked in the current meta, but there's hope on the horizon. A full rework is in the works, aiming to revitalize his kit and make him a more appealing pick. It will be great to see if the rework helps Skarner get more games, as his win rate is actually a respectable 49.35%.
Corki: The Daring Bombardier
Corki, with a pick rate of around 0.73%, is a rare sight in most matches. He fills a rather niche role as a hybrid damage dealer, which makes him hard to fit into many team compositions.
Rek'Sai: The Void Burrower
Rek'Sai boasts unique abilities centered around burrowing and unearthing, but many players prefer more straightforward junglers. Her pick rate hovers around 0.98%. Tunjangan DPR Naik? Simak Ini is something that the community would not like to see.
Taric: The Shield of Valoran
Despite a solid win rate of 51.61%, Taric remains one of the least visible support champions, with a pick rate of about 1.24%. He's often undervalued, perhaps due to his less flashy playstyle compared to more popular supports.
Kled: The Cantankerous Cavalier
Kled's specialized gameplay and niche role contribute to his low pick rate. He has a loyal following among those who enjoy his unique mechanics, but his playstyle doesn't appeal to a broad audience. His pick rate rests around 1.39%, with a win rate of 51.24%.
Kog'Maw: The Mouth of the Abyss
As mentioned earlier, Kog'Maw suffers from being overshadowed by other ADCs. While his hyper-carry potential is undeniable, he lacks the mobility and self-peel of more popular marksmen. He sees play around 1.5% of the time and wins roughly 50.99% of his games.
Ivern: The Green Father
Ivern's unconventional supportive jungling style is a major factor in his low pick rate. He's perceived as "weird" and a "chore" to play due to his unique approach to clearing camps and providing utility. Even with a decent win rate of 51.64%, he's only picked about 1.5% of the time..
Elise: The Spider Queen
Elise, sitting around a 1.71% pick rate, struggles with itemization. Her item pool doesn't synergize well with her abilities, leaving her feeling weak compared to other AP junglers. TheGlobalGaming.com also notes that she is in need of a rework.
Annie: The Dark Child
Annie's surprisingly low pick rate (around 1.83%) is partially attributed to negative community perception, similar to Teemo. Despite having a straightforward kit and a win rate around 50.9%, she's sometimes subjected to public shaming and stigma.
Cassiopeia: The Serpent's Embrace
Cassiopeia's high skill requirement is a major deterrent for many players. Mastering her intricate mechanics and positioning takes significant time and effort. At about 1.85% pick rate, she is one of the least popular mid lane picks who still maintains a respectable win rate of 50.94%.
Pro Play vs. Solo Queue: A Tale of Two Cities
Champion popularity in professional play often differs drastically from solo queue. Team compositions, coordinated strategies, and a focus on objective control influence pro players' champion choices.
For example, Fandomspot.com tracked champion picks and bans in professional play from Season 4 to 11. Some champions rarely seen in solo queue, like Aurelion Sol, have seen some pro play, even if it was limited. ... shows the pro play win rates for some of the more popular champions. Often, the least popular champions in solo queue are also the least popular in professional play.
When Underdogs Bite: Finding Success with Unpopular Champions
While unpopular champions may have weaknesses, they can also offer unique advantages:
- Unfamiliarity: Opponents may be less familiar with their kits and playstyles, leading to misplays and unexpected victories.
- Niche Strengths: Their specialized abilities can excel in specific situations or against certain team compositions.
- Lower Ban Rates: Unpopular champions are less likely to be banned, increasing your chances of playing them.
- One-Trick Pony Potential: Mastering an unpopular champion can grant you a unique advantage, as few players will know how to counter you effectively.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Let's bust some myths about unpopular League of Legends champions:
- Misconception: Low pick rate = weak champion.
- Reality: Low pick rate often indicates a champion is difficult, niche, or out of meta, not necessarily weak. Taric, with a win rate over 50%, is a great example.
- Misconception: Reworks always make unpopular champions popular.
- Reality: Reworks can improve a champion's viability, but success depends on how well the new kit resonates with players and fits into the current meta.
- Misconception: Only meta champions are viable for climbing the ranked ladder.
- Reality: Mastering any champion, regardless of their popularity, can lead to success in ranked. Understanding matchups, macro play, and your champion's strengths and weaknesses are crucial.
Should You Pick a "Forgotten" Champion? Decision Criteria
Considering diving into the pool of least played champions? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you enjoy their playstyle? This is the most important factor. If you find a champion fun, you're more likely to invest the time to master them.
- Are you willing to learn their unique mechanics? Unpopular champions often have unconventional kits that require dedicated practice.
- Do they fit your preferred role and team composition? Consider how well they synergize with your playstyle and the types of champions you typically play with.
- Are you prepared to face potential criticism? Some players may question your pick, especially in ranked. Be confident in your choice and focus on playing your best.
Making the Most of Your "Underdog" Pick
So, you've decided to embrace the unconventional? Here's how to succeed with a less popular champion:
- Master Their Kit: Dedicate time to understanding their abilities, combos, and optimal item builds.
- Study Matchups: Learn which champions they counter and which counter them. Knowing your champion's strengths and weaknesses is crucial.
- Communicate with Your Team: Explain your champion's role and strategy to your teammates, especially in ranked.
- Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different builds and playstyles to find what works best for you.
- Embrace the Element of Surprise: Use your opponent's unfamiliarity to your advantage.
The Future of Unpopular Champions
Riot Games occasionally reworks or buffs unpopular champions to increase their pick rates. Skarner's upcoming rework is a prime example. Keep an eye on patch notes and community discussions for potential changes that could revitalize your favorite "underdog" champion.
Ultimately, playing a least played champion can be a rewarding experience. Mastering an unconventional pick can grant you a unique advantage, challenge your skills, and add a fresh perspective to your League of Legends journey. So go forth, embrace the unusual, and show the Summoner's Rift what these "forgotten" champions can do!