LCK ADCs are Struggling in the New Season
At the start of the new season, from previous announcements by Riot, everyone understood that in 2026, the ADC position would receive significant buffs, from the mission system for each position to the fact that ADs would gain an additional item slot, increasing the number of items an AD player can carry in a match to a maximum of 7 (including Wards). However, it turns out that this is a factor that makes the ADC role even more challenging, at least in the LCK region up to now.
Previously, there were usually 2 types of ADs: one type needed maximum cover to gather as many resources as possible and would carry the team towards the end of the match, and the other group consisted of players who could “self-sustain” thanks to good laning and positioning in fights. But in the new season, this position has become too dangerous.
According to statistics from Gol.gg, the 2 ADCs with the fewest deaths so far are Smash and Ruler. However, neither of them has faced any of the top teams in the opponent’s table. In fact, the 2 teams that DK defeated are the 2 weakest teams in the Baron table. Meanwhile, players like Gumayusi, Peyