Patch 25.12 Jungle Tier List: Who’s Ruling the Rift in League of Legends?

Patch 25.12 has landed in League of Legends, bringing a wave of champion adjustments that ripple through the jungle meta. With a significant mid-scope rework for Rammus, buffs to high-skill picks like Lee Sin and Nidalee, and nerfs targeting pro-play staples like Vi, the jungle remains a dynamic role where pathing, ganks, and objective control can make or break games. As players gear up for Solo Queue climbs and MSI 2025 looms on Patch 25.13, this jungle tier list breaks down the best champions to dominate the Rift in Patch 25.12. From S-tier powerhouses to low-elo stompers, here’s who’s ruling the jungle and how to leverage them for victory.

Patch 25.12 Jungle Meta Overview

The jungle meta in Patch 25.12 is defined by stability at the top, with versatile gankers and durable bruisers maintaining dominance, while mid-tier picks gain ground thanks to targeted buffs. Riot’s focus on minor tweaks—27 champions adjusted, including buffs to Lee Sin, Bel’Veth, and Nidalee, and nerfs to Vi and Azir—aims to promote diversity without shaking up the meta too drastically before MSI. Key trends include:

• Early Gank Pressure: Champions like Jarvan IV and Nocturne excel at early skirmishes and bot-lane dives, securing leads for ADCs like Zeri.

• Objective Control: Durable picks like Volibear and Rammus shine at securing dragons and Rift Heralds, especially with Soaring Slam’s structure damage buff for Rammus.

• Scaling Options: High-skill junglers like Lee Sin and Nidalee reward mastery with outplay potential, while Diana scales hard into teamfights.

• Rammus Rework Impact: The Armordillo’s new magic resist scaling and Powerball buffs make him a viable counter to AP-heavy teams, though his win rate (~47.35–49.59% in Emerald+, per LoLalytics) suggests a learning curve.

Jungle Tier List for Patch 25.12

This tier list is curated for Solo Queue, focusing on Emerald+ divisions but with insights for low-elo players (Bronze to Platinum). Rankings are based on win rates, pick/ban rates, and matchup data from sources like Mobalytics, LoLalytics, and LoLNOW.gg, alongside community feedback.

OP-Tier: Meta-Defining Junglers

These champions dominate with strong clears, ganks, and scaling, making them priority picks or bans.

• Jarvan IV (Win Rate: ~51.2%, Pick Rate: 8.5%)
  Jarvan IV remains the king of versatility, excelling at early ganks with Demacian Standard (E) + Dragon Strike (Q) and teamfight engages with Cataclysm (R). His simplicity and objective control make him a go-to for all ranks.

  • Why Pick? Strong skirmishing, reliable CC, and synergy with ADCs like Zeri or Tristana.

  • Build: Sundered Sky, Black Cleaver, Guardian Angel. Runes: Conqueror, Triumph, Legend: Alacrity.

  • Tips: Gank bot at level 3 after red buff. Use E-Q-R combo to trap squishies. Ban if you can’t counter his early pressure.

  • Best For: All elos, especially Platinum+.

• Nocturne (Win Rate: ~50.8%, Ban Rate: 12.3%)
  Nocturne’s global pressure with Paranoia (R) and fast clears make him a Solo Queue terror. His straightforward kit punishes overextended laners, earning him a high ban rate.

  • Why Pick? Easy to execute, strong dueling, and snowball potential.

  • Build: Stridebreaker, Collector, Black Cleaver. Runes: Lethal Tempo, Triumph, Legend: Alacrity.

  • Tips: Gank at level 6 with R to secure kills. Ward enemy jungle to track counter-ganks.

  • Best For: Low to mid elo (Bronze–Gold), where his ultimate catches players off-guard.

S-Tier: Top-Tier Carry Picks

These junglers are strong but require slightly more skill or specific conditions to shine.

• Volibear (Win Rate: ~51.0%, Pick Rate: 6.7%)
  Volibear’s tankiness, dueling power, and Stormbringer (R) for turret dives make him a dominant pick. His ability to soak damage and disrupt backlines is unmatched.

  • Why Pick? Durable, great for chaotic low-elo games, and strong objective control.

  • Build: Hollow Radiance, Thornmail, Spirit Visage. Runes: Press the Attack, Triumph, Legend: Tenacity.

  • Tips: Dive bot with R at level 6. Build MR against AP-heavy teams (e.g., Diana mid).

  • Best For: All elos, especially Silver–Platinum.

• Lee Sin (Win Rate: ~49.8%, Pick Rate: 10.2%)
  Buffs to Lee Sin’s early clear and damage in Patch 25.12 push him back to S-tier, as noted by

  @SolariCup

  . His creative kit allows for outplays, but he demands mechanical skill.

  • Why Pick? High outplay potential, strong early ganks, and snowball capability.

