League of Legends Patch 9.6 tier list: ADC edition

Buffed champions

Neeko
As discussed above, Neeko getting that attack speed back particularly helps her in the ADC role. We’ll keep an eye out to see if Riot allows her to be played in this unique role, outside of where she was designed.

Caitlyn

I posited in the Patch 9.6 breakdown that I didn’t think Caitlyn would really be affected by the Patch 9.6 buffs to her ultimate. Caitlyn basically stayed exactly where she was in our last tier list, proving this buff really wasn’t enough to help her out. I don’t think she needs it, though, considering she’s still solidly in the A-tier.

Xayah

The buff to Xayah’s W attack speed, on the other hand, did improve her standing even if she didn’t move up in our tier list. Previously, she was on the border of being a C-tier champion. Now, she’s solidly a mid B-tier champion in the ADC role, making her mains happy but likely meaning she could use a few more minor buffs.

Nerfed champions

Ezreal/Double Tear build

Ezreal didn’t get direct nerfs in Patch 9.6, but the changes to Tear of the Goddess that prevent champions from buying multiple upgrades of the item was certainly targeted at the Prodigal Explorer. The change certainly seems to have had an impact, as he’s dropped from a mid-to-high A-tier ADC to now being mid-to-low A-tier. I think Ezreal will still be a solid pick if there are no further nerfs, but most sites don’t consider him to be S-tier right now.

What do you think about the state of the bot lane in Patch 9.6? Let us know in the comments!