Riot Games addresses the bot lane mage meta, revealing their real concerns

The growing number of mages in the bot lane is causing much discussion among League of Legends players. Yet Riot Games has indicated they are not looking to entirely eradicate this approach, but rather to restrict a variation that undermines healthy game balance.

Riot does not object to bot lane mages

Following MSI 2026, picks like Ziggs are being prioritized in the bot lane over classic marksmen. The ability to clear waves quickly, poke from long range, and operate independently gives mages a very distinct playstyle compared to the standard meta.

According to Riot Phroxzon, Riot Games does not see mages in the bot lane as a problem that needs elimination. After about two to three weeks of popularity, players have begun to adapt and find countermeasures, allowing the meta to self-correct over time.

Riot is even okay with two ranged carries or two mages sharing the bot lane, provided they both engage in the laning phase and interact with opponents.

The real issue lies in roaming supports

Riot's discontent stems from bot lane mages being paired with supports that can roam too early.

In this scenario, a champion like Ziggs can hold the lane solo from afar, continuously clearing waves and defending the tower. Meanwhile, the support is freed to roam to the mid lane or coordinate with the jungler to exert map-wide pressure.

This playstyle puts traditional marksmen at a major disadvantage. Most AD carries are not designed to constantly fight in a 1v2 situation, especially in the early game when their self-peel options are limited.

Riot believes this is the factor that needs intervention in future updates, rather than directly nerfing the entire group of bot lane mages.

Marksmen will continue to receive support

In parallel with managing roaming supports, Riot Games is also seeking to improve the AD carry experience. Several key items and runes, such as Berserker's Greaves and Fleet Footwork, are being considered for buffs.

Riot's objective is not to revert the bot lane to an era of only AD carries, but to create an environment where various playstyles can coexist without making any role completely unable to have impact.

Should the forthcoming changes be effective, the LoL meta may still see mages in the bot lane, but the strategy of leaving the primary carry to solo defend while the support roams constantly is likely to be severely restricted.