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By the Numbers – Current Best LoR Decks

Best decks in Runeterra, according to the latest data!
Samira Level 2 lor

Note: This is an older article.
For the most recent data, check the latest LoR Best Decks article, or our Meta Tier List!


Best Decks for LoR Standard

As of Thursday, these are the 7 most popular LoR decks according to Legna the Mastering Runeterra Meta Tier List:

Sources: MaRu's data (which samples Plat+ players) and Legna's data (which samples High Diamond & Masters players) – both sources in turn get their data directly from Riot (via Riot's API).


This patch cycle will probably finish as it started: with Samira Fizz as one of the most popular archetypes, and also one of the strongest – while not the broken deck it seemed to be in the first couple of post-patch days, and briefly dislodge from the top during the second week by an onslaught of Demacian decks, Samira Fizz has managed to claw back to the top of both the popularity and performance charts.

And in the Plat+ data now looks clear that, as top pilots noted early on, SamiraSamira is herself a tad overtuned, as we'll see in the number of strong decks she features.

For those new to (or not too much in the loop of) Legends of Runeterra: next week, on Wednesday, we'll have the next Balance Patch – while we won't know the exact changes for certain until we see the patch notes (usually the day before), these patches tend to shake the LoR meta quite a bit. If you're low on shards and wildcards, you may want to wait until after the patch to craft a new deck: it's impossible to say for certain how the LoR ladder will look like two weeks from now.

Above all since it's a fair bet that either Samira and/or her package will get a slap in the wrist.

Having said that…

… let's see which are the current strongest decks in this last leg of the patch! =)


LoR Meta FAQs

Where does this data come from?

Directly from Riot (via Riot's API) – Liver, our wonderful coder and unsung MaRu 🐐 (also in charge of designing the website) makes the data automagically appear in our meta tier list and meta stats page, and all-around LoR 🐐 Legna shares his data (from the same source, although following a different set of players) with us too.

Which is the best LoR deck?

Short answer: Depends on how you define "best", of course! =)

Much longer answer: Check the Technical Note at the end of this article, above all about the differences between "archetypes" and "decks" in Legends of Runeterra's data.

Practical answer: As of today, Samira Leona, Ashe LeBlanc, and Samira Fizz, probably in that order.

Which is the highest win rate deck in LoR?

Among all decks showcased today: Leona Samira – Samira Fizz is indeed the most popular archetype, but when you look at specific decks, Leona Samira is better.

Among decks with more than 2,100 games played in the last three days: Yet again, Leona Samira – it's, as of today, and with the meta still up in the air, the best tool for the climbing job.

How do I beat…

How do I beat Samira Fizz? Samira Leona has a slight edge here, and as noted above is probably the best ladder deck overall. Annie Caitlyn is even better if you specifically want to beat Sam Fizz, but is a weaker deck overall than either Samira version.

How do I beat Leona Samira? Ashe LeBlanc: great deck overall, and an edge against Leona Samira. Or Heimer Jayce, which is on fire right now, and absolutely murders the Solar Flair pair. 

How do I beat Ashe LeBlanc? Heimerdinger Jayce!


Juggernauts – Best Legends of Runeterra Decks

Samira Level 1 lor

Here we showcase LoR decks with more than 300 games in the last three days, and good-to-great win rate – the best tried-and-true tools the LoR meta has to offer!


Ashe LeBlanc

As we've noted a gazillion times in these articles (but, shesh, folks just don't listen!) Ashe LeBlancs most popular version (with Avarosan TrapperAvarosan Trapper and Revna, the LorekeeperRevna, the Lorekeeper) is pretty good, but not as good as the second most popular, which is clearly the best:

Regions
Noxus
20 cards
Freljord
20 cards
Rarities
30 000
champion
6
epic
6
rare
10
common
18
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
9
1
6
2
7
3
9
4
4
5
0
6
5
7+
Champions
6
3
LeBlanc
3
LeBlanc
4
Ashe
3
Ashe
Followers
18
1
Omen Hawk
3
Omen Hawk
2
Icevale Archer
1
Icevale Archer
2
Trifarian Gloryseeker
3
Trifarian Gloryseeker
3
Reckless Trifarian
3
Reckless Trifarian
4
Trifarian Assessor
3
Trifarian Assessor
5
Avarosan Hearthguard
3
Avarosan Hearthguard
8
Incisive Tactician
2
Incisive Tactician
Spells
16
1
Brittle Steel
3
Brittle Steel
1
Elixir of Iron
3
Elixir of Iron
2
Here to Help
2
Here to Help
3
Flash Freeze
1
Flash Freeze
4
Bloody Business
3
Bloody Business
5
Harsh Winds
1
Harsh Winds
7
Reckoning
3
Reckoning

Beats me why pilots are so adamant to stick with the Trapper version but well, Yetis are Yetis I guess! =)

Until now, the Ice Queen and the Black Rose had a single weak spot, namely Annie Caitlyn – this week, though, Heimer Jayce has surged both in popularity and performance, as we'll see a bit further down, and it's very good at punishing Ashe LeBlanc.

