Independent labels, plainly explained
Champion tier lists: what do S+, S, A, B, C and D mean?
Champion tiers are a compact way for a publisher to group results or recommendations. They are not official Riot grades, and they only make sense when the patch, role, queue, rank bracket and method are visible.
Two uses of the same letters
Which S+ did you mean?
Choose by when and where you saw the label.
A champion tier is not the grade shown after your match.
Looking for the S+, S or A beside the champion you just played? Open the post-match champion grade guide.
The common ladder
S+ is normally the highest champion tier
Read this example from highest to lowest. There is no universal definition enforced across every tier-list site, so always check the publisher's method and filters.
Highest conventional bandLower bands
Exceptional in this exact dataset
The highest band used by many publishers. It normally means the champion stands out under the selected patch, role, queue and rank filters. It does not mean unbeatable.
Very strong
A consistently strong result within the source’s method. Small balance changes or a different skill bracket can still move it.
Strong or above the middle
Usually a dependable option with clear strengths. An A-tier champion can be a better personal choice than an unfamiliar S-tier champion.
Competitive middle
Often viable without dominating the measured field. Matchup knowledge, composition and comfort matter more here.
Situational or below the middle
May need a favourable matchup, a specialist plan or more execution. The label is not a warning that picking it is misconduct.
Weak in this comparison
The lowest listed band on many scales. It can reflect balance, difficulty, a poor role fit or limited evidence rather than an unusable champion.
Unranked or insufficient evidence
The source has not graded the champion-role combination, or the sample is too small. Unranked does not automatically mean bad.
Seven questions first
A trustworthy ranking tells you what it measured
If several of these are missing, treat the letter as a loose opinion rather than a precise conclusion.
- 1PatchWas it calculated for the version currently live?
- 2RoleIs this Top, Jungle, Mid, Bot or Support?
- 3QueueDraft, Ranked, Swiftplay and ARAM must not be blended carelessly.
- 4Rank bracketA champion can perform differently for newer and highly experienced players.
- 5Region and periodWhich servers and how many recent days are included?
- 6Sample sizeHow many eligible matches support this champion-role cell?
- 7MethodIs it win rate, pick/ban presence, an adjusted score or editorial judgement?
Why lists disagree
The same champion can correctly have several tiers
Support S · Mid C
A kit can fit one income pattern and lane job much better than another.
ARAM A · Ranked B
One lane, altered balance modifiers and faster access to fights create different evidence.
New-player B · expert S
Execution difficulty can suppress results until players reliably use the champion’s full kit.
16.15 S · 16.16 A
A balance change, item adjustment or metagame shift can move a champion immediately.
Do not mix the systems
Four labels that answer different questions
An independent comparison under selected filters.
Riot’s official progression for an account in a ranked queue.
Champion-specific experience and milestone progress.
A match-specific performance grade such as S+, S or A.
Use tiers constructively
Let the list widen your choices
Review several viable champions, then weigh familiarity, lane assignment, team needs and the matchup. An A-tier comfort pick can be a much better decision than copying an unfamiliar S+ champion.
Quick answers
Champion ranking questions
Is S+ through D the wrong way around?
No. This page uses the common descending order: S+ is the highest band and D is the lowest listed band. Independent publishers can define or omit bands differently.
Is S+ an official Riot champion rank?
No. Independent websites choose champion tier labels. Riot’s ranked ladder and post-game grades are separate.
Does S+ mean I should always pick that champion?
No. Check role, queue, patch and your familiarity. Team composition and matchup still matter.
Is a C-tier or experimental pick trolling?
No. A tier label does not determine conduct. Riot distinguishes genuine strategies from intentional feeding, sabotage and AFK behaviour.
Will VRC.LOL publish its own tiers?
Only when the source, filters, sample size and confidence can be shown clearly. Private Match-v5 research is not presented publicly while production API approval is pending.