Hey guys! Are you ready to dive deep into the world of ADCs (Attack Damage Carries) in League of Legends? This guide is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about these damage-dealing dynamos. We'll cover all the ADC champions, their strengths, weaknesses, and a little something to help you pick the perfect champion for your playstyle. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What is an ADC Champion?

ADC champions, short for Attack Damage Carry champions, are the backbone of any successful team composition in League of Legends. These champions are designed to deal consistent, high damage from a safe distance, typically relying on their basic attacks as their primary source of damage. Unlike mages who burst enemies with spells or tanks who absorb damage, ADCs excel at sustained damage output over extended periods. This makes them invaluable in team fights, objective control, and sieging enemy towers.

An ADC champion's role primarily resides in the bottom lane (or "bot lane"), where they partner with a support champion. The support's job is to protect the ADC, provide vision, and set up opportunities for them to farm gold and experience safely. This symbiotic relationship is crucial because ADCs are often vulnerable in the early game. They need time to accumulate items that enhance their attack damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance.

As the game progresses, ADC champions transition from being farm-dependent to becoming the primary damage dealers for their team. Their ability to melt through enemy tanks, shred objectives like dragons and Barons, and obliterate squishy targets makes them essential for securing victories. However, this power comes with a significant drawback: ADCs are generally fragile and susceptible to crowd control (CC) and burst damage. A well-coordinated enemy team will often focus on eliminating the ADC first in team fights, making positioning, awareness, and strategic itemization critical skills for any aspiring ADC player.

Mastering ADC champions requires a deep understanding of kiting (attacking while moving), farming efficiently, itemization choices, and positioning. While the role can be challenging due to its inherent vulnerability, the satisfaction of carrying your team to victory with precise auto-attacks and strategic plays is incredibly rewarding. The bot lane dynamic and the constant need to adapt to different enemy compositions ensure that playing ADC remains one of the most engaging and impactful roles in League of Legends.

The Marksman Role

Marksman champions, often referred to as ADCs (Attack Damage Carries), are the cornerstone of sustained damage output in League of Legends. The marksman role is unique; these champions are designed to deal consistent, high damage primarily through their auto-attacks. Unlike mages who rely on burst damage from spells or tanks who absorb damage, marksmen excel at wearing down enemies over time, making them crucial for team fights, objective control, and sieging.

Typically, marksman roles are played in the bot lane alongside a support champion, whose job is to protect them, provide vision, and set up opportunities for safe farming. This partnership is vital because marksmen are generally weak early in the game. They need time to acquire items that boost their attack damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance. This farm-heavy start means that early game survival and efficient resource gathering are paramount for marksmen players.

As the game progresses, the marksman roles transition from being farm-dependent to becoming the primary damage dealers for their team. Their ability to melt through enemy tanks, quickly take down objectives like dragons and Baron Nashor, and eliminate squishy targets makes them essential for securing wins. However, this power comes with a significant drawback: marksmen are typically fragile and vulnerable to crowd control (CC) and burst damage. Effective positioning, awareness of enemy threats, and smart item choices are all critical skills for any marksman player to master.

Playing marksman roles well requires a nuanced understanding of various mechanics, including kiting (attacking while moving), last-hitting minions for gold, and understanding item build paths. The role demands high mechanical skill and strong decision-making, as marksmen must constantly balance dealing damage with staying safe. While the role can be challenging due to its inherent vulnerability, the satisfaction of carrying your team to victory with well-timed auto-attacks and strategic plays is incredibly rewarding. The dynamic of the bot lane and the constant need to adapt to different enemy compositions ensure that playing a marksman remains one of the most engaging and impactful roles in League of Legends.

A Comprehensive List of ADC Champions

Alright, let's get to the meat of the matter – a detailed look at each ADC champion in League of Legends. I’ll break it down by their general playstyle and what makes them unique.

1. Ashe, The Frost Archer

Ashe is often recommended for beginners due to her straightforward kit and utility. Ashe, the Frost Archer, excels at kiting and providing vision for her team. Her passive and Q apply Frost to enemies, slowing them down, while her W is a volley of arrows that can hit multiple targets. Her E, Hawkshot, provides vision in a line, making it great for scouting ahead. Her ultimate, Enchanted Crystal Arrow, is a global stun that can initiate fights or catch out enemies.