On the other hand, Rose and Queen have an edge on Leona Samira, and very good odds against most Demacian decks, like Gwen Quinn or Illaoi Jarvan.

Further reading: Ashe LeBlanc Noxus Deck Guide


Leona Samira

When looking at Plat+ data, Leona Samira is undisputedly the best deck in the Runeterra ladder, a title it has held consistently for over two weeks now, and that in the last three days has been smacking above 57% (the highest we'll see today) in more than 5,500 games – also a list we can consider solved, given the lack of changes we've seen:

Regions
Noxus
16 cards
Mount Targon
24 cards
Rarities
29 200
champion
6
epic
6
rare
6
common
22
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
10
1
15
2
9
3
0
4
6
5
0
6
0
7+
Champions
6
2
Samira
3
Samira
5
Leona
3
Leona
Followers
25
1
Crimson Pigeon
3
Crimson Pigeon
1
Legion Saboteur
3
Legion Saboteur
1
Precious Pet
1
Precious Pet
1
Solari Soldier
3
Solari Soldier
2
Solari Shieldbearer
3
Solari Shieldbearer
2
Solari Sunhawk
3
Solari Sunhawk
2
Twilit Protector
3
Twilit Protector
3
Sun Guardian
3
Sun Guardian
5
Rahvun, Daylight's Spear
3
Rahvun, Daylight's Spear
Spells
9
2
Pale Cascade
3
Pale Cascade
3
Might
3
Might
3
Noxian Fervor
3
Noxian Fervor

Leona Samira's matchup spread is excellent: the Solar Flair ladies do have a problem with the ascending Heimer Jayce, but other decks that beat them tend to be either not very good, or very fringe options (like Gnar Norra in this category); and the matchups they dominate, like against Karma Sett, Lurkers or Gwenn Quinn, they do so by massive margins.

Further reading: Samira Leona Deck Guide


Karma Sett

Karma Sett has deflated considerably, scrapping by this week with a 51% win rate:

Regions
Ionia
21 cards
Piltover & Zaun
19 cards
Rarities
28 700
champion
6
epic
5
rare
9
common
20
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
2
1
9
2
5
3
13
4
9
5
2
6
0
7+
Champions
6
5
Karma
3
Karma
5
Sett
3
Sett
Followers
10
1
Acorn, the Hextechnician
2
Acorn, the Hextechnician
3
Shadow Assassin
2
Shadow Assassin
4
Augmented Clockling
3
Augmented Clockling
4
Smooth Mixologist
3
Smooth Mixologist
Spells
24
2
High Note
3
High Note
2
Mystic Shot
3
Mystic Shot
2
Tag Out!
3
Tag Out!
3
Aftershock
3
Aftershock
4
Caustic Riff
3
Caustic Riff
4
Concussive Palm
2
Concussive Palm
4
Deny
2
Deny
5
Place Your Bets
3
Place Your Bets
6
Hexbliterator
2
Hexbliterator

As usual, Leona Samira is Karma Sett's worst nightmare – the good news for the Runeterra Mint is that Heimer Jayce, that as we've seen above is very good against Leona Samira and Ashe LeBlanc, is very, very weak against Karma Sett – there probably won't be enough time for this trend to fully develop before the Balance Patch arrives, but Heimer Jayce is indeed shaking things up among the Juggernauts.

Further reading: Karma Sett Deck Guide


Fizz Samira

And here we are, back where we started! =)

Although it ended up being just an amazing deck (as opposed to truly broken…), Samira Fizz will end this patch at the top of the charts, with the best Samira Fizz deck punching at 55% in around 3,500 games, and the archetype overall being the most popular in Runeterra:

