It is not easy to make a definitive Legends of Runeterra tier list or a Legends of Runeterra Expedition tier list. But that's because Riot Games' deck builder isn't your typical card game. More than Hearthstone, or even Gwent, it focuses on champions and the synergies they create when combined with each other. With 35 champions, spread across seven different regions, there are plenty of combinations to consider. But even with so many products on offer, there are clear choices that rise to the top of the meta.
Legends of Runeterra also has a special arena mode, which looks a bit like Gaunter O'Dimm's arena in Gwent. When you enter the mode, you must build a deck by first choosing from a random selection of champions, then a random selection of other cards from their regions. For this reason, a Legends of Runeterra Expeditions tier list must consider their base versatility and solo strength.
Expeditions throws so many strategies out the window, and so a champion that can compliment almost any deck becomes important. Picking the right champions is tough, but with our Legends of Runeterra Expeditions tier list and our Legends of Runterra tier list for regular play, we hope to make your decisions a little easier.
here are the best champions of runeterra legends:
how do champions work in runeterra legends?
If you've played with other deck builders, Champions in Legends of Runeterra might seem a bit confusing at first. Are they leaders? Do you need it? In how many regions can I distribute them? These are all valid questions, but to show you a Legends of Runeterra tier list, you first need to know how long and short how champions work:
- You can have up to six champions in a deck
- You can split these champions between one or two regions of your choice
- You can take up to three copies of each champion, but when you have one alive on the board, the others turn into spell cards (until that version is defeated)
- You don't have to play with champions
One of the coolest things about this game, which we noted in our Legends of Runeterra review, is how it plays on the deckbuilder formula, creating huge synergy with its various champion combinations. Champions are the focal point of the game, and usually you build your deck around them, completing the leveling up requirements to give them a strong buff.
These buffs range from powerful magic abilities, as with Ashe, to literally winning the game, in Fiora's case. So the key to picking champions is finding out who compliments who and which regions offer the best other units to facilitate and keep them alive. This is a key consideration to make when looking at our Legends of Runeterra tier list.
Legends of Runeterra Tier List
Ranking the biggest and boldest in a Legends of Runeterra tier list is no easy task, and this guide acknowledges the inherent difficulties of scoring individual champions, in a game that is heavily focused on how champions combine. We tried to make these choices taking into account both the general synergy of these champions, but also the power of their solitude. In no particular order:
S-TIER
Fiora
capacity">capacity
- Challenger: when you attack, you can choose an opponent
Level Up Requirements
- Use Fiora to kill two enemies
As one of only two champions who can literally win the match with their abilities, Fiora is extremely strong. Keep her alive, kill four enemies, and it's game, set, match.
ezreal
capacity">capacity
- Elusive: Can only be blocked by other Elusive units.
- Instant: play cost is zero, but will disappear if not played this turn.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have targeted enemy units with spells or attacks eight times.
Ezreal's powerful combo is that he's elusive, allowing him to easily hit the enemy link, and every time he does, you get a free direct damage spell. This grants even more power when using a spell-heavy deck.
elise
CAPACITIES
- Challenger: When attacking, you can choose an opponent.
- Scary: You can only be blocked by units of three or more powers.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have at least three spiders when a round begins.
She may be relatively weak, but Elise's low cost and low level requirements - given how easy spiders are to summon - allow her to have a huge impact on the early game. Elise grants Fearsome Spiders and Challenger, which means they're both harder to block and can pick and choose opponents, which makes them pretty darn scary.
miss the fortune
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Miss Fortune was present when you attacked four times.
In the right deck, this weapon-wielding pirate can be unstoppable, damaging both the enemy link and any enemies that fight, even when she's not fighting herself. Her low cost means she can have a big impact on the early game, getting damage done before she has time to respond.
heimerdinger
CAPACITIES
- Instant: play cost is zero, but will disappear if not played this turn.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have summoned at least 12 turrets (you have cast 12 spells).
Alongside Yasuo and Elise, Heimerdinger is one of the few champions capable of performing a solo build. When you play spells, he gains zero-cost units with a range of abilities, allowing you to defend yourself while he builds power, and unit summons get stronger. In the end, it effectively drowns you in incredibly powerful free units.
trot">trot
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Used the Whirling Ax twice in battle.
