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Best Champions to Climb League of Legends Ranked in Patch 26.02
Though we're entering only the second League of Legends patch of the new season, it is never to early to start climbing the ladder. With so many champion changes, new item additions, and more, several Solo Queue standouts continue to emerge as players (and Riot Games) figure out the new meta.
So if you’re looking to keep climbing as the meta stabilizes, these are the best champions to climb ranked in LoL Patch 26.02.
Top Lane
Singed
With a whopping 53.30% win rate across all ranks, Singed remains one of the strongest Top Lane picks in LoL Patch 26.02. With new durability items joining the fold, Singed’s constant pressure and disruptive teamfighting are more effective than ever.
His ability to control waves, force awkward fights, and catch opponents off-guard makes him a nightmare in Solo Queue. If you’re comfortable embracing his unconventional playstyle, Singed is one of the best champions to climb with this patch.
Varus
Yes, Varus is traditionally a Bot Lane champion. With the addition of the new Dusk & Dawn item, however, Varus is beginning to take over the Top Lane as he is able to bully just about melee champ for the duration of the laning phase.
Kayle
Just like Varus, Kayle is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the new Dusk & Dawn item. Her synergy with this new addition is enough for her to get through her waning early-to-mid game without too much trouble so she's you're able to take over once her passive kicks into gear later on.
Jungle
Volibear
Volibear has surged to the top of the Jungle meta in LoL Patch 26.02, holding a sky-high 53.55% win rate. His early-game pressure, reliable crowd control, and tower-diving potential make him one of the most oppressive junglers in the game.
With [R] Stormbringer enabling engages, Volibear excels at forcing early leads and converting them into objective control; the perfect recipe for climbing ranked.
Rammus
Like other champions on this list, Rammus is loving the new item additions, particularly that of Protoplasm Harness. In Patch 26.02, Rammus continues to be one of the best Junglers in to climb ranked due to his unparalleled tankiness, engage capabilities, and a kit that is about as straightforward and easy to learn as they come.
Amumu
Amumu once again proves that simplicity wins games. His consistent clears, strong gank setup, and devastating teamfight ultimate make him a reliable choice for players focused on coordination and objective fights.
If you're all about setting your team up for success, then Amumu is the pick for you.
Mid Lane
Swain
Swain has emerged as a Mid Lane powerhouse in Patch 26.02, posting a 53.15% win rate. With extended fights becoming more common, Swain’s drain-tank playstyle shines, allowing him to take over skirmishes and larger teamfights.
Once he activates [R] Demonic Ascension, Swain becomes incredibly difficult to deal with, making him an excellent pick for players who enjoy sustained combat and map presence.
Veigar
Veigar’s scaling potential keeps him firmly in the Mid Lane meta. Between [E] Event Horizon controlling space and [R] Primordial Burst deleting carries with a single press of a button, Veigar is an excellent choice for players who prefer a methodical path to victory.
Malzahar
Malzahar remains one of the best Mid Lane champion picks in LoL Patch 26.02 thanks to his ability to control waves with easy and lock down priority targets with his [R] Nether Grasp.
For players seeking consistency and low-risk gameplay, Malzahar continues to be one of the most reliable champions in League of Legends.
Bot Lane
Nilah
With an incredible 53.97% win rate, Nilah continues to be one of the best Bot Lane champions to climb ranked in LoL Patch 26.02.
Not only is her laning phase deceptively strong with the right Support pairing, but her ability to turn teamfights in her favor with a well-timed [R] Apotheosis simply can't be underestimated. For aggressive players who feel confident in their ability, Nilah is the perfect pick.
Jinx
Jinx remains a staple of Solo Queue thanks to her unmatched late-game damage and reset potential. Once she gets rolling, teamfights quickly spiral out of control in her favor.
In a meta that rewards scaling and strong objective control, Jinx continues to be one of the most reliable ADCs for climbing ranked.
Miss Fortune
With a strong laning phase and an even better teamfighting, Miss Fortune is one of the deadliest and most straightforward picks in League of Legends. Make sure to pair up with a Support with some crowd control and start to take over fights in a flash.
Support
Sona
As far as enchanters go, Sona is second to none. With an incredible 52.77% win rate, Sona is one of the best champions to climb ranked in LoL Patch 26.02.
Unlike other Support picks, Sona's increasingly lower cooldowns let her become stronger and stronger the longer a games goes. Ultimately, her healing, shielding, and AoE crowd control allow her to enable carries and dominate late-game teamfights with ease.
Braum
If defensive Support champions are more your cup of tea, then Braum is the pick for you. His ability to peel, block damage, and protect key allies, paired with one of the strongest passives in the game, make Braum an excellent pick to play against any engage-heavy composition.
Brand
Brand once again proves that Supports can carry games. His high damage output, strong poke, and AoE burn effects make him a constant threat throughout the match.
If you want to take control of games from the Support role, Brand remains one of the best champions to climb ranked with in Patch 26.02.
Keep the Climb Going
Patch 26.02 continues to reward champions that excel in extended fights, scale effectively, or bring consistent engage and control. No matter your role, mastering one or two of these champions can significantly improve your climb as we dive deeper into the 2026 season.
If you’re aiming to push higher in League of Legends Patch 26.02, locking in the right champion might be the difference between victory and defeat. Now it’s time to put that knowledge to work.
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