League of Legends: How to counter Teemo top on Patch 9.21

League of Legends. Photo courtesy of Riot Games.
League of Legends. Photo courtesy of Riot Games. /
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Teemo. League of Legends
League of Legends. Photo courtesy of Riot Games. /

On the dawn of Patch 9.21, we take a look at what makes Teemo so strong and how to counter the Yordle in the top lane.

All throughout Patch 9.20 Teemo grew in popularity and his win rate skyrocketed up to an alarming 51.87%. In yesterday’s Patch 9.21 notes, it was revealed that the Swift Scout will not be receiving any nerfs to combat his top lane oppression and will continue to haunt your solo queue games for the next few weeks.

As a result, we thought it would be best to share some potential solutions for the top lane mains who are sick of seeing Teemo and would like to regain some LP before the season comes to a close. But first of all, let’s establish how and why Teemo has become such a top lane menace over the last few patches:

Patch 9.18 Buffs

Back in September, Teemo received a small buff that involved increased ultimate charges at levels 6 and 11, as well as a QoL buff regarding the Scuttle Crab. Having more mushrooms available in the mid to late game improves Teemo’s damage output within teamfights, resulting in more victories overall.

Range Advantage

For top lane mains, there’s nothing more annoying than coming up against a ranged opponent. Gnar, Quinn, Teemo; they all make the list. Being ranged allows Teemo to trade and poke without reply during the laning phase, reducing his enemy to low HP, and farming freely for an early gold advantage.

Two Item Spike

In the current meta, those who spike on one or two items rule and Teemo is a member of that club. After picking up a Liandry’s Torment, Nashor’s Tooth, and some Sorcerer’s Shoes for good measure, Teemo’s damage output reaches its peak and he is likely to win any trade or skirmish he’s involved in at that point of the game. On top of that, his mushrooms have the potential to blow up an enemy squishy to well below 50% health, forcing them to recall (or die), and gaining map control.

Tilt Factor

And how could we not include the strongest aspect of Teemo’s kit – the global taunt. Simply knowing that you’re up against an enemy Teemo is enough to put you on edge, no less when you hear that obnoxious laugh. There is nothing more infuriating in League of Legends than a fed Teemo giggling over your dead champion’s body, forcing your cursor to hover over the “Leave Game” button.