Ashe, the Frost Archer's, strengths lie in her ability to control the flow of battle with slows and stuns. She's not the highest damage ADC, but her utility makes her a valuable asset to any team. Her weaknesses include her lack of mobility, making her vulnerable to assassins and divers. Effective positioning is key to playing Ashe successfully. Mastering her W and E for vision control is also crucial.

To truly excel with Ashe, the Frost Archer, focus on maximizing your auto-attack range and using your abilities to control the distance between you and your enemies. Practice landing your ultimate accurately, as it can be a game-changer in team fights. Also, communication with your support is important to coordinate engages and peel for you when necessary. Item-wise, consider building items that enhance your attack speed and critical strike chance to maximize your damage output. With practice and patience, Ashe can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through her utility and consistent damage.

2. Caitlyn, The Sheriff of Piltover

Caitlyn is known for her long range and ability to bully opponents in lane. Caitlyn, the Sheriff of Piltover, is all about zoning and controlling the lane. Her passive, Headshot, deals bonus damage after a certain number of attacks or when hitting targets trapped in her W, Yordle Snap Trap, or hit by her E, 90 Caliber Net. Her Q, Piltover Peacemaker, is a long-range linear skill shot that deals damage to enemies in its path. Her ultimate, Ace in the Hole, is a targeted ability that deals massive damage to a single target from a long distance.

Caitlyn, the Sheriff of Piltover's, strengths lie in her exceptional range, allowing her to safely farm and harass enemies in lane. Her traps can zone enemies and provide vision, while her net allows her to create distance. Her weaknesses include her vulnerability to all-in compositions and her reliance on positioning. She needs to maintain her distance to maximize her effectiveness.

To become a proficient Caitlyn, the Sheriff of Piltover player, focus on utilizing her range to its fullest potential. Practice placing traps strategically to control the flow of the lane and set up ganks. Master the timing of her Q to maximize its damage output. In team fights, position yourself carefully to avoid being caught out, and use your ultimate to finish off low-health targets or secure objectives. Item-wise, focus on building items that enhance her attack damage and critical strike chance to amplify her damage potential. With proper positioning and strategic play, Caitlyn can dominate the bot lane and carry her team to victory.

3. Draven, The Glorious Executioner

Draven is a high-risk, high-reward champion known for his insane damage output. Draven, the Glorious Executioner, is all about catching axes and dealing massive damage. His Q, Spinning Axe, empowers his next auto-attack to deal bonus damage, and he can juggle multiple axes at once. His W, Blood Rush, grants him movement speed and attack speed, while his E, Stand Aside, knocks enemies aside. His ultimate, Whirling Death, is a global boomerang that deals damage on its way out and back.

Draven, the Glorious Executioner's, strengths lie in his snowball potential. If he gets ahead, he can quickly dominate the game. His weaknesses include his reliance on catching axes, which can be difficult in chaotic team fights, and his vulnerability to ganks. He requires precise positioning and mechanics to play effectively.

Mastering Draven, the Glorious Executioner, requires a high level of mechanical skill and game sense. Focus on mastering the art of catching axes, as this is crucial for maintaining his damage output. Practice kiting effectively to keep yourself safe while dealing damage. In lane, be aggressive and look for opportunities to trade with the enemy ADC. In team fights, prioritize staying alive and dealing as much damage as possible. Item-wise, focus on building items that enhance his attack damage and critical strike chance to maximize his damage potential. With dedication and practice, Draven can be a fearsome ADC capable of carrying games through his sheer damage output.

4. Ezreal, The Prodigal Explorer

Ezreal is a mobile and versatile champion who relies on skill shots to deal damage. Ezreal, the Prodigal Explorer, is known for his poke and safety. His Q, Mystic Shot, is a long-range skill shot that reduces his cooldowns if it hits. His W, Essence Flux, creates a wave that empowers allies and damages enemies. His E, Arcane Shift, is a short-range blink that allows him to reposition. His ultimate, Trueshot Barrage, is a global skill shot that deals damage to enemies in its path.

Ezreal, the Prodigal Explorer's, strengths lie in his mobility and poke. He can safely farm from a distance and reposition easily. His weaknesses include his reliance on skill shots, which can be dodged, and his lower sustained damage compared to other ADCs. He requires good aim and positioning to play effectively.