Aggression is Draven's middle name, and his Quick Attack and Spinning Ax buff ability allows him to turn most fights in your favor. He is the centerpiece of one of the most popular decks, Draven Burn, which can be found in our Legends of Runterra decks guide.
yasuo
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
- Stun: This unit cannot act this turn.
- Reminder: This unit is returned to the hand and buffs are removed.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Stunned or recalled at least five units.
The ability to immediately attack any stunned or recalled unit makes Yasuo a monster. Yasuo's stun decks, the leader as a solo champion, are both hugely popular and difficult to play against. If upgraded, it can be very difficult to counter, as it removes all units that statuses are applied to.
vi
CAPACITIES
- Challenger: When attacking, you can choose an opponent.
- Hard: You can inflict extra damage.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When Vi hits with at least 10 power.
Difficult units can be hard to deal with on a normal day, but Vi multiplies that buff tenfold while you're playing cards. You can also speed up his level up condition by using spells to increase his attack. The fact that she does five damage to the nexus, even when not hitting it directly, and that she can choose her opponents with Challenger, is downright monstrous. Although she was slightly weakened in the most recent patch, she can still give the enemy a real bump.
KARMA
CAPACITIES
- Enlightened: When you hit 10 mana per turn.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When you are enlightened.
The ability to create a virtually unlimited supply of spells means Karma pairs beautifully with other champions, and even if it doesn't, it just gives you more tactical options with which to approach situations. You might be in a tight spot, then suddenly she creates exactly the spell you need. Although Karma's cost was increased slightly in the last patch, she's still an excellent champion.
a level
Ashe
CAPACITIES
- Frostbite: Reduces an enemy's power to zero.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have used Frostbite five times in a game.
Frostbite is a powerful ability, and Ashe is the core of the Frostbite game. Due to her level whenever you play Frostbite, often when you finally summon her she will level up immediately. When used in tandem with certain spells, its ability to prevent Frostbitten enemies from blocking can very easily win you the game.
Quinn
CAPACITIES
- Scout: These units can attack once before your other units.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Quinn was present when you attacked four times.
Because Scout units can attack twice per turn, Quinn can level up super fast, and alongside the other Demacian Scouts, many of whom have Challenger, she can really control the flow of battle. She also synergizes perfectly with Miss Fortune, helping to increase her damage by dealing it very quickly.
Brew
CAPACITIES
- Challenger: When attacking, you can choose an opponent.
- Regeneration: You recover at the end of each round.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Braum took 10 damage.
Regeneration is powerful, but when you get through it with Challenger and a damage survivable level up condition, you have a powerful champion. Braum is cheap to summon, quick to level up, and once he does, you effectively have a free unit every turn and a tank damage champion.
hecarim">hecarim
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
- Instant: These units will die at the end of the round or when they strike.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You attacked with at least seven fleeting units.
Arguably the strongest champion on the Isle of Shadow, Hecarim's ability to summon two decent units every time you play him is strong. It's also not that difficult to level up if you use other Shadow Isles units to summon fleeting units and spells to create them. Hecarim was also buffed slightly in the most recent patch.
Sejuani
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
- Frostbite: Reduces an enemy's power to zero.
- Vulnerable: you can choose who blocks this unit.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Damaged the enemy link five times in one game.
The second mainstay of the Frostbite game, Sejuani has saved our skins more times than we can count, reducing a powerful unit to zero and placing them firmly in the line of fire. She has amazing synergy with Ashe and can level up throughout the game, so when you play her she will already have her powerful ability.
Read without
CAPACITIES
- Challenger: When attacking, you can choose an opponent.
- Barrier: Absorbs damage in one go.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have cast at least seven spells in this game.
We admit that Lee Sin is a bit of a guilty pleasure. There are fewer greater things in life than Dragon's Rage knocking an enemy into their own bond. But Lee Sin also synergizes very well with Karma, who can give him spells until he's ready to go for a series of kicks.
Thread
CAPACITIES
- Regeneration: You recover at the end of each round.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
The cheap and cheerful Garen gives you a lot for its cost; an easy level up condition, regeneration, and the ability to attack, even when it's your opponent's turn. It's an amazing ability for any aggressive player who doesn't want to give their opponent a chance to breathe.
