League of Legends - Staying on Top in the Bot Lane

The bot lane has a surprisingly diverse meta at the moment, but there are some champions that are clear better picks over others. Either for their DPS, maneuverability in teamfights or the usefulness of their abilities, these champions have been shining, especially in the competitive meta.

Kalista

Kalista’s kiting ability puts her within the top three AD carries in the current patch. She’s certainly a different experience than other AD carries, what with the unique auto attack animation, but that’s only a matter of practice. What makes Kalista so good right now is her ultimate. Some might think that because she lacks a straightforward damage ultimate like any of the others on this list, that she wouldn’t be worthy of a spot in the meta. What makes the ability great, however, is how much freedom it gives your support. Tanky or squishy, your support can afford to go even deeper into a fight and help out as much as possible because the moment they’re focused down Kalista can ult them to safety. Alternatively, her ultimate can be an awesome initiator in fights, it just comes down to the sharp eyes of the AD carry.

Supports that go well with Kalista: Soraka, Janna

Lucian

Though Lucian was nerfed (only just) he’ll still have no problems going toe to toe in the competitive ring. The trick to Lucian is to go for Essence Reaver first to focus on both Cooldown Reduction and crit chance. Picking up Lucidity Boots, Essence Reaver and an Infinity Edge will give you a very healthy amount of CDR, helping Lucian to shine. Some AD carries need attack speed, but because Lucian’s passive allows him a double auto attack after using an ability, all you need to do is have your abilities up as often as possible to get near constant double shots. In particular, Braum is a favored support with Lucian. When Braum gets a Concussive Blow on an enemy, Lucian can reach the four for the stun extremely quickly if he uses his abilities well.

Supports that go well with Lucian: Braum, Alistar

Kog'Maw

The name ‘Mouth of the Abyss’ really fits Kog’Maw in his current state. While Lucian is great with CDR, Kog’Maw feeds off of attack speed. Once you hit the Runaan’s Hurricane power spike and start using your Bio-Arcane Barrage, your trades will be absolutely bonkers. Entering mid and late game, the name of the game will become peel and protect the AD carry. Kog can deal out mountains of damage, but he needs the freedom to do so. If enemies are getting up in his grill, he’s not going to be able to throw down the damage he needs to be effective in a fight.

Supports that go well with Kog’Maw: Janna, Braum

Ezreal

When it comes to Ezreal, there’s nothing that stands out about him, he’s just a solid pick. His ability to kite - blue build or no - in addition to his poke allows him to farm well and deal out damage in teamfights with less than ideal positioning. Take care with your E, Arcane Shift, as it can make or break an Ezreal game. Sure, people in solo queue will tell you to never E into a fight, and they’re mostly right. Probably 7 times out of 10 you’ll want to save your E to dodge a bruiser or assassin, but if you see the opportunity for a kill on an important target, you should go for it IF you have the follow up and support of multiple team members. Sure you might get the kill, but having teammates right behind you to back you up will ensure you can successfully stare down your opponents.

Supports that go well with Ezreal: Alistar, Janna

Corki

The new Corki is quite a bit of fun. He’s still got the same burst and Trinity Force power spike, maybe a little more considering Thunderlord’s, but now he has a big package. Jokes aside, Corki’s package has made him a very interesting pick in the bot lane. Before he needed someone else to engage a good fight, but now his Valkyrie with package can be the initiation equivalent to a Gragas ultimate. It can be very sketchy, going ham into the enemy team, but in a weird way being in the eye of the storm creates a small safety cushion. By disrupting the enemy so much, potentially splitting them apart, their first concern is their own safety and whether or not they need to Flash away from an engage. While they’re worried about grouping back up you can either Valkyrie again for added safety or if you have the follow up of your teammates, go straight into bursting them down.

Supports that go well with Corki: Soraka, Janna

Robert 'Roscoe' Were