League of Legends: Best Champions to Climb With in Iron and Bronze

If you're an Iron or Bronze player aiming to climb the League of Legends ladder, selecting the right champions can significantly enhance your progress. It's crucial to choose champions that are not only enjoyable but also straightforward to master. At lower ranks, simplicity can be a key advantage, allowing you to focus more on improving your overall gameplay rather than complex champion mechanics. In this guide from 1v9, we'll introduce five champions, one for each role, that are ideal for players in Iron and Bronze. These selections are based on their ease of use and effectiveness, supported by data and current trends in the game.

Please note that while these recommendations are based on comprehensive analysis, success in League of Legends is highly personal. You might find that other champions suit your playstyle better. For those dedicated to advancing their skills and climbing ranks, consider creating a free account with 1v9, where you'll find resources and tools specifically designed to boost your performance.

#1: Gragas

Gragas tops our list as a standout champion for climbing out of Iron and Bronze in Season 14. Renowned for his robustness and flexibility in the top lane, Gragas offers a build path that accommodates both AP and tank styles, making him a versatile pick for various team compositions.

One of Gragas’ key strengths lies in his simplicity combined with high damage output and effective poke capabilities across all phases of the game. For players in lower ELOs, Gragas proves to be an exceptionally forgiving choice due to his Passive, which provides substantial sustain. His W enhances his trading ability by empowering his next auto-attack, allowing him to hold his own even in challenging matchups. Additionally, Gragas can safely poke and farm with his Q from a distance.

Furthermore, Gragas’ Ultimate is a game-changer in team fights, capable of inflicting significant damage, especially when built towards an AP focus. This combination of sustainability, damage, and utility makes Gragas a solid choice for players looking to climb the ranks effectively.

#2: Xin Zhao

Xin Zhao is an excellent choice for players seeking a jungler with significant carry potential, especially if you enjoy engaging in frequent skirmishes and battles. His ability to quickly snowball and secure an early lead makes him particularly effective for beginners in the jungle role. Even if ganking opportunities are sparse, Xin Zhao can still efficiently farm, invade the enemy’s territory, and confidently duel almost any opponent.

With formidable fighting capabilities at all stages of the game, Xin Zhao can begin to dominate with just a single early kill. For those who thrive on aggressive play, Xin Zhao is ideal for invasions and constant enemy engagement. He becomes a potent force from level 3, capable of impactful ganks, and post-level 6, his duel potential soars, allowing him to take on virtually any challenger he encounters. Additionally, Xin Zhao excels at securing objectives, which can further solidify your team’s lead and pave the way to victory.

#3: Jinx

Currently, Jinx stands out as one of the top ADCs in League of Legends, renowned for her straightforward mechanics that make her an excellent choice for players who may not excel in complex ADC maneuvers. As a hyper-carry, even a slight edge early on can enable Jinx to escalate her impact dramatically, potentially dominating the game.

Jinx’s adaptability makes her a valuable pick across all skill levels. Her effectiveness doesn’t diminish as you climb the ranks, meaning that mastering Jinx can help propel you from Bronze and continue to be a reliable asset in higher tiers.

Her versatile kit allows for strong synergies with a diverse array of support characters. Whether paired with tanky initiators like Leona or Alistar, who can set up plays for her, or with protective utility supports like Janna or Lulu, who enhance her survivability and damage output, Jinx can thrive in various lane dynamics. Given her consistent performance regardless of the shifting meta, exploring Jinx as your go-to ADC could significantly boost your climbing prospects.

#4: Lux

Mid-lane is a central battlefield in League of Legends, offering a plethora of champion choices that can sometimes be daunting. For players who crave variety and a dynamic playstyle, Lux is an outstanding choice, ranking as our third pick on this list.

Lux shines with her engaging and versatile playstyle, capable of being effectively positioned as either a Mid-laner or Support. Her ability to inflict substantial damage in both roles makes her a formidable opponent on the battlefield. Lux is also a delight for those who enjoy personalizing their champions, boasting an impressive array of over 10 skins to keep her appearance fresh and exciting.

In terms of gameplay, once Lux secures her first major item, her ability to clear waves and harass opponents with her E and Q combo becomes significantly enhanced. This capability allows her to maintain lane pressure and contribute meaningfully to team fights and skirmishes. Whether you’re looking to dominate the mid-lane or support your team from a distance, Lux offers a rewarding experience with plenty of room for tactical creativity.

#5: Leona

Rounding out our list is Leona, a tank support renowned for her exceptional ability to initiate fights and secure kills at any stage of the game. Her strong pick potential makes her an invaluable asset in the support role, where the ability to secure advantageous engagements can decisively swing the tide of battle. For players in lower ELOs, opting for an aggressive support like Leona over a more passive, utility-focused champion can often yield better results.

Leona’s playstyle demands boldness and assertiveness; she thrives when making proactive plays to set her team ahead. If you’re naturally aggressive or enjoy the tank role, Leona’s toolkit will suit you well. However, if you tend to play more passively, you may find her less compatible with your style.

After reaching level 6, it’s crucial for Leona players to actively seek out opportunities to use their Ultimate. Coordinating with your team around the cooldown of your Ultimate can lead to multiple successful kills, especially against less mobile or squishy opponents. A well-timed Ultimate from Leona can often guarantee a kill, making her a formidable presence in the bot lane and a great champion for climbing out of lower ranks.

Conclusion

Selecting the right champions tailored to your playstyle and the demands of your rank can dramatically improve your ability to climb the League of Legends ladder from Iron and Bronze. Each of the champions highlighted—Gragas, Xin Zhao, Jinx, Lux, and Leona—offers unique advantages that cater to different roles and gameplay strategies. Whether you prefer the resilient tankiness of Gragas and Leona, the aggressive jungling of Xin Zhao, or the versatile laning of Jinx and Lux, understanding and leveraging these champions’ strengths can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Remember, the key to success in climbing ranks is not only choosing effective champions but also enjoying the champions you play. Mastery and personal enjoyment are both critical in your journey through the ranks of League of Legends.