ZED
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Zed and his living shadow hit the link twice in total.
With fast attacks, ability to summon a living shadow, and easy level-up conditions, Zed packs a lot of utility for its small price tag. It's true that he might be less effective in the later rounds of a match due to his small health pool, but he can definitely put a dent in the early stages.
TWISTED DESTINY
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Twisted Fate was present when you drew at least eight cards.
Destiny cards bring a lot of utility to the match, performing multiple functions such as damaging all enemies by one, stunning an enemy, or damaging the link. If you have a game optimized around draw cards, Twisted Fate can level up quickly, then essentially give you three free spells per turn, which combine brilliantly with Lee Sin, or Fizz, or Heimerdinger.
B level
tryndamere
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
- Scary: You can only be blocked by units of three or more powers.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
Although impressive, Tryndamere is a bit of a one-trick pony. Granted, it's super awesome stuff, where instead of dying, he'll level up. But due to its huge cost, by the time you get down to playing it, the effect it can actually have on the game seems somewhat pointless compared to others you might be playing. It is fundamentally exaggerated.
Kalista
CAPACITIES
- Scary: You can only be blocked by units of three or more powers.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Kalista was present when at least four allies died.
Although her level up condition can be completed very quickly with the right deck, i.e. spiders, and her cost is low, her actual champion ability isn't ridiculously strong. There's not much to stop you from targeting Kalista, and once she's dead, her bound ally will be too.
nautilus
CAPACITIES
- Scary: You can only be blocked by units of three or more powers.
- Hard: You can inflict extra damage.
- Throw: You mulligan a non-Champion card using an ability or spell.
- Deep: You have +3/+3 on this unit and 15 or fewer cards in your deck.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have 15 or fewer cards left in your deck, and Nautilus has at least +3/+3.
Although this foot dreadnought has a terrifying stat line and is hard to kill, it doesn't work particularly well with other champions except Maokai. If you want to level up Nautilus, you'll have to go Deep, and that's a lot of work for a champion.
maokai
CAPACITIES
- Regeneration: You recover at the end of each round.
- Throw: You mulligan a non-Champion card using an ability or spell.
- Obliterate: Remove from play completely and ignore Last Breath abilities.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When 25 units are dead, or 25 cards have been cast in this game.
The ability to summon a sapling every turn is great, and Maokai's ability, like Fiora, will win you the game if you can activate it. But to do that you'll need to cast 25 cards, and that's a lot of work to do, and a lot of cards to get rid of before it becomes effective.
Catherine
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
- Instant: play cost is zero, but will disappear if not played this turn.
- Reminder: This unit is returned to the hand and buffs are removed.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Katarina knocked once.
The ability to be called back every time you attack is good in some ways, and can keep your champion safe between turns, but replaying Katarina over and over can become a bit of a mana sink. While she brings benefits like the ability to attack at any time and the direct damage spell Blade's Edge, it only makes up for the repeated mana you spend on her.
Sparkle
CAPACITIES
- Elusive: Can only be blocked by other Elusive units.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When you have cast at least six spells in this game.
In the right deck, or playing with Twisted Fate or Karma, Fizz can be very powerful. But it also only takes one turn without playing a spell for him to die, due to his small health pool. In this sense, he is a bit of an all-or-nothing champion.
Amante
CAPACITIES
- Scary: You can only be blocked by units of three or more powers.
- Stun: This unit cannot act this turn.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When you've dealt 12 damage with spells or abilities this game.
While relatively easy to level up with damage based spell and ability effects, Swain isn't super powerful. In terms of stun ability, it essentially does the same as a minotaur, and without overpowering it can be difficult for it to hit the enemy nexus to get its Nexus Strike effect.
landing bridge
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When you damaged the nexus in five separate rounds.
This mighty pirate can be ridiculously strong with the right deck, and when effectively using powder kegs to boost all abilities and magic, but our problem with Gangplank is that he takes a while to level up, so that its power will often not be felt until the end of the game, when it has less impact, or when the match is already acquired.
C-TIER
anime
CAPACITIES
- Enlightened: When you hit 10 mana per turn.
- Last Breath: This occurs when the unit dies.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When you are awake.