To succeed with Ezreal, the Prodigal Explorer, focus on mastering his skill shots and utilizing his mobility to its fullest potential. Practice landing his Q accurately to reduce his cooldowns and poke enemies from a safe distance. Use his E to reposition in fights and avoid being caught out. In lane, focus on farming safely and poking the enemy ADC. In team fights, prioritize staying alive and dealing as much damage as possible with his Q and ultimate. Item-wise, consider building items that enhance his attack damage, mana, and cooldown reduction to maximize his poke and sustain. With proper practice and positioning, Ezreal can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through his safety and consistent damage output.

5. Jinx, The Loose Cannon

Jinx is a hyper-carry who excels at dealing massive damage in team fights. Jinx, the Loose Cannon, is all about scaling into the late game and dealing explosive damage. Her passive, Get Excited!, grants her movement speed and attack speed after taking down an enemy champion or structure. Her Q, Switcheroo!, allows her to switch between her minigun, Pow-Pow, for sustained damage, and her rocket launcher, Fishbones, for AoE damage. Her W, Zap!, is a long-range skill shot that slows and damages enemies. Her ultimate, Super Mega Death Rocket!, is a global rocket that deals massive damage to enemies in its path, increasing with distance.

Jinx, the Loose Cannon's, strengths lie in her late-game scaling and team fight potential. Once she gets going, she can quickly wipe out entire teams. Her weaknesses include her vulnerability in the early game and her lack of mobility. She needs to be protected to reach her full potential.

To effectively play Jinx, the Loose Cannon, focus on farming safely in the early game and scaling into the late game. Utilize her Q to switch between Pow-Pow and Fishbones depending on the situation. Use Zap! to poke enemies and slow them down. In team fights, position yourself carefully to avoid being caught out, and use your ultimate to finish off low-health targets or secure objectives. Item-wise, focus on building items that enhance her attack damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance to maximize her damage potential. With proper positioning and strategic play, Jinx can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through her sheer damage output.

6. Kai'Sa, Daughter of the Void

Kai'Sa is a versatile ADC who can adapt to different situations with her evolving abilities. Kai'Sa, Daughter of the Void, is all about adapting and evolving. Her passive, Second Skin, marks enemies with Plasma, which detonates for bonus damage. Her Q, Icathian Rain, fires missiles that target nearby enemies. Her W, Void Seeker, fires a long-range missile that marks enemies with Plasma. Her E, Supercharge, grants her movement speed and invisibility, while her ultimate, Killer Instinct, allows her to dash to an enemy champion marked with Plasma.

Kai'Sa, Daughter of the Void's, strengths lie in her versatility and late-game scaling. She can adapt her build to counter different team compositions and deal both single-target and AoE damage. Her weaknesses include her reliance on evolving her abilities, which requires specific item builds, and her vulnerability in the early game. She needs to farm effectively to reach her full potential.

To truly excel with Kai'Sa, Daughter of the Void, focus on understanding her evolution paths and adapting your build to the game. Master the timing of her abilities to maximize her damage output. Utilize her E for positioning and dodging skill shots. In team fights, use her ultimate to dive onto priority targets and burst them down. Item-wise, experiment with different builds to find what works best for your playstyle and the enemy team composition. With proper adaptation and mechanical skill, Kai'Sa can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through her versatility and late-game scaling.

7. Miss Fortune, The Bounty Hunter

Miss Fortune is a lane bully with strong AoE damage. Miss Fortune, The Bounty Hunter, excels in lane dominance and team fight presence. Her passive, Love Tap, deals bonus physical damage whenever she attacks a new target. Her Q, Double Up, fires a shot that bounces to a nearby enemy, prioritizing champions. Her W, Strut, grants her bonus movement speed, which is enhanced when she hasn't taken damage. Her E, Make It Rain, showers an area with bullets, slowing and damaging enemies. Her ultimate, Bullet Time, unleashes a barrage of bullets in a cone, dealing massive damage to enemies caught in its path.

Miss Fortune, The Bounty Hunter's, strengths lie in her ability to win lane through aggressive trading and her potential to turn team fights with her ultimate. Her weaknesses include her lack of mobility and reliance on positioning. She is vulnerable to crowd control and dive compositions.