Regions
Bilgewater
24 cards
Noxus
16 cards
Rarities
35 900
champion
6
epic
11
rare
12
common
11
eternal
standard
Mana cost
3
0
12
1
9
2
2
3
6
4
2
5
0
6
6
7+
Champions
6
1
Fizz
3
Fizz
2
Samira
3
Samira
Followers
14
1
Elegant Edge
3
Elegant Edge
2
Father Fury
3
Father Fury
4
Dashing Dandy
2
Dashing Dandy
4
Inferna
1
Inferna
5
Fleet Admiral Shelly
2
Fleet Admiral Shelly
8
Wiggly Burblefish
3
Wiggly Burblefish
Spells
20
0
Warning Shot
3
Warning Shot
1
All Out
3
All Out
1
Stylish Shot
3
Stylish Shot
2
Swindle
3
Swindle
3
Pirouette
2
Pirouette
4
Barbed Chain
3
Barbed Chain
7
Powder Pandemonium
3
Powder Pandemonium

Samira Fizz murders Deep and has an edge on Lurkers, clearly showing who rules the Runeterran waves, and currently doesn't have any popular weak spots: Leona Samira and Illaoi Jarvan are a bit rough, but no worse than 45% odds.

Further reading: Samira Fizz Deck Guide


Maokai Nautilus, aka Deep

Well, it's official: the rotation did it, and Deep is a thing at the top of the charts! The best Maokai Nautilus decks remains the same as last week…

Regions
Shadow Isles
14 cards
Bilgewater
26 cards
Rarities
28 800
champion
6
epic
4
rare
15
common
15
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
6
1
6
2
11
3
7
4
1
5
5
6
4
7+
Champions
6
4
Maokai
3
Maokai
7
Nautilus
3
Nautilus
Followers
18
1
Dreg Dredgers
3
Dreg Dredgers
2
Sea Scarab
3
Sea Scarab
3
Deadbloom Wanderer
3
Deadbloom Wanderer
3
Jaull Hunters
2
Jaull Hunters
4
Megatusk
2
Megatusk
5
Abyssal Eye
1
Abyssal Eye
6
Devourer of the Depths
3
Devourer of the Depths
7
Shipwreck Hoarder
1
Shipwreck Hoarder
Spells
16
1
Jettison
3
Jettison
2
Heavy Metal
3
Heavy Metal
3
Lure of the Depths
3
Lure of the Depths
3
Undergrowth
3
Undergrowth
4
Salvage
2
Salvage
6
Vengeance
2
Vengeance

… packing a 53%+ punch across 2,800 games.

The detail to pay attention to here is that Deep's good performance in spite of its awful odds against Samira Fizz – depending on how hard Samira decks get hit by the nerf hammer next week, Deep may end up very favored against the ensuing field.

Further reading: Nautilus Maokai Deck Guide


Illaoi Jarvan

Superbly showcasing Demacia's grit and tenacity, Prince and Priestess push upwards and become the only new Juggernaut this week, and with a 54% win rate across 2800 games become the undisputably best DEDemacia deck out there – eat your heart out, Garen!

Regions
Demacia
15 cards
Bilgewater
25 cards
Rarities
27 500
champion
6
epic
3
rare
14
common
17
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
3
1
14
2
8
3
3
4
6
5
4
6
2
7+
Champions
6
4
Illaoi
3
Illaoi
6
Jarvan IV
3
Jarvan IV
Equipments
3
2
Eye of God
3
Eye of God
Followers
14
1
Watchful Idol
3
Watchful Idol
2
Petricite Broadwing
3
Petricite Broadwing
3
The Sea's Voice
3
The Sea's Voice
5
Buhru Lookout
3
Buhru Lookout
8
Nagakabouros
2
Nagakabouros
Spells
17
2
Answered Prayer
2
Answered Prayer
2
Form Up!
3
Form Up!
2
Single Combat
3
Single Combat
3
Cataclysm
3
Cataclysm
3
Tentacle Smash
2
Tentacle Smash
5
Eye of Nagakabouros
3
Eye of Nagakabouros
6
Riptide Sermon
1
Riptide Sermon

Priestess and Prince are horrible against Ashe LeBlanc, not too happy to bump into Heimer Jayce, and a bit of the undertentacles against Leona Samira – on the backswing, they have an edge against Leona Fizz and Gwen Quinn, very good odds against Karma Sett and Deep, and slap Jack Seraphine silly.

Further reading: Illaoi Jarvan Deck Guide


Gwen Quinn

The opulent ladies have remained a solid choice for your ladder climb – not the powerhouse they were early on, but very worthy of consideration: nearly 53% win rate in 2,400+ games, a performance that has been consistently solid throught all this patch.