The ability to resurrect is very impressive, but Anivia's high cost against a fairly low health pool means the impact it can actually have in a battle is quite small. If Anivia had a small mana cost, it would be much more viable as an early game investment.
luxury
CAPACITIES
- Barrier: Absorbs damage in one go.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Lux was present when you cast six mana spells.
Barrier is a strong ability, but it only works once, which leaves Lux falling by the wayside compared to other powerful spell champions like Ezreal, Heimerdinger, and Karma. She's easy to level up, but you're rarely going to splurge on a six-mana spell in a game because it'll cost you the increased versatility of cheaper spells.
lucian
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
- Double attack: you strike both in front of the enemy and at the same time.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Lucian was present when at least four allies died (or when Senna died).
Although he's a good early game unit to get some attacks in, Lucian is quickly overtaken by other stronger champions. Rather than leveling up on any kill, like Thresh, his allies have to die for him to get stronger, which is a bit awkward for Demacia, a region where units aren't usually as consumable.
Darius
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- The enemy nexus has 10 hit points or less.
He's basically just a very powerful unit to give you power at the right time when the enemy is at 10 or less health. But in the end, little sets it apart from other strong units at its price point. It's convenient to play if its level-up conditions are met, but basing one of your strategies on waiting for those stars to align seems counterintuitive.
shen
CAPACITIES
- Barrier: Absorbs damage in one go.
- Support: when played to the left of a unit.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Shen was present when allies received a barrier either through abilities or spells.
Although Shen is good at granting a barrier to supported allies, who protects the protector? When a unit takes charge, they need to be played alongside, and just like with Ashe sometimes, that can leave him incredibly exposed. If you manage to keep Shen alive through four attack phases, we will be very impressed. His power and health have recently been increased, but not enough to bring him to the next level.
VLADIMIR
CAPACITIES
- Regeneration: You recover at the end of each round.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When at least six allies have survived the damage.
In some cases, hurting your own units can be good, like bolstering Scar Warriors in Freijord, but in the end, damage is still damage. When you play Vladimir you get hurt, and while it can gain you attack power, it doesn't matter if you don't have a crush and can't survive the attack phases. attack or block. His recent buff took him from D-level to C-level, as he now drains the link instead of just damaging it, but he's still not that great against other champions.
D-level
jinx
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
- Instant: play cost is zero, but will disappear if not played this turn.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
Although Jinx is very powerful and has a great ability in 'Super Mega Death Rocket', her level up condition means you have to put yourself at a serious disadvantage. Emptying your hand severely limits your options and ability to respond to your opponent, and while this may represent Jinx's all-or-nothing approach to combat, it can leave you in a tough spot.
Teemo
CAPACITIES
- Elusive: Can only be blocked by other Elusive units.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When you have planted at least 15 poison puffs, either through spell abilities.
While extremely cute, the randomness of Teemo's ability and his tiny health pool make him a tough choice. We've already seen 30 players put toxic puffs into our deck, and due to their randomness, we'd defeated the opponent before any of them even appeared. It's a strong ability, but only when it works, and that's the difficulty with luck-based strategies.
beat
CAPACITIES
- Challenger: When attacking, you can choose an opponent.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Thresh was present for the deaths of at least six units on each side.
Like Tryndamere, Thresh strikes us as a bit of a pony thing, except that thing isn't really helpful in the scheme of things. By the time you've played Thresh and completed its leveling up requirements, you'll already be able, mana-wise, to play as many champions as you want. While I'm sure there are plenty of strategies he's essential to, having a champion who is essentially another champion's glorified summoner seems like a waste to us.
runeterra expeditions legends tier list
We decided to create a tier list of Legends of Runeterra Expeditions, for the mode where you fight your opponents one after another to gain glory and wealth. Expeditions are a lot like Gaunter O'Dimm's Arena from Gwent, where you pay currency to enter and earn rewards based on when you exit. But like most things in Runeterra, it's a gamble, not least because you're building a deck on the fly, picking Champions because of their base efficiency and versatility, and those makeshift decks have really changed who Is usefull. So, in no specific order, here's our Legends of Runeterra Expeditions tier list:
Level S
Heimerdinger
CAPACITIES
- Instant: play cost is zero, but will disappear if not played this turn.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have summoned at least 12 turrets (you have cast 12 spells).
