Understanding the role of adc in league of legends

Af Simon - 26 Nov 2025

The ADC, or "Attack Damage Carry", is one of the most pivotal roles in League of Legends ADC gameplay. Positioned in the bot lane alongside a support champion, the ADC is responsible for dealing sustained physical damage throughout the match, especially in team fights. Mastering the ADC role requires sharp mechanics, an eye for positioning, and a strong understanding of the game’s flow.

The Core Responsibilities of an ADC

The primary objective of an ADC is to deal consistent damage, particularly in late-game scenarios. Unlike burst mages or bruisers, ADCs rely on basic attacks enhanced by critical strike items to whittle down opponents over time.

Farming and Gold Efficiency

Gold income is critical for ADCs, as they rely heavily on powerful items like Kraken Slayer, Infinity Edge, or Galeforce to maximize their damage output. Early in the game, the focus is on last-hitting minions and maintaining lane presence with the help of a support partner.

Positioning and Survival

One of the trademarks of a good ADC is superb positioning. A well-positioned ADC can single-handedly turn the tide of a team fight. On the other hand, poor positioning often leads to quick eliminations due to the naturally low durability of the role.

Late Game Carry Potential

While early gameplay is often dictated by junglers and laning phase skirmishes, ADCs typically shine in the mid to late game. With the right set of items and a frontline to protect them, ADCs become formidable threats capable of turning the course of an entire match.

Popular ADC Champions and Their Playstyles

There are many champions that fulfill the ADC role effectively, each offering different playstyles suited to various strategies and skill levels.

Jhin - The Virtuoso

Jhin is a unique ADC who combines high burst damage with artistic flair. His fourth shot criticals and his ultimate “Curtain Call” enable him to influence fights from long range, making him ideal for players who prioritize positioning and timing over raw attack speed.

Caitlyn - The Lane Bully

Caitlyn excels in laning phase due to her extensive range and trap utility. She is a safe pick for many match-ups and provides strong poke and zoning tools in the early game, which can translate into an early turret advantage and map control.

Kai’Sa - The Versatile Threat

Kai’Sa is known for her hybrid damage, mobility, and adaptability through her itemization. She’s a popular choice for players who want to impact every stage of the game, from early skirmishes to late-game assassinations.

Synergy with Support Champions

The success of an ADC is closely tied to their laning partner. Synergy between an ADC and their support can dictate the outcome of the bottom lane and often influence the momentum of the game.

Engage Supports

Champions like Leona and Nautilus help ADCs gain early kills through crowd control and strong initiation. ADCs who pair with engage supports are often expected to follow through with high burst and aggressive movement.

Enchanter Supports

Supports like Lulu, Janna, and Nami enhance the survivability and mobility of ADCs. These pairings are well-suited for scaling into the late game, where ADCs can dish out damage from behind the protection of shields and heals.

Conclusion

Playing ADC in League of Legends is both rewarding and demanding. It requires a deep understanding of positioning, map awareness, and itemization. Whether you're a newcomer picking up Caitlyn or a seasoned veteran mastering Jhin, there’s always room to grow in this high-impact role. With the right skills and a solid support by your side, you can become the cornerstone of your team’s victory.