9 Unexpected Decks That Showed Up in Top 64 Runeterra Open - Patch 5.0

The Patch 5.0 Runeterra Open was more of a fun experience with no stakes on the line than what we're usually used to. This time around we didn't have a prize pool for players to fight for, this meant that players were more willing to experiment with different decks and catch opponents off-guard.

Let's look at nine off-meta decks that showed up in the top 64 of the Runeterra Open!

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Riven Zed

Cuce from the APAC server brought Riven Zed to their top 64 run. This combo-oriented deck aims to set up powerful Overwhelm hits to close out the game.

Great Hammers plays a pivotal role in setting up those Overwhelm attacks. Ideally, you want to give the weapon to units like Zed or Trifarian Gloryseeker, ensuring they can dish out Nexus damage.

Riven creates another win condition with her Blade of the Exile and damage buff. The Ionian region offers defensive tools like Wuju Style, Momentous Choice, Nopeify!, and Deny to keep key units alive.

Trevor Snoozebottom is an interesting inclusion, capable of creating an elusive copy of the unit it supports, which could set up the winning attack.

Cuce also brought Morgana Shyvana Elder Dragon and Teemo Yuumi Kayle in their lineup.

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Nami Samira

Turtle from EMEA server brought Nami Samira, Annie Jhin, and Janna Nilah to their run.

Nami Samira is packed with low-cost spells to level up Nami as fast as possible and start buffing up Elusive units. Units like Father Fury, Vikrash the Exuberant, Wiggly Burblefish, and Inferna can sneak in Nexus damage and turn into a threat once buffed by Nami.

Fleet Admiral Shelly is another tool to buff up the board and create that elusive threat. Samira is there to pick off pesky units and help with the early game. Her Flair can also advance Nami's level up and trigger the buff effect.

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Elusive SI

mbrookz from the America server brought a Championless SI/IO deck along with Galio Morgana Elder Dragon and Volibear Shadow Isles.

The Championless deck resembles the Gwen Zed archetype but kicks out both champions for more Elusive power. Vastayan Disciple, Silent Shadowseer, and Shadow Assassin are three additional elusive units in this version that add more pressure on the opponent. Vastayan Disciple and Shadow Assassin offer card draw to ensure you don't run out of steam.

The list runs Encroaching Shadows, offering a +2|+2 buff on all your units but with the downside of granting them the Ephemeral keyword. This boosts your elusive aggression and the Ephemeral keyword won't affect units like Vastayan Disciple and Silent Shadowseer.

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Teemo Caitlyn Sejuani

Yata64 from the APAC server brought this interesting Teemo Caitlyn Sejuani deck to the top 64 along with Kennen Jinx and Morgana Galio Elder Dragon.

This deck wants to get those Omen Hawk and Yadulski Snowdog buffs to set up stronger future attacks. Charlatan Fishmonger offers value for both players, but can also force the opponent to draw the Poison Puffcap that Teemo planted in the deck.

Weirdly, the list doesn't have Puffcap Peddler or Corina, Mastermind, instead, it focuses on creating powerful Overwhelm hits with Sejuani, Glacial Saurian, and Wildclaw's Ferocity before transitioning to the burn plan with Mystic Shot, Blowback, and Shock Blast.

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Azir Renekton

Eimajrael from the EMEA brought a lineup that consisted of Azir Renekton, Norra Elder Dragon, and Morgana Mordekaiser. Eimajrael managed to make it to second place with this lineup.

Azir Renekton aims to fulfill Buried Sun Disc's condition as soon as possible and Ascend Azir and Renekton. Leveling your champions turbo advances the landmark and sets you up to dominate the game.

An Ascended Renekton will threaten a powerful Overwhelm attack that'll leave the opponent's board in shambles and potentially destroy their Nexus. As for Azir, he'll create the Emperor's deck, giving you access to overpowered cards that can be challenging for the opponent to keep up with.

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Vayne Gnar

Seku brought Vayne Gnar, Morgana Galio Elder Dragon, and Gwen Mordekaiser to America's top 64 Runeterra Open.

Vayne Gnar is a mid-range deck that wants to dominate the board presence with buffed-up units. Those buffed units can force the opponent into unfavored blocks, setting you up for even stronger attacks.

The list runs weapons like The Darkin Spear and Handy Harness. Handy Harness, specifically, can be equipped on Overwhelm units like Mega Gnar or Glacial Saurian, creating that Overwhelm win condition.

Cataclysm synergizes in this deck and can be a deadly combo if played on the right unit. It works well with keywords like Overwhelm or Scout, Overwhelm allows you to push Nexus damage, whereas Scout can activate your attack token and create an opportunity to end the game on the spot.

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Gwen Swain

Crossbone brought Gwen Swain to the APAC top 64 along with Kennen Jinx and Mordekaiser Morgana. They ended up in second place with this lineup inspired by DaTankBuster.

This is a Sentinel deck that can set up aggressive attacks with the help of Burgeoning Sentinel and Buhru Sentinel. The Fearsome keyword can make it difficult for the opponent to block them, especially with Deathgrasp Cultist giving Terror to the opponent's units.

Swain is there for his Fearsome keyword and ability to push a lot of Nexus damage if he manages to go through the opponent's blockers. Might provides the Overwhelm keyword that works perfectly with units like Swain, Gwen, and Enraged Firespitter.

Noxian Fervor is your only burn tool to give you that little bit of late-game damage to close out the game.

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Pantheon Morgana

Kinecremeus brought Pantheon Morgana, Norra Elder Dragon, and Teemo Yuumi to their EMEA top 64 run.

This Pantheon deck resembles the old Yuumi Pantheon version but uses Morgana to stabilize the mid-game with her Shackles and Lifesteal. She can also turn into a win condition if leveled, and with the many target cards the list runs, it shouldn't be much of a hassle to level her.

The goal is to target one of your units once every turn, advancing Pantheon's level up and turning him into a threat that can't be ignored. Managing to find a Scout weapon through Wandering Shepherd can be beneficial to equip later on Pantheon or Morgana, allowing you to attack with your champions twice.

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Maokai Nautilus

TechnoCamel from the America server brought the good old Deep deck to the top 64. Their lineup also consisted of Annie Jhin and Ashe LeBlanc.

The Deep deck focuses on tossing cards and going deep as soon as possible to take advantage of the Sea Monsters. Once Deep, The Sea Monsters will gain additional stats, making them more difficult for the opponent to deal with. However, the list only includes two Sea Monsters Sea Scarab and Shipwreck Hoarder. Sea Scarab for the toss ability and Shipwreck Hoarder for the Treasure cards.

The list runs only one Nautilus as he's a high-cost unit that needs to stick on the board to find any use. This version focuses more on the Maokai win condition, by destroying the opponent's deck and putting them on a timer.

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Closing Words

It's always exciting to see the unexpected decks players end up bringing to the top 64. While it can be a risk to bring unestablished decks in the meta, it can be rewarding if you have a good read on the meta and opponents aren't accustomed to playing against your deck.