  • Build: Eclipse, Black Cleaver, Maw of Malmortius. Runes: Conqueror, Triumph, Legend: Alacrity.

  • Tips: Practice Insec kicks in normals before ranked. Gank mid early to snowball.

  • Best For: High elo (Diamond+), where players maximize his skill ceiling.

• Warwick (Win Rate: ~52.1%, Pick Rate: 4.5%)
  Warwick is a low-elo stomper with insane sustain, dueling power, and a point-and-click Infinite Duress (R). His simplicity makes him ideal for beginners.

  • Why Pick? Easy mechanics, strong 1v1, and forgiving clears.

  • Build: Titanic Hydra, Thornmail, Spirit Visage. Runes: Press the Attack, Triumph, Legend: Tenacity.

  • Tips: Invade enemy jungle at level 3 if ahead. Use R to lock down ADCs like Zeri.

  • Best For: Low elo (Bronze–Silver).

A-Tier: Strong and Reliable

These junglers are viable with solid performance but lack the dominance of higher tiers.

• Rammus (Win Rate: ~47.35–49.59%, Pick Rate: 1.7%)
  Rammus’s Patch 25.12 rework boosts his Powerball (Q) slow and adds magic resist scaling, making him a tanky counter to AP junglers like Diana or Nidalee. His Soaring Slam (R) now deals double damage to structures, aiding objective control.

  • Why Pick? Strong against auto-attackers (e.g., Zeri) and AP-heavy teams.

  • Build: Thornmail, Abyssal Mask, Plated Steelcaps. Runes: Aftershock, Font of Life, Unflinching.

  • Tips: Gank bot after level 4 with Q-E-W combo. Build MR (Force of Nature) against AP comps.

  • Best For: Mid elo (Gold–Platinum), situational counterpick.

• Diana (Win Rate: ~50.3%, Pick Rate: 3.8%)
  Diana’s burst damage and Moonfall (R) make her a strong AP jungler, especially in low elo where her dueling and teamfight impact shine. She’s harder to shut down early post-buffs.

  • Why Pick? Fast clears, high burst, and AOE teamfight potential.

  • Build: Hextech Rocketbelt, Lich Bane, Zhonya’s Hourglass. Runes: Conqueror, Triumph, Legend: Alacrity.

  • Tips: Gank mid or bot at level 6 with R. Ward your jungle to avoid invades.

  • Best For: Low to mid elo (Bronze–Gold).

• Bel’Veth (Win Rate: ~49.5%, Pick Rate: 2.9%)
  Bel’Veth’s buffs enhance her clear speed and scaling, making her a hyper-carry in skilled hands. Her Endless Banquet (R) thrives in extended fights.

  • Why Pick? Strong scaling, objective control, and skirmishing power.

  • Build: Kraken Slayer, Blade of the Ruined King, Death’s Dance. Runes: Conqueror, Triumph, Legend: Alacrity.

  • Tips: Focus on farming until level 6. Use R to secure Void Coral at dragons.

  • Best For: Mid to high elo (Gold–Diamond).

• Nidalee (Win Rate: ~48.7%, Pick Rate: 3.2%)
  Nidalee’s clear speed and gank power improve with buffs, but her high skill ceiling limits her to experienced players. Her Javelin Toss (Q) punishes squishies.

  • Why Pick? High mobility, strong early ganks, and outplay potential.

  • Build: Lich Bane, Shadowflame, Rabadon’s Deathcap. Runes: Dark Harvest, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection.

  • Tips: Land Q for max damage before cougar combo. Gank bot early to snowball.

  • Best For: High elo (Diamond+).

B-Tier: Viable but Situational

These junglers work in specific scenarios or with experienced players but lack universal strength.

• Hecarim (Win Rate: ~49.0%, Pick Rate: 3.5%)
  Hecarim’s mobility and Onslaught of Shadows (R) make him a strong pick for skirmish-heavy games, as noted by

  @SolariCup

  . He struggles against tanky comps.

  • Why Pick? Fast clears, strong ganks, and teamfight engages.

  • Build: Spear of Shojin, Black Cleaver, Death’s Dance. Runes: Phase Rush, Nimbus Cloak, Celerity.

  • Tips: Gank mid with E-R combo at level 4. Build MR against AP-heavy teams.

  • Best For: Mid elo (Gold–Platinum).

• Shaco (Win Rate: ~49.2%, Pick Rate: 2.8%)
  Shaco’s cheese potential with Deceive (Q) and Jack in the Box (W) makes him a niche pick for specialists, as highlighted on X. He falls off without early leads.

  • Why Pick? Strong invades, mind games, and early pressure.

  • Build: Profane Hydra, Voltaic Cyclosword, Opportunity. Runes: Hail of Blades, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection.

  • Tips: Invade enemy red at level 2 with boxes. Ward your jungle to avoid counter-jungling.

  • Best For: High elo (Diamond+), one-tricks.