Heimerdinger's synergy with spellcasting makes him perfect for expeditions, summoning units to defend your nexus while strengthening them with each new spell you cast.
trot">trot
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Used the Whirling Ax twice in battle.
As with the base game, Draven's Spinning Ax ability along with his fast attack gives him great versatility, allowing you to win just about any relatively even engagement.
Ezreal
CAPACITIES
- Elusive: Can only be blocked by other Elusive units.
- Instant: play cost is zero, but will disappear if not played this turn.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have targeted enemy units with spells or attacks eight times.
Ezreal also synergizes well with spells, allowing you to deal quick and effective damage to the enemy link. Elusive units can also be difficult to respond to in Expeditions depending on what people choose.
Fiora
CAPACITIES
- Challenger: when you attack, you can choose an opponent
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Use Fiora to kill two enemies
Fiora is simple to use, so perfect for expeditions. Simply build an entire deck around keeping her alive while she hits kill count, and the game will be yours.
KARMA
CAPACITIES
- Enlightened: When you hit 10 mana per turn.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When you are enlightened.
The karma to feed you can give you great versatility that your Expedition deck might lack, helping you deal with unexpected enemies you'll be pitted against. Karma's cost has increased recently, but she's still an amazing champion.
VI
CAPACITIES
- Challenger: When attacking, you can choose an opponent.
- Hard: You can inflict extra damage.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When Vi hits with at least 10 power.
Vi is just a solid base unit, capable of tanking damage while building up strength with all the units you own. With Challenger, she can be versatile no matter what's in your deck. Although she was slightly weakened in the most recent patch, she can still give the enemy a real bump.
MISS FORTUNE
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Miss Fortune was present when you attacked four times.
Miss Fortune is cheap and easy to level, giving you a way to damage enemies and bond without much assembly.
a level
hecarim">hecarim
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
- Instant: These units will die at the end of the round or when they strike.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You attacked with at least seven fleeting units.
Hecarim's ability to summon two decent consumable units each time he attacks, while moving towards his higher level, makes him a very useful unit, even if he is alone. Hecarim was also buffed slightly in the most recent patch.
ZED
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Zed and his living shadow hit the link twice in total.
Zed is basically a cheaper Hecarim, and despite his low health, can give you a lot of early game value with both his summon, fast attack ability, and easy level up condition.
KATARINA
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
- Instant: play cost is zero, but will disappear if not played this turn.
- Reminder: This unit is returned to the hand and buffs are removed.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Katarina knocked once.
Katarina is both fairly cheap and, like Ezreal, can provide you with a good all-purpose source of direct damage in the form of Blade's Edge. She can also add an element of aggression to your build, allowing you to attack even when your enemy blocks once they level up.
GAREN
CAPACITIES
- Regeneration: You recover at the end of each round.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
Few units have regeneration, and most need to level up to earn it, so Garen can be very useful, dealing damage as he levels up. Like Katarina, he can also add more aggression to your build, allowing you to attack at any time.
BRAUM
CAPACITIES
- Challenger: When attacking, you can choose an opponent.
- Regeneration: You recover at the end of each round.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Braum took 10 damage.
Braum is just an adorable Norse Mustache, but he's also easy to level, has regeneration, and once he's leveled up can provide you with a stable source of Mighty Poros; decent units with overwhelming.
KALISTA
CAPACITIES
- Scary: You can only be blocked by units of three or more powers.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Kalista was present when at least four allies died.
In the face of unpredictable expeditions, Kalista's ease of upgrading, cheap cost, and fearsome ability can make her very versatile. She is possibly one of the fastest champions in the level, which can give you an edge against any opponent.
TRYNDAMERE
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
- Scary: You can only be blocked by units of three or more powers.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
I mentioned earlier that Tryndamere is a one-trick pony, but it's a trick that's actually very effective in expeditions. Nobody wants to go near Tryndamere, because they know killing him won't do anything, but you can't afford to block him either. In that sense, he can be a very effective presence on the battlefield.
Level B
ASHE
CAPACITIES
- Frostbite: Reduces an enemy's power to zero.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have used Frostbite five times in a game.
