Briar continues to reign supreme in the jungle of League of Legends, even after four successive nerfs. This champion’s journey from being underwhelming at launch to becoming a dominant force in the game’s meta is a tale of unexpected resilience and strength.
Early Days: Underestimation and the Rise
Initially, Briar was perceived as weak, prompting calls for buffs. However, Riot Games, the developers of League of Legends, held a different view. Their reluctance to buff Briar and their inclination towards nerfing instead proved prescient. As players invested time in mastering Briar, her win rates skyrocketed, affirming her as the top jungle champion.
The Numbers Speak: Briar’s Exceptional Stats
- Kills Per Game: Briar averages 10 or more kills, not just assists, across all ranks.
- Healing: Surprisingly, Briar ranks as the second highest healing champion, surpassed only by Zac.
Briar’s performance isn’t confined to high-level play; her prowess spans all ranks, leading to a 32% ban rate in games, a statistic that escalates in higher ranks.
The Unstoppable Force
Briar’s kit enables her to effortlessly penetrate the opponent’s backline, often requiring specific counters to be halted. Champions like Rammus, Alistar, Lissandra, and Skarner, with unique abilities, become necessary to manage her impact in the game.
The Concern: A Meta-Breaking Champion?
Briar’s need for specific counters raises concerns. There’s a growing fear that she might join the ranks of disruptive champions like Yuumi and Zeri. If Briar becomes average, she could potentially disrupt the meta in professional scenes and across various gameplay levels.
Briar dominating the Jungle in LoL esports
Despite the nerfs, Briar remains a force to be reckoned with in League of Legends. Players and developers alike must tread carefully to avoid her becoming the new K’Sante of 2024, potentially upsetting the game’s balance.