Top League of Legends Junglers for Patch 15.2 (2025)

In the dynamic world of League of Legends (LoL), the jungle role consistently proves to be one of the most unpredictable positions. With the recent launch of patch 15.2, the meta has shifted once again, bringing certain champions to the forefront while others fade from prominence. Let’s explore the current top junglers and the best strategies for each.

Historically, tank champions have enjoyed sustained success due to their resilience across multiple patches. The arrival of the 2025 season has expanded this trend, introducing stronger options from various champion categories. This diversity allows junglers to adapt based on their team’s specific requirements, whether they need additional Ability Power (AP), Attack Damage (AD), or Crowd Control (CC).

To help you navigate these choices, we’ve compiled a comprehensive tier list detailing the current best junglers in League of Legends, along with insights into why these champions excel in the current patch.

Current Jungle Tier List

TIER	CHAMPION
S	Viego, Wukong, Hecarim, Skarner, Diana, Jarvan IV
A	Lee Sin, Nocturne, Shaco, Kindred, Bel’Veth, Nunu & Willump, Fiddlesticks, Xin Zhao, Warwick, Amumu, Vi
B	Volibear, Briar, Rek’Sai, Pantheon, Zac, Lilia, Zyra, Sejuani, Graves, Elise, Kha’Zix, Ekko, Kayn, Karthus
C	Talon, Rengar, Evelynn

The significant changes introduced in the 2025 season have shifted jungle dynamics, particularly emphasizing the importance of securing camps for objectives via the new Feats of Strength system. As a result, champion popularity has adapted accordingly.

While Tier 3 boots’ impact has been moderated, dominating the jungle remains crucial. Our top-tier selections should effectively navigate this competitive landscape.

Skarner and Viego continue to dominate the S-Tier, showcasing remarkable strength early in the season. Wukong also remains a steadfast favorite among junglers.

Understanding the Tier Structure

S: The best champions available
A: Strong options, though others excel further
B: Situationally effective choices
C: Generally best avoided unless preferred

S-Tier Champions in League of Legends

Viego

Among all jungle champions, Viego excels at accelerating game momentum. His effectiveness is especially pronounced in the current meta, allowing players to snowball effectively. If you can maintain an even footing or gain a lead heading into the mid-game, Viego becomes nearly unstoppable in teamfights.

Although he may pose a challenge for new players to master, Viego offers a flexible playstyle. He can aggressively gank or patiently farm camps and secure objectives before joining team engagements.

Optimal Runes for Viego

Viego optimum rune page in League of Legends — Image courtesy of dexerto/Riot Games

When playing as Viego, utilize a Precision Rune setup focusing on Conqueror, Triumph, Legend: Alacrity, and Coup de Grace. Enhance your effectiveness with Slightly Magical Footwear, Cosmic Insight, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health.

Wukong

Wukong has reasserted himself as a top jungler across various ELOs, providing a plethora of tools for effective gameplay. He offers a valuable combination of disengagement, scaling potential, and strong teamfight presence, enhanced by notable burst damage.

While his tankiness may be a concern, his toolkit compensates for this limitation, making him a reliable choice, especially in the lower ELO brackets.

Optimal Runes for Wukong

Wukong optimum rune page in League of Legends — Image courtesy of dexerto/Riot Games

Wukong benefits from a similar rune setup to Viego, albeit with slight adjustments. Utilize Conqueror, Triumph, and Legend: Alacrity as core runes, with Last Stand taking the final node for enhanced survival during skirmishes. For his secondary tree, opt for Magical Footwear, Cosmic Insight, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health.

Hecarim

Hecarim is an excellent choice for players who struggle with positioning in the jungle. His impressive movement speed allows for effective escapes and navigation throughout the game. He boasts a balanced early game, enabling different strategies based on your opponent’s strengths.

Strong early ganks align well with the current meta and can significantly influence the game’s early phases. However, Hecarim’s aggressive positioning in fights can leave him vulnerable if caught off-guard, necessitating patience before committing to engagements.

Optimal Runes for Hecarim

Hecarim optimum rune page in League of Legends — Image courtesy of dexerto/Riot Games

For Hecarim, a combination of Sorcery and Precision runes is recommended. Focus on Phase Rush, Nimbus Cloak, Celerity, and Waterwalking to maximize mobility across the map. In the Precision tree, choose Triumph, Legend: Haste, Adaptive Force (x2), and additional health for survivability.

Skarner

Skarner is a rare sight in professional games due to consistent bans, but for higher-level ELO players, he is a powerful candidate. His resilience becomes crucial in later stages of the game, where his ultimate ability can be a game-changer in teamfights.

Skarner’s mobility enables him to excel in map pressure, forcing enemies to place vision carefully or risk being surprised. It’s crucial to stay even or slightly behind early on, as his late-game strength can dominate battles after the 30-minute mark.

Optimal Runes for Skarner

Skarner optimum rune page in League of Legends — Image courtesy of dexerto/Riot Games

Skarner is best paired with the Resolve tree, allowing for maximum sustain and tankiness. Choose Grasp of the Undying, Shield Bash, Conditioning, and Overgrowth to enhance his capacity to endure through battles. For the secondary tree, utilize **Inspiration**, featuring Magical Footwear and Approach Velocity, supplemented by ability haste and health options.

Diana

Diana stands as a premier choice for those wanting to eliminate opponents efficiently. Her rapid camp clear combined with outstanding assassination capabilities cement her as a top-tier jungler in 2025. Mastering her ultimate allows for impactful engagements, closing gaps effectively during skirmishes.

Though she might appear complex, her gameplay isn’t as intimidating as it may seem, and players can customize their builds based on their preferred style. With substantial burst damage available, getting ahead early often results in unstoppable dominance for Diana.

Optimal Runes for Diana

Diana optimum rune page in League of Legends — Image courtesy of dexerto/Riot Games

To maximize Diana’s potential, utilize the Precision and Inspiration trees in that order. Key choices include Conqueror, Triumph, Legend: Alacrity, and Coup de Grace, complemented by items that offer Magical Footwear, Cosmic Insight, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health.

Jarvan IV

Jarvan IV excels as an early-game jungler, providing significant advantages for securing epic monster camps independently, crucial under the new Feat of Strength system. His dueling capabilities and teamfight engagement tools assist in snowballing games swiftly.

Even if he falls behind, his team utility remains valuable, making him a reliable ally. Additionally, his straightforward gameplay makes him an excellent choice for beginners in the jungle role.

Optimal Runes for Jarvan IV

Jarvan IV optimum rune page in League of Legends — Image courtesy of dexerto/Riot Games

For Jarvan IV, replicate the successful rune configurations utilized for Viego. Stick to the Precision Rune setup as the primary path, featuring Conqueror, Triumph, Legend: Alacrity, and Coup de Grace. End your build with Slightly Magical Footwear, Cosmic Insight, Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Health for the best performance in your games.

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