LoL Patch 25.20: Worlds Meta Takes Shape – Will AP Junglers Dominate?
The stakes are higher than ever. With the League of Legends 25.19 patch now live, setting the stage for the World Championship, all eyes are on Patch 25.20 – the official patch for Worlds 2025. Riot’s careful balancing act is in full swing, aiming to create a diverse and competitive meta without drastically shifting the power dynamics so close to the biggest tournament of the year. But beneath the surface of incremental changes, a clear trend is emerging: a potential shift towards AP-focused junglers, and a reshaping of the pro-play landscape.
The Jungle War: AD vs. AP
For months, AD junglers have reigned supreme. Now, Riot is actively working to level the playing field. Nerfs to Warwick, Wukong, Volibear, and Briar – particularly Wukong, preemptively addressed due to his pro-play dominance – signal a deliberate attempt to curb the effectiveness of these traditionally strong picks. This isn’t about completely removing them from the meta, but rather bringing their power levels in line with their AP counterparts. The question isn’t *if* AP junglers will become more viable, but *how* dominant they will become.
Pantheon’s partial revert of recent nerfs is a clear indication of Riot’s intent. Acknowledging they’d overcorrected, the developers are looking to restore him as a viable pick. This suggests a willingness to experiment with AP jungle options, providing a potential alternative to the AD-heavy compositions we’ve seen recently. Could we see a resurgence of champions like Elise or Fiddlesticks at Worlds?
Pro Play Adjustments: Azir and Camille in the Spotlight
Beyond the jungle, Riot is focusing on two key pro-play champions: Azir and Camille. Azir is receiving changes designed to reduce his pro-play power while enhancing his performance in solo queue. This is a fascinating approach, suggesting Riot recognizes the champion’s potential to become overly dominant in a competitive setting. The adjustments to his W – altering the AP ratio and damage scaling – aim to create a more balanced experience.
Camille, on the other hand, is getting a power-neutral bump to increase the viability of 1v9 AD fighters. This could lead to a more diverse top lane meta, offering teams more strategic options during the draft phase. The goal is to provide more counterplay options and prevent any single champion from becoming overwhelmingly dominant.
Solo Queue Standouts: Fizz, Graves, and Volibear
While the pro-play adjustments are significant, Patch 25.20 also brings changes that will impact solo queue players. Fizz’s reworked W ability, with its cumulative DoT and increased on-hit damage, rewards consistent application and skillful play. Graves’ Q changes promise to make him a stronger early-game presence, potentially revitalizing his jungle pick rate. And despite further nerfs, Volibear remains a champion to watch, as players adapt to new itemization strategies.
Volibear’s continued adjustments highlight the challenges of balancing a champion who thrives on specific build paths. Players may need to explore alternative itemizations to maintain his effectiveness, leading to a more dynamic and unpredictable meta.
Champion-Specific Changes: A Deeper Dive
Several other champions are receiving notable adjustments. Anivia’s reduced Q cooldown offers increased waveclear and poke potential. Orianna’s W damage tweak could subtly shift her positioning and playstyle. And the changes to Fizz, as mentioned, are likely to have a significant impact on his solo queue performance. The full patch notes provide a comprehensive overview of all the changes.
The Rise of the AP Jungle?
The overarching theme of Patch 25.20 is clear: Riot is actively shaping the meta for Worlds 2025, with a particular focus on diversifying the jungle role. The nerfs to AD junglers, combined with the buffs to Pantheon and the potential for AP-scaling champions to shine, suggest a possible shift in the dominant jungle archetype. This could lead to more strategic diversity in drafts and a more engaging viewing experience for fans.
The success of this shift will depend on how teams adapt and innovate. Will we see teams prioritizing AP junglers at Worlds? Or will AD junglers remain viable through clever itemization and strategic play? Only time will tell.
What are your predictions for the Worlds 2025 meta? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