• Vi (Win Rate: ~47.8%, Pick Rate: 4.0%)
  Vi’s nerfs in Patch 25.12, targeting her W and E scaling, lower her win rate, especially in low elo (~46.5%, per LoLNOW.gg). Her Cease and Desist (R) still locks down carries.

  • Why Pick? Reliable CC, decent clears, and dive potential.

  • Build: Eclipse, Trinity Force, Sterak’s Gage. Runes: Hail of Blades, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection.

  • Tips: Gank bot at level 6 with R. Build tankier (Thornmail) against AD-heavy teams.

  • Best For: Mid elo (Gold–Platinum), situational.

C-Tier: Weak or Niche

These junglers struggle in the meta or require specific conditions to succeed.

• Skarner (Win Rate: ~46.2%, Pick Rate: 1.5%)
  Skarner’s slow clears and reliance on team coordination make him weak in Solo Queue, despite pro-play value.

  • Why Pick? Strong engage with Impale (R), decent tankiness.

  • Build: Heartsteel, Thornmail, Sunfire Aegis. Runes: Grasp of the Undying, Shield Bash, Conditioning.

  • Tips: Gank with flash-R at level 6. Focus on objectives over kills.

  • Best For: Coordinated play (Clash, Flex).

• Brand (Win Rate: ~45.8%, Pick Rate: 1.2%)
  Brand’s full-AP jungle struggles with mobility and gank reliability, making him a risky pick.

  • Why Pick? High AOE damage, good against grouped enemies.

  • Build: Liandry’s Torment, Rylai’s Crystal Scepter, Zhonya’s Hourglass. Runes: Dark Harvest, Cheap Shot, Eyeball Collection.

  • Tips: Use Blaze (P) for objective burns. Gank with E-Q stun combo.

  • Best For: Low elo (Bronze–Silver), fun picks.

• Rengar (Win Rate: ~46.0%, Pick Rate: 2.0%)
  Rengar’s high skill floor and reliance on bush control make him underwhelming in Patch 25.12. He needs a perfect path to snowball.

  • Why Pick? High burst, strong against squishies.

  • Build: Profane Hydra, Youmuu’s Ghostblade, Edge of Night. Runes: First Strike, Magical Footwear, Future’s Market.

  • Tips: Gank mid with R at level 6. Ward bushes to avoid counter-jungling.

  • Best For: High elo (Diamond+), one-tricks.

Best Junglers for Your Elo

• Low Elo (Bronze–Silver): Warwick, Nocturne, and Volibear are ideal due to their simple mechanics, strong sustain, and ability to carry chaotic games. Warwick’s dueling and Nocturne’s ultimate thrive in uncoordinated matches.

• Mid Elo (Gold–Platinum): Jarvan IV, Rammus, and Diana offer reliability and counterpick potential. Rammus counters ADCs like Zeri, while Diana scales into teamfights.

• High Elo (Diamond+): Lee Sin, Nidalee, and Bel’Veth reward mechanical skill and map control. Lee Sin’s buffs make him a must-pick for outplay-focused players.

Ban Priorities and Counterplay

• Top Bans: Nocturne, Jarvan IV, and Volibear are high-impact threats with strong early games and scaling. Ban Nocturne in low elo for his global pressure or Jarvan IV in high elo for his versatility.

• Countering the Meta:

  • Against Jarvan IV: Pick mobile junglers like Nidalee to kite his E-Q combo. Ward river to spot early ganks.

  • Against Nocturne: Buy Control Wards for river bushes and stay grouped after level 6 to counter Paranoia (R).

  • Against Rammus: Pick AP junglers like Diana or Brand to bypass his armor scaling. Build Morellonomicon for anti-heal.

Why Patch 25.12 Matters for Junglers

Patch 25.12’s jungle meta is stable yet diverse, rewarding players who master early ganks, objective control, and teamfight engages. Jarvan IV, Nocturne, and Volibear lead the pack, while Rammus’s rework and buffs to Lee Sin and Nidalee open new opportunities. With MSI 2025 approaching, pro play may see picks like Rammus or Bel’Veth for their objective focus, but Solo Queue favors straightforward carries.

Conclusion: Rule the Rift with Patch 25.12’s Top Junglers

Patch 25.12’s jungle meta offers something for every player, from Warwick’s low-elo dominance to Lee Sin’s high-elo outplays. Whether you’re rolling with Rammus’s reworked Powerball, ganking with Jarvan IV’s Cataclysm, or diving with Nocturne’s Paranoia, these champions give you the edge to carry games. Experiment with the builds and tips above, adapt to your elo, and share your favorite jungle picks in the comments! Who’s your go-to jungler in Patch 25.12, and how are you climbing? Let us know, and happy hunting on the Rift!

Patch 25.12 Jungle Tier List: Who’s Ruling the Rift in League of Legends?