When she doesn't have a Frostbite deck and spells around her, Ashe becomes less effective. But since she only levels with one thing, you can sometimes build Expedition decks around her. And if not, she can always Frostbite the strongest enemy in combat, which is no small feat.
SPARKLING
CAPACITIES
- Elusive: Can only be blocked by other Elusive units.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When you have cast at least six spells in this game.
Although weak, Fizz's ability to empower himself with spells and summon a fairly powerful unit, makes him quite versatile. The fact that he also becomes virtually immortal with every spell cast makes him a better version of Lee Sin under the right circumstances.
YASUO
CAPACITIES
- Quick attack: you strike in front of your enemy.
- Stun: This unit cannot act this turn.
- Reminder: This unit is returned to the hand and buffs are removed.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Stunned or recalled at least five units.
Similar to Ashe, if you don't have a stun or booster source, Yasuo's effectiveness drops significantly. But the fact that it can also synergize around two simple things can help you build a deck on the fly.
SEJUANI
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
- Frostbite: Reduces an enemy's power to zero.
- Vulnerable: you can choose who blocks this unit.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Damaged the enemy link five times in one game.
Without Frostbite in support, Sejuani becomes less useful. She can still be a great asset in the late game, given that she levels up every time you hit the link, and her ability to nullify an enemy unit is still decent.
DARIUS
CAPACITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy link.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- The enemy nexus has 10 hit points or less.
What makes Darius not so good in the base game is what makes him good in Expeditions. He's just a decent source of damage and crush, and while he's not particularly versatile, he can be useful in a deck.
ELISE
CAPACITIES
- Challenger: When attacking, you can choose an opponent.
- Scary: You can only be blocked by units of three or more powers.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- You have at least three spiders when a round begins.
When surrounded by a set of spiders, Elise is god-like, but without them she really isn't effective at all. If you can build an Expeditions deck with a few spiders, it's definitely a good choice, but if you can't bring many, or any, it's probably not worth it.
SHEN
CAPACITIES
- Barrier: Absorbs damage in one go.
- Support: when played to the left of a unit.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Shen was present when allies received a barrier either through abilities or spells.
When champions are far from their perfect decks, Shen suddenly has a bit more versatility. The ability to block any ally once per round can be great for protecting whatever strategy you're building on the fly, especially if you also have a way to protect Shen. His power and health have recently been increased, but not enough to bring him to the next level.
crank
LUX
CAPACITIES
- Barrier: Absorbs damage in one go.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- Lux was present when you cast six mana spells.
Lux is versatile in the sense that he levels with spells and Final Spark does good damage. But the fact that you have to spend six or more mana to get it kind of kills the varied use of your mana in-game.
MAOKAI
CAPACITIES
- Regeneration: You recover at the end of each round.
- Throw: You mulligan a non-Champion card using an ability or spell.
- Obliterate: Remove from play completely and ignore Last Breath abilities.
TOP LEVEL CONDITIONS
- When 25 units are dead, or 25 cards have been cast in this game.
Maokai's ability is probably second only to Fiora's in terms of potency, but it takes a very specific deck to pull it off, one you probably won't be able to get in Expeditions without weakening to the point of defeat. He does still summon a sapling each turn though.
SWAIN
ABILITIES
- Fearsome: You can only be blocked by units of three power and more.
- Stun: This unit cannot act this round.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- When you’ve done 12 damage with spells or abilities this game.
When you don’t have a deck of units with non-combat damage based abilities, Swain is a lot harder to use effectively. You can’t guarantee exactly what cards you’ll get in Expedition, and without that source of damage, Swain is just a decent unit.
THRESH
ABILITIES
- Challenger: When you attack you can choose an opponent.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- Thresh was present for the deaths of at least six units on either side.
Challenger can be useful, and the ability to summon a Champion is more effective in Expeditions, since you only start with two. But the real question is what’s the worth in spending an entire Champion slot on a Champion just to do that?
TWISTED FATE
ABILITIES
- Quick Attack: You strike before your enemy.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- Twisted Fate was present when you drew at least eight cards.
Twisted Fate’s Destiny Cards can grant you a good deal of versatility in terms of spell effects, but that’s only if you can get him leveled up, either through units with card drawing abilities, or by keeping him alive for eight turns. Either way, that’s kind hard, and a lot to invest for the sake of one Champion.