Regions
Demacia
14 cards
Shadow Isles
26 cards
Rarities
31 400
champion
6
epic
6
rare
17
common
11
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
5
1
14
2
9
3
6
4
3
5
3
6
0
7+
Champions
6
4
Gwen
3
Gwen
5
Quinn
3
Quinn
Landmarks
3
3
Opulent Foyer
3
Opulent Foyer
Followers
14
1
Boisterous Host
3
Boisterous Host
2
Phantom Butler
3
Phantom Butler
2
Redeemed Prodigy
3
Redeemed Prodigy
3
Greenfang Warden
2
Greenfang Warden
6
Eternal Dancers
3
Eternal Dancers
Spells
17
1
Quietus
2
Quietus
2
Blinding Assault
3
Blinding Assault
2
Glimpse Beyond
2
Glimpse Beyond
2
Hate Spike
3
Hate Spike
3
Cataclysm
3
Cataclysm
3
Mist's Call
1
Mist's Call
4
Relentless Pursuit
3
Relentless Pursuit

Ashe LeBlanc and Leona Samira royally ruin the Midnight Revel, but Gwen Quinn has good to great odds against most other popular choices.

Further reading: Gwen Quinn Deck Guide


Heavyweights – Strong LoR Meta Decks

These Legends of Runeterra decks have between 900 and 3000 games in the last three days – solid picks for climbing the LoR ladder!


⭐Rising Star – Heimerdinger Jayce

And here they are, the man and yordle of the hour!

It took Professor and Student quite a while, but it looks like they've cracked this theorem, and in the last few days went from mediocre option to meta shakers: excellent performance (56% in about 1,000 games with their best deck) and excellent odds against two of the biggest Juggernauts: Ashe LeBlanc, and Leona Samira.

Regions
Shadow Isles
9 cards
Piltover & Zaun
31 cards
Rarities
25 700
champion
6
epic
3
rare
5
common
26
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
2
1
10
2
7
3
7
4
3
5
10
6
1
7+
Champions
6
4
Jayce
3
Jayce
5
Heimerdinger
3
Heimerdinger
Landmarks
2
3
The Forge Of Tomorrow
2
The Forge Of Tomorrow
Followers
8
1
Forge Chief
2
Forge Chief
2
Ferros Financier
3
Ferros Financier
4
Augmented Clockling
2
Augmented Clockling
7
Albus Ferros
1
Albus Ferros
Spells
24
2
High Note
3
High Note
2
Mystic Shot
3
Mystic Shot
2
Soul Harvest
1
Soul Harvest
3
Aftershock
2
Aftershock
3
Mist's Call
2
Mist's Call
3
Undergrowth
1
Undergrowth
4
Caustic Riff
2
Caustic Riff
6
Formula
3
Formula
6
Hexbliterator
1
Hexbliterator
6
Piercing Darkness
2
Piercing Darkness
6
Shock Blast
1
Shock Blast
6
Vengeance
3
Vengeance

What's still keeping them at bay is Karma Sett, which remains an awful matchup. Samira Fizz, on the other hand, is 50/50.


⭐Rising Star – Samira Varus, sometimes ft. Riven

Here is the other hot trend, and one that became very noticeable last weekend, both in the LoR ladder data and in the Runeterra Open, with several top pilots including Samira Varus in their lineups.

Regions
Runeterra
28 cards
Noxus
12 cards
Rarities
26 600
champion
6
epic
2
rare
15
common
17
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
8
1
17
2
1
3
14
4
0
5
0
6
0
7+
Champions
6
2
Samira
3
Samira
4
Varus
3
Varus
Equipments
2
1
The Darkin Ballista
2
The Darkin Ballista
Followers
14
1
Forsaken Baccai
3
Forsaken Baccai
2
Ionian Hookmaster
3
Ionian Hookmaster
2
Keeper of the Box
2
Keeper of the Box
2
Lunari Cultist
2
Lunari Cultist
3
Shadowblade Fanatic
1
Shadowblade Fanatic
4
Ambitious Cultist
3
Ambitious Cultist
Spells
18
1
All Out
2
All Out
1
Noxian Tellstones
1
Noxian Tellstones
2
Momentous Choice
3
Momentous Choice
2
The Violent Dischord
3
The Violent Dischord
2
Transfusion
1
Transfusion
4
Furious Wielder
3
Furious Wielder
4
The Expanse's Protection
3
The Expanse's Protection
4
The Unending Wave
2
The Unending Wave

Performance is amazing (57%+, the only deck that matches Leona Samira in this regard) across 1500 games.

There's also a very similar version including RivenRiven...