To master Miss Fortune, The Bounty Hunter, focus on maximizing her early game potential by using Double Up to harass enemies and Love Tap to deal bonus damage. Use Strut to reposition and avoid ganks. In team fights, find a safe position and unleash Bullet Time to deal massive AoE damage. Item-wise, consider building items that enhance her attack damage and critical strike chance to amplify her damage output. Positioning and timing are crucial to maximizing her impact in team fights. With practice and strategic play, Miss Fortune can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through her lane dominance and team fight prowess.

8. Sivir, The Battle Mistress

Sivir is a utility-focused ADC with strong wave clear and team fight mobility. Sivir, The Battle Mistress, provides wave clear and team-wide utility. Her passive, Fleet of Foot, grants her bonus movement speed when she attacks an enemy. Her Q, Boomerang Blade, throws a boomerang that deals damage on its way out and back. Her W, Ricochet, empowers her next few auto-attacks to bounce to nearby enemies. Her E, Spell Shield, blocks an incoming spell and restores mana. Her ultimate, On The Hunt, grants bonus movement speed to herself and nearby allies.

Sivir, The Battle Mistress's, strengths lie in her wave clear, allowing her to quickly push lanes and rotate. Her ultimate provides valuable team fight mobility, while her spell shield can protect her from key abilities. Her weaknesses include her shorter range compared to other ADCs and her reliance on positioning. She needs to be careful of dive compositions and assassins.

To effectively play Sivir, The Battle Mistress, focus on maximizing her wave clear to pressure lanes and create opportunities for your team. Utilize her Spell Shield to block key abilities and protect yourself from burst damage. In team fights, use her ultimate to engage or disengage, depending on the situation. Item-wise, consider building items that enhance her attack damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance to amplify her damage output. Positioning and timing are crucial to maximizing her impact in team fights. With practice and strategic play, Sivir can be a valuable asset to any team, providing wave clear, utility, and consistent damage output.

9. Twitch, The Plague Rat

Twitch is a stealthy ADC who excels at flanking and assassinating priority targets. Twitch, The Plague Rat, specializes in stealth and assassination. His passive, Deadly Venom, applies a stacking poison to his auto-attacks. His Q, Ambush, grants him camouflage and bonus attack speed. His W, Venom Cask, throws a cask that slows and poisons enemies. His E, Contaminate, deals damage based on the number of poison stacks on the target. His ultimate, Spray and Pray, grants him bonus range and attack damage, and his auto-attacks pierce through enemies.

Twitch, The Plague Rat's, strengths lie in his ability to surprise enemies with his stealth and his potential to deal massive damage in team fights. His weaknesses include his vulnerability to vision and his reliance on positioning. He needs to be careful of crowd control and early invades.

To excel with Twitch, The Plague Rat, focus on utilizing his stealth to flank enemies and assassinate priority targets. Master the timing of his abilities to maximize his damage output. In lane, play cautiously and farm safely until you have an opportunity to gank other lanes. In team fights, position yourself carefully and wait for the right moment to strike. Item-wise, consider building items that enhance his attack damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance to amplify his damage potential. With practice and strategic play, Twitch can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through his stealth and burst damage.

10. Varus, The Arrow of Retribution

Varus is a poke-heavy ADC with strong crowd control. Varus, The Arrow of Retribution, excels at long-range poke and crowd control. His passive, Living Vengeance, grants him bonus attack speed upon killing or assisting in a kill. His Q, Piercing Arrow, fires a long-range arrow that deals damage, increasing with charge time. His W, Blighted Quiver, empowers his auto-attacks to deal bonus magic damage and apply Blight stacks. His E, Hail of Arrows, rains arrows in an area, slowing and damaging enemies. His ultimate, Chain of Corruption, launches a tendril that roots an enemy champion and spreads to nearby champions.

Varus, The Arrow of Retribution's, strengths lie in his ability to poke enemies from a safe distance and his potential to lock down multiple targets with his ultimate. His weaknesses include his lack of mobility and reliance on skill shots. He is vulnerable to dive compositions and assassins.

To effectively play Varus, The Arrow of Retribution, focus on maximizing his poke potential with Piercing Arrow and utilizing Blighted Quiver to enhance his damage output. In team fights, position yourself carefully and use Chain of Corruption to lock down priority targets. Item-wise, consider building items that enhance his attack damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance to amplify his damage potential. With practice and strategic play, Varus can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through his poke and crowd control.

