As 2024 winds down, we’re catching glimpses of the major changes coming to Summoner’s Rift in the new year. However, one looming threat has players concerned—a tank meta that could dominate Season 2025 if certain item builds remain unchecked.
For long-time players, the term “tank meta” brings back haunting memories. It’s one of the most polarizing states of the game, where champions become nearly unkillable while dishing out massive damage.
If Riot doesn’t address the power of tanky itemization on certain mid-lane champions, we could be heading into one of the most oppressive metas in League of Legends history.
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The Tank Meta Returns: A Mid Lane Nightmare
The 2025 tank meta appears poised to make mid-lane mages unkillable juggernauts. Players familiar with past metas like tank Ekko or Viktor top may already see the writing on the wall. The resurgence of Iceborn Gauntlet is at the center of this meta shift. This item, reminiscent of its 2018 iteration, has been revamped for 2024 with added utility and power.
It provides tank stats, bonus damage, and crowd control while compensating for mana needs. Mages like Viktor thrive with this build, as his base ability damage allows him to remain potent without relying on traditional mage items.
But Viktor isn’t alone. Champions like Ahri, or Leblanc have also emerged as strong contenders for tank builds. Leblanc, in particular, has seen great success in streamers experimenting with tanky itemization.
While melee magical champions like Ekko still benefit from these items, ranged mages have a safer time in lane and can exploit this meta to its fullest potential.
Season 2025 Introduces Feats of Strength
Adding fuel to the fire, Riot is introducing Feats of Strength in Season 2025—a new mechanic tied to team objectives. Completing two out of three Feats grants exclusive access to special boot upgrades, many of which bolster tank stats.
The catch? Only one team can earn these upgrades. If a tanky mid-laner secures these bonuses, it creates a snowball effect, allowing them to dominate even harder while locking their opponents out of similar options. Teams falling behind in these objectives may find it nearly impossible to regain control of the map.
The Road Ahead: A Tank Meta for the Ages?
It’s still early days for this kind of playstyle, but players are already experimenting with tank builds on various mages. Iceborn Gauntlet has become a core item, and the Feats of Strength mechanic is set to amplify the tankiness of champions who already thrive in this playstyle.
If these changes arrive in 2025 without proper tuning, League of Legends could face one of its most frustrating metas yet.
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