ANIVIA
ABILITIES
- Enlightened: When you hit 10 mana a turn.
- Last Breath: This occurs when the unit dies.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- When you’re enlightened.
Anivia would be great if it cost relatively little, so making it a worthwhile investment in revival throughout a match. But by the time you play Anivia, it will be both outclassed in terms of damage and health. Like Sejuani, it can be a good late game trump card once leveled, but having to wait until them is the real issue.
GANGPLANK
ABILITIES
- Overwhelm: Additional damage is dealt to the enemy nexus.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- When you’ve damaged the nexus in five separate rounds.
Gangplank does have a powerful ability to strengthen magic and damage with Powder Kegs, but he can take quite awhile to level, especially if, as with Swain, you might not have the appropriate units and spells to damage the nexus frequently. Without that, his effectiveness as a base unit is slightly more limited.
VLADIMIR
ABILITIES
- Regeneration: You heal at the end of each round.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- When at least six allies have survived damage.
For the price you have to pay to get Regeneration, we really don’t think Vladimir is worth it. If on the fly you can synergise him with some units who strengthen with damage, he might be worth it, but in the end, damage is still damage. His recent buff has lifted him from D-tier to C-tier, as he now drains the nexus instead of just damaging it, but he’s still not that great in the face of other Champions.
d-tier
Teemo
ABILITIES
- Elusive: Can only be blocked by other Elusive units.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- When you’ve planted at least 15 Poison Puffcaps, either through abilities of spells.
Just as with the normal mode, Teemo’s Poison Puffcaps are entirely luck based, and often can lose you a match due to that randomness. Also as you might expect from a cute tiny animal on a battlefield, he’s quite hard to keep alive.
QUINN
ABILITIES
- Scout: These units can attack once before your other units.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- Quinn was present when you attacked four times.
With the right deck behind her, Quinn can be a force of nature, but you’re unlikely to get an ideal selection in Expeditions. Without other Scout units to help her level, and Challenger to help her control engagements, Quinn isn’t always the best choice.
JINX
ABILITIES
- Quick Attack: You strike before your enemy.
- Fleeting: Costs zero to play, but will vanish if not played that turn.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
Just as with the normal mode, Jinx level up condition requiring you empty your hand can put you at a big disadvantage, even if it does give you her powerful Super Mega Death Rocket! Without that she still has a decent Quick Attack, but that’s all.
RESTAURANT NAUTILUS
ABILITIES
- Fearsome: You can only be blocked by units of three power and more.
- Tough: You can tank one additional damage.
- Toss: You mulligan a non-Champion card using an ability or spell.
- Deep: You have +3/+3 on this unit and 15 or fewer cards left in your deck.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- You have 15 or fewer cards left in your deck, and Nautilus has at least +3/+3.
For Nautilus to be successful, he requires a specific deck behind him, one that he’s unlikely to get in Expeditions. His Deep condition also requires you to toss a lot of cards, which requires specific units and spells. He does still have a strong stat line for tanking damage though.
READ WITHOUT
ABILITIES
- Challenger: When you attack you can choose an opponent.
- Barrier: Absorbs any damage on one occasion.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- You’ve cast at least seven spells this game.
Without his synergy with Karma, or another spell producing Champion, which you might not get in Expeditions, Lee Sin is a worse version of Fizz. He will give you some versatility as you cast spells, but will be very hard to level up and keep alive until he levels up.
LUCIAN
ABILITIES
- Quick Attack: You strike before your enemy.
- Double Attack: You strike both before the enemy, and at the same time.
LEVEL UP CONDITIONS
- Lucian was present when at least four allies died (or when Senna died).
Lucian can bring some early game value, but in the end his level up condition is a worse version of Thresh. Demacia is a region that doesn’t really have many expendable units, so the fact Lucien requires allied deaths to reach full potential is a bit of a problem. You could synergise him with the Shadow Isles, but then you may as well go with Kalista or Thresh instead.
And that’s all the Champions!
If you want to check out Legends of Runeterra for yourself, or put our tier list to the test, you can find the game on Google Play and the App Store. Also if you’re a bit stumped on what to pick deck wise, be sure to browse our Legends of Runeterra deck guide.
