The role distribution in League of Legends is clearly defined for all players. Except for the Bot Lane, each lane is played by only one player. However, there are currently difficulties on this double lane. The classic supporters are currently fighting for their place in the team.
What are these difficulties? Normally, the Bot Lane in League of Legends is occupied as follows:
- An ADC focuses on dealing death blows to mobs to gain experience points and gold, so that in the end, he can turn the match for his team
- A supporter assists him, heals and strengthens him, but otherwise remains rather discreet
However, currently the supporter role is being neglected. Supporters depend on their ranged champions and assist them directly. The best example is Yuumi, who was revised in the last patch, to make her more beginner-friendly: The cat is completely dependent on her Bot Lane partner and can do nothing on her own.
In the “Support” role, however, champions are currently being played that are not meant for that position. Now typical supporters have to compete against strong mages.
Mages displace supporters as the 2nd hero on the Bot Lane
How is the problem made clear? The role is currently played by champions that are not considered typical supporters, but are anchored in other roles.
The problem lies in the fact that the typical support champions (via u.gg) mostly do not exceed a win rate of 50%.
Of the 43 characters listed for the role, although 25 have a win rate above 50%, they also include champions like Annie, Xerath, Shaco, and Vel’Koz.
These champions do not belong to the usual characters played on the Bot Lane as supporters, but are actually meant for mid or jungle. Many common support champions perform significantly worse.
Riot Games wants to strengthen supporters again
What is Riot Games doing about the problem? In the last patch, Riot Games had already tried to find a solution for the problem and to adjust support items. This was intended to make tank supporters more attractive again.
They also made changes to the jungle system to limit the appeal of early ganks and fights. So far, however, it has become clear that the adjustments have not arrived on the Rift.
Players are sticking to the mages and are playing them as strong casters in the support role. The position is thus severely limited in their champion choices. This is observable both in solo queue and in pro play.
What are your current thoughts on the support role? Have you always been a supporter and are considering changing roles, or is this exactly the time to prove your skills with mages on the Bot Lane? Let us know in the comments.
More news about the upcoming patch and changes in League of Legends can be found here: LoL announces nerfs and buffs with patch 13.6 – Expert complains immediately: ‘Way too little!’