11. Vayne, The Night Hunter

Vayne is a hyper-carry who excels at dueling and shredding tanks. Vayne, The Night Hunter, is all about outplaying opponents and shredding tanks. Her passive, Night Hunter, grants her bonus movement speed when moving towards enemy champions. Her Q, Tumble, allows her to roll in a direction and empowers her next auto-attack. Her W, Silver Bolts, deals true damage based on the target's maximum health. Her E, Condemn, knocks an enemy back and stuns them if they collide with terrain. Her ultimate, Final Hour, grants her bonus attack damage, invisibility during Tumble, and increased Night Hunter speed.

Vayne, The Night Hunter's, strengths lie in her dueling potential and her ability to shred tanks with Silver Bolts. Her weaknesses include her short range and vulnerability in the early game. She needs to farm safely and scale into the late game.

To succeed with Vayne, The Night Hunter, focus on mastering her mechanics and utilizing her mobility to outplay opponents. Practice kiting effectively and utilizing Condemn to stun enemies against walls. In team fights, position yourself carefully and focus on dealing damage to priority targets. Item-wise, consider building items that enhance her attack damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance to amplify her damage potential. With proper mechanics and strategic play, Vayne can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through her dueling potential and tank-shredding capabilities.

12. Xayah, The Rebel

Xayah is a mobile ADC who synergizes well with her partner, Rakan. Xayah, The Rebel, excels in coordinated play and burst damage. Her passive, Clean Cuts, causes her abilities to leave feathers behind. Her Q, Double Daggers, throws two daggers that damage enemies. Her W, Deadly Plumage, grants her bonus attack damage and attack speed, and empowers Rakan's attacks. Her E, Bladecaller, recalls all feathers, dealing damage to enemies they pass through. Her ultimate, Featherstorm, makes her untargetable and allows her to launch feathers in a cone.

Xayah, The Rebel's, strengths lie in her burst damage and mobility, especially when paired with Rakan. Her weaknesses include her reliance on positioning and her vulnerability to crowd control. She needs to be careful of dive compositions and assassins.

To effectively play Xayah, The Rebel, focus on maximizing her burst damage by positioning feathers strategically and utilizing Bladecaller to deal massive damage. Coordinate with Rakan to engage and disengage effectively. In team fights, position yourself carefully and use Featherstorm to avoid damage and reposition. Item-wise, consider building items that enhance her attack damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance to amplify her damage potential. With practice and strategic play, Xayah can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through her burst damage and mobility.

13. Zeri, The Spark of Zaun

Zeri is a hyper-mobile ADC that zips around the battlefield. Zeri, The Spark of Zaun, is all about mobility and sustained damage. Her passive, Living Battery, grants her bonus movement speed when shielded and amplifies her damage when overcharged. Her Q, Burst Fire, fires a burst of shots that deal physical damage. Her W, Ultrashock Laser, fires a long-range laser that slows and damages the first enemy hit. Her E, Spark Surge, dashes a short distance and empowers her next three auto-attacks. Her ultimate, Lightning Crash, overcharges her, granting her bonus damage, attack speed, and chain lightning on her auto-attacks.

Zeri, The Spark of Zaun's, strengths lie in her extreme mobility and her ability to kite and outmaneuver enemies. Her weaknesses include her reliance on positioning and her vulnerability to crowd control. She needs to be careful of dive compositions and assassins.

To effectively play Zeri, The Spark of Zaun, focus on maximizing her mobility by utilizing Spark Surge to reposition and kite enemies. Master the timing of her abilities to maximize her damage output. In team fights, position yourself carefully and use Lightning Crash to unleash a barrage of chain lightning attacks. Item-wise, consider building items that enhance her attack damage, attack speed, and critical strike chance to amplify her damage potential. With practice and strategic play, Zeri can be a formidable ADC capable of carrying games through her mobility and sustained damage.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to all the ADC champions in League of Legends! Remember, the best ADC for you depends on your playstyle and what you want to bring to the team. Experiment with different champions, practice your mechanics, and most importantly, have fun! Good luck on the Rift, and I'll see you in the bot lane!