Regions
Runeterra
27 cards
Noxus
13 cards
Rarities
27 500
champion
6
epic
3
rare
14
common
17
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
8
1
16
2
3
3
13
4
0
5
0
6
0
7+
Champions
6
2
Samira
3
Samira
3
Riven
1
Riven
4
Varus
2
Varus
Equipments
3
1
The Darkin Ballista
3
The Darkin Ballista
Followers
14
1
Forsaken Baccai
3
Forsaken Baccai
2
Ionian Hookmaster
3
Ionian Hookmaster
2
Keeper of the Box
2
Keeper of the Box
2
Lunari Cultist
2
Lunari Cultist
3
Shadowblade Fanatic
1
Shadowblade Fanatic
4
Ambitious Cultist
3
Ambitious Cultist
Spells
17
1
All Out
2
All Out
2
Momentous Choice
3
Momentous Choice
2
The Violent Dischord
3
The Violent Dischord
3
Whirling Death
1
Whirling Death
4
Furious Wielder
3
Furious Wielder
4
The Expanse's Protection
3
The Expanse's Protection
4
The Unending Wave
2
The Unending Wave

… but although a bit more popular, seems also not as punchy (even if still very good).

Both variants seem weak to Ashe LeBlanc, but either even or slightly favored against the other Juggernauts.


Galio Udyr

Galio Udyr now drops to third most popular DEDemacia deck after Illaoi Jarvan and Gwen Quinn, but still maintains a solid 53% performance.

Regions
Demacia
32 cards
Freljord
8 cards
Rarities
32 600
champion
6
epic
8
rare
12
common
14
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
3
1
17
2
11
3
0
4
3
5
0
6
6
7+
Champions
6
5
Udyr
3
Udyr
7
Galio
3
Galio
Equipments
5
2
The Darkin Spear
3
The Darkin Spear
2
The Darkin Aegis
2
The Darkin Aegis
Followers
21
1
Petricite Hound
3
Petricite Hound
2
Durand Sculptor
1
Durand Sculptor
2
Petricite Broadwing
3
Petricite Broadwing
2
Stony Suppressor
3
Stony Suppressor
3
Blocking Badgerbear
3
Blocking Badgerbear
3
Durand Protege
2
Durand Protege
3
Petricite Charger
3
Petricite Charger
8
Tianna Crownguard
1
Tianna Crownguard
9
Gorlith the Unscalable
2
Gorlith the Unscalable
Spells
8
2
Inner Beast
2
Inner Beast
2
Single Combat
3
Single Combat
3
Shield of Durand
3
Shield of Durand

It's amazing against Karma Sett. Ashe LeBlanc or Leona Samira, though, are very tough matchups.


Ekko Jinx

The Zaunite pair has kept a solid 53% punch across a similar amount of games as last week (1,500+) – if you like aggressive strategies, Ekko Jinx is perhaps the deck with the most burn in this post-rotation times.

Regions
Shurima
21 cards
Piltover & Zaun
19 cards
Rarities
29 200
champion
6
epic
6
rare
6
common
22
eternal
standard
Mana cost
3
0
14
1
9
2
2
3
12
4
0
5
0
6
0
7+
Champions
6
4
Ekko
3
Ekko
4
Jinx
3
Jinx
Landmarks
3
1
Ancient Preparations
3
Ancient Preparations
Followers
16
1
Dropboarder
3
Dropboarder
1
Forge Chief
2
Forge Chief
1
Forsaken Baccai
3
Forsaken Baccai
2
Aspiring Chronomancer
3
Aspiring Chronomancer
4
Augmented Clockling
2
Augmented Clockling
4
Voice of the Risen
3
Voice of the Risen
Spells
15
0
Feral Prescience
3
Feral Prescience
1
Scrying Sands
3
Scrying Sands
2
Mystic Shot
3
Mystic Shot
2
Time Trick
3
Time Trick
3
Quicksand
2
Quicksand
4
Rite of Negation
1
Rite of Negation

⭐Rising Star – Caitlyn Kennen Seraphine

Here's another deck that, after several rounds of tweaks, finds it footing: it was a fairly bad deck last week (win rate below 47%) but emerges as a great choice now, punching at 53%.

Regions
Bandlecity
15 cards
Piltover & Zaun
25 cards
Rarities
31 300
champion
6
epic
7
rare
11
common
16
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
8
1
14
2
5
3
5
4
3
5
2
6
3
7+
Champions
6
1
Kennen
1
Kennen
2
Seraphine
3
Seraphine
3
Caitlyn
2
Caitlyn
Landmarks
3
7
Back Alley Bar
3
Back Alley Bar
Followers
11
1
Otterpus
1
Otterpus
1
Yordle Squire
1
Yordle Squire
2
Conchologist
3
Conchologist
2
Darkbulb Acolyte
1
Darkbulb Acolyte
2
Flashbomb Peddler
2
Flashbomb Peddler
4
Augmented Clockling
3
Augmented Clockling
Spells
20
1
Bandle Tellstones
1
Bandle Tellstones
1
Group Shot
1
Group Shot
1
Pie Toss
1
Pie Toss
1
Piltovan Tellstones
1
Piltovan Tellstones
1
Trinket Trade
1
Trinket Trade
2
Drop the Bomb
1
Drop the Bomb
2
Mystic Shot
1
Mystic Shot
2
Quicken
1
Quicken
2
Rummage
1
Rummage
2
Time Trick
1
Time Trick
3
Piltover Peacemaker
1
Piltover Peacemaker
3
Sump Fumes
1
Sump Fumes
3
Wallop
1
Wallop
4
Caustic Riff
1
Caustic Riff
4
Puzzling Signposts
1
Puzzling Signposts
5
Drum Solo
2
Drum Solo
5
Purrsuit of Perfection
1
Purrsuit of Perfection
6
Formula
1
Formula
6
Hexbliterator
1
Hexbliterator

(By the way: Ahri Kennen is also very popular, but results remain thus far disappointing)

Seraphine's Bar beats Ashe LeBlanc, and appears to have great odds versus Heimer Jayce.


⭐Rising Star – Gnar Samira Sejuani

Bone ClubBone Club and Battle FuryBattle Fury... I wonder who would come up with such a strategy! =)

Regions
Freljord
26 cards
Noxus
14 cards
Rarities
27 600
champion
6
epic
4
rare
9
common
21
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
12
1
9
2
4
3
4
4
3
5
5
6
3
7+
Champions
6
2
Samira
3
Samira
4
Gnar
1
Gnar
6
Sejuani
2
Sejuani
Equipments
3
5
Bone Club
3
Bone Club
Followers
22
1
Crimson Pigeon
3
Crimson Pigeon
1
Omen Hawk
3
Omen Hawk
2
Ruthless Raider
3
Ruthless Raider
2
Tusk Speaker
3
Tusk Speaker
3
Iron Ballista
3
Iron Ballista
4
Wolfrider
3
Wolfrider
6
Mammoth Shaman
3
Mammoth Shaman
8
Captain Farron
1
Captain Farron
Spells
9
1
All Out
3
All Out
1
Three Sisters
3
Three Sisters
3
Pirouette
1
Pirouette
8
Battle Fury
2
Battle Fury

Although Battle Fury decks don't always perform when not piloted by Master Rex himself, in this case the numbers are scarily good: amazing 56% win rate across 1,200 games, so if you're looking for big, mean and powerful, this is probably it!


Pyke Rek'Sai, aka Lurkers

Fiercely battling Deep for the "Old Deck that Rotation Made a Thing" title, Lurkers' popularity may be a bit on the fringe side, but their performance is still rock-solid.

Regions
Shurima
25 cards
Bilgewater
15 cards
Rarities
26 400
champion
6
epic
4
rare
3
common
27
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
10
1
12
2
6
3
1
4
8
5
3
6
0
7+
Champions
6
3
Rek'Sai
3
Rek'Sai
5
Pyke
3
Pyke
Followers
26
1
Forsaken Baccai
3
Forsaken Baccai
1
Sharkling
3
Sharkling
1
Xer'sai Hatchling
3
Xer'sai Hatchling
2
Aspiring Chronomancer
2
Aspiring Chronomancer
2
Redfin Hammersnout
3
Redfin Hammersnout
2
Snapjaw Swarm
3
Snapjaw Swarm
3
Xer'sai Caller
3
Xer'sai Caller
5
Xerxa'Reth, The Undertitan
3
Xerxa'Reth, The Undertitan
6
Xer'sai Dunebreaker
3
Xer'sai Dunebreaker
Spells
8
1
Bloodbait
1
Bloodbait
2
Call the Pack
3
Call the Pack
2
Ruthless Predator
1
Ruthless Predator
4
Rite of Negation
1
Rite of Negation
5
Blood in the Water
2
Blood in the Water

And, like Deep, may end up being one of the winners of next week's round of balancing: their matchups against Samira Leona is as close to "auto-lose" as you can get in Runeterra, so if Samira gets nerfed, Lurkers may be very happy.


Annie Caitlyn

Sheriff and blazing brat have stabilized their win rate at around 52-53% –  they get brutally wrecked by Karma Sett and Deep, but are one of the best Ashe LeBlanc counters.

Regions
Piltover & Zaun
25 cards
Noxus
15 cards
Rarities
27 500
champion
6
epic
3
rare
14
common
17
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
8
1
12
2
6
3
6
4
3
5
5
6
0
7+
Champions
6
1
Annie
3
Annie
3
Caitlyn
3
Caitlyn
Landmarks
3
1
Ravenbloom Conservatory
3
Ravenbloom Conservatory
Followers
9
2
Flashbomb Peddler
3
Flashbomb Peddler
4
Augmented Clockling
3
Augmented Clockling
6
Lord Broadmane
3
Lord Broadmane
Spells
22
1
Piltovan Tellstones
2
Piltovan Tellstones
2
Disintegrate
3
Disintegrate
2
High Note
3
High Note
2
Mystic Shot
3
Mystic Shot
3
Pirouette
3
Pirouette
4
Caustic Riff
3
Caustic Riff
5
Drum Solo
3
Drum Solo
6
Formula
2
Formula

Further reading: Annie Caitlyn Tybaulk Deck Guide


Punching Up – Runeterra Decks Doing Great

Runeterra decks with between 500 and 900 games in the last three days – we're sailing into small data samples, yet all decks here have quite a few games under their belts.


Diana Leona, aka Celesbian

Another old pairing that found its footing last Saturday – not as potent today (it was punching above 55% then, and only at 53% now) but that shows Leona's package is not only good with Samira.

Regions
Mount Targon
35 cards
Noxus
5 cards
Rarities
29 200
champion
6
epic
6
rare
6
common
22
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
9
1
17
2
3
3
0
4
8
5
0
6
3
7+
Champions
6
2
Diana
3
Diana
5
Leona
3
Leona
Followers
27
1
Crimson Pigeon
3
Crimson Pigeon
1
Lunari Duskbringer
3
Lunari Duskbringer
1
Solari Soldier
3
Solari Soldier
2
Solari Shieldbearer
3
Solari Shieldbearer
2
Solari Sunhawk
3
Solari Sunhawk
2
Twilit Protector
3
Twilit Protector
3
Sun Guardian
3
Sun Guardian
5
Rahvun, Daylight's Spear
3
Rahvun, Daylight's Spear
7
The Winding Light
3
The Winding Light
Spells
7
2
Brothers' Bond
2
Brothers' Bond
2
Pale Cascade
3
Pale Cascade
5
Moonlight Affliction
2
Moonlight Affliction

Gnar Norra

Despite its terrific performance for nearly two weeks now, pilots have been remiss to picking up this brew – don't sleep on this one, folks, above all if PirouettePirouette manages to dodge the incoming round of nerfs!

Regions
Bandlecity
27 cards
Noxus
13 cards
Rarities
30 100
champion
6
epic
5
rare
16
common
13
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
3
1
15
2
10
3
4
4
3
5
3
6
2
7+
Champions
6
2
Norra
3
Norra
4
Gnar
3
Gnar
Followers
14
2
Conchologist
3
Conchologist
2
Junk Construct
3
Junk Construct
3
Bandle City Mayor
3
Bandle City Mayor
6
Lord Broadmane
3
Lord Broadmane
8
Captain Farron
2
Captain Farron
Spells
20
1
Pie Toss
3
Pie Toss
2
Disintegrate
3
Disintegrate
2
Drop the Bomb
3
Drop the Bomb
3
Pirouette
3
Pirouette
3
Scorched Earth
2
Scorched Earth
3
Wallop
2
Wallop
4
Puzzling Signposts
1
Puzzling Signposts
5
Portalpalooza
3
Portalpalooza

Awful against Karma Sett and Deep, but great versus Ashe LeBlanc and Leona Samira. 


Your Mileage May Vary – Fringe LoR Decks

Legends of Runeterra decks with less than 500 games played in the last three days – very little data, so these may range from total flukes… to the next big thing.


Illaoi Swain

Those faithful to the Grand General proudly carry his banner in the fringes of the LoR meta – this is the first Swain deck we'll showcase today, and while Illaoi Jarvan may be stealing all the spotlights, Illaoi Swain does not disappoint.

Regions
Bilgewater
31 cards
Noxus
9 cards
Rarities
31 000
champion
6
epic
6
rare
15
common
13
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
5
1
10
2
8
3
3
4
8
5
3
6
3
7+
Champions
6
4
Illaoi
3
Illaoi
5
Swain
3
Swain
Followers
14
1
Watchful Idol
3
Watchful Idol
2
Marai Warden
3
Marai Warden
3
The Sea's Voice
3
The Sea's Voice
5
Mischievous Marai
2
Mischievous Marai
7
The Leviathan
2
The Leviathan
8
Nagakabouros
1
Nagakabouros
Spells
20
1
Parrrley
2
Parrrley
2
Disintegrate
2
Disintegrate
2
Heavy Metal
2
Heavy Metal
2
Make it Rain
3
Make it Rain
3
Pirouette
2
Pirouette
3
Tentacle Smash
3
Tentacle Smash
5
Eye of Nagakabouros
3
Eye of Nagakabouros
6
Riptide Sermon
3
Riptide Sermon

Norra Swain

Another old pairing reunited after the rotation, Norra Swain is yet another NXNoxus deck where Lord BroadmaneLord Broadmane feels right at home.

