Introduction
Patch 25.18 is here, and it’s one of the last updates before Worlds 2025. This patch brings critical balance changes to League of Legends, hitting dominant champions like Yunara, Qiyana, and jungle Sylas, while buffing utility and scaling picks such as Amumu, Vel’Koz, and Hwei. Item adjustments to Bami’s Cinder, Sunfire Cape, and Mercurial Scimitar also shake up the jungle meta.
In this League of Legends Patch 25.18 breakdown, we’ll cover:
- The biggest buffs and nerfs
- Which champions are best to climb solo queue
- The updated Patch 25.18 tier list by role
- Recommended bans and pro play implications
Champion Nerfs (Patch 25.18)
- Yunara (ADC): Nerfed for the first time — lower base HP/AD and reduced E mobility. Her solo queue win rate dropped to ~46%.
- Qiyana (Mid/Jungle): Base AD and armor growth reduced, lowering her early snowball power.
- Sylas (Jungle): Monster damage scaling tuned down, slowing his jungle clears.
These nerfs push former must-ban champions down in the 25.18 meta tier list.
Champion Buffs (Patch 25.18)
- Amumu (Support): Q cooldown and mana changes make him a stronger engage support.
- Vel’Koz (Mid): Improved cooldowns and scaling buff his late-game damage.
- Hwei (Mid): AP ratio buffs make him a more consistent control mage.
- Jayce & Illaoi (Top Lane): Small but useful buffs to poke and sustain.
These buffs increase their ranking in the LoL 25.18 champion tier list, especially in solo queue.
Item Changes (Patch 25.18)
- Bami’s Cinder: Monster damage amp doubled (50% → 100%).
- Sunfire Cape: Clear damage increased (50% → 60%).
- Mercurial Scimitar: Now offers +10 AD and a stronger move speed active, making QSS more efficient.
These item buffs strengthen tank junglers (Nunu, Sejuani, Zac) and give ADCs safer counter-play against heavy CC.
Patch 25.18 Winners
- Ashe (ADC): Consistently S-tier with high win rates — great for solo queue climbing.
- Hwei (Mid): Buffs push him into viability.
- Amumu (Support): Even stronger as an engage support.
Patch 25.18 Losers
- Yunara (ADC): Nerfs hit hard; no longer ban-worthy.
- Qiyana (Mid/Jungle): Lower damage and growth reduce snowball potential.
- Annie, Azir, Galio (Mid): Targeted nerfs make them less oppressive in lane.
Role-by-Role Tier List Highlights
Top Lane: Jayce poke and Illaoi sustain rising.
Jungle: Volibear, Nunu, and Bel’Veth lead the patch 25.18 jungle tier list.
Mid Lane: Hwei is up, Qiyana is down. Control mages remain steady.
Bot Lane (ADC): Ashe thrives, Yunara struggles.
Support: Amumu strong; Janna, Taric, and other enchanters remain viable.
Solo Queue Picks and Bans (Patch 25.18)
- Best Bans: Rek’Sai, Bel’Veth, Volibear.
- Best Picks: Ashe (ADC), Hwei (Mid), Amumu (Support), Nunu (Jungle).
- Avoid: Yunara (ADC).
These are the most effective solo queue strategies for League Patch 25.18.
Looking Ahead to Patch 25.19
Patch 25.19, the official Worlds patch, arrives soon with buffs to Ahri, LeBlanc, Syndra, Jax, and more. Expect a major meta shakeup right before the biggest tournament of the year.
Conclusion
League of Legends Patch 25.18 balances the game by nerfing outliers and empowering tanks and utility picks. For solo queue, focus on Ashe, Hwei, Amumu, and Nunu, while shelving Yunara and Qiyana.
Stay tuned to Mobabuzz for the League of Legends 25.19 patch notes breakdown, tier list updates, and Worlds 2025 meta predictions.