Regions
Bandlecity
24 cards
Noxus
16 cards
Rarities
27 500
champion
6
epic
3
rare
14
common
17
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
6
1
14
2
6
3
2
4
6
5
3
6
3
7+
Champions
6
2
Norra
3
Norra
5
Swain
3
Swain
Followers
13
2
Conchologist
3
Conchologist
2
Junk Construct
3
Junk Construct
4
Lecturing Yordle
1
Lecturing Yordle
6
Lord Broadmane
3
Lord Broadmane
7
The Leviathan
3
The Leviathan
Spells
21
1
Group Shot
3
Group Shot
1
Pie Toss
3
Pie Toss
2
Disintegrate
3
Disintegrate
2
Drop the Bomb
2
Drop the Bomb
3
Noxian Fervor
3
Noxian Fervor
3
Scorched Earth
1
Scorched Earth
3
Wallop
2
Wallop
4
Puzzling Signposts
1
Puzzling Signposts
5
Portalpalooza
3
Portalpalooza

Samira Sion

For our fringest brew today, yet another deck to which Samira brings her flair. Hurry up if you want to take this one for a spin – the nerfs, they are a-comin'! =)

Regions
Noxus
24 cards
Bandlecity
16 cards
Rarities
30 000
champion
6
epic
6
rare
10
common
18
eternal
standard
Mana cost
0
0
15
1
18
2
1
3
0
4
0
5
0
6
6
7+
Champions
6
2
Samira
3
Samira
7
Sion
3
Sion
Followers
22
1
Crimson Pigeon
3
Crimson Pigeon
1
Reborn Grenadier
3
Reborn Grenadier
1
Yordle Squire
3
Yordle Squire
2
Fallen Rider
3
Fallen Rider
2
Grave Physician
3
Grave Physician
2
Squeaker
3
Squeaker
3
Bilgerat Rascal
1
Bilgerat Rascal
8
Lost Soul
3
Lost Soul
Spells
12
1
Pie Toss
3
Pie Toss
1
Scrapheap
3
Scrapheap
2
Electro Harpoon
3
Electro Harpoon
2
Salt And Stitches
3
Salt And Stitches

Wrapping Up

The Top Dogs have been the same for nearly two weeks – although here are some up-and-comers willing to take a shot at the Juggernauts, it looks like we'll need the Balance Patch next week to really shake things up in Runeterra!


If you have any questions or comments, or more data you may need, feel free to:

Poke me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerkoKerghans,

Or find more writings on substack: https://riwan.substack.com/


Technical Note – About overall archetypes and specific decks, and what we mean by "LoR best decks"

Most data sites (including our LoR Meta Tier List, and our meta stats page) and articles like Leer's Legends of Runeterra Meta Decks Report sort LoR meta decks by archetype ("Archetype" being the aggregate of all decks in LoR with a specific champion combination) – that's also how matchup tables are shown in pretty much all data sites.

In this article, we'll sort these decks by the best specific decklist for each archetype. And, whenever we talk about LoR decks in general, or best Legends of Runeterra decks in particular, we'll always be referring to specific lists (while reserving "archetype" to denominate the aggregate of all decks with a particular champion pair).

And, since in each archetype some decks fare better than others (and sometimes the difference is quite noticeable), we'll broadly group the best LoR decks in four arbitrary categories, by the number of games played in the data samples we check:

  • Juggernauts: LoR decks with more than 2100 games – these are the best tried-and-true meta decks in Legends of Runeterra at the time of writing.
  • Heavyweights: LoR decks with between 2100 and 900 games played – other excellent choices, with large enough samples to confidently say, "Yeah, this works."
  • Punching Up: LoR decks with between 900 and 400 games played – we're entering the Land of Small Sample Sizes here, but as far as numbers go, these decks can put up one hell of a fight into the current LoR meta.
  • YMMV: decks with less than 450 games in the last three days – fringe, risky stuff, but here's where you usually find the spice!

As a rule of thumb, LoR decks with a win rate (WR) above 52% catch our eye; above 53% are eye-widening, and anything with a WR over 55% is exceptional.

Sources: Legna's LoR data website, Mastering Runeterra Meta Tier List, and our LoR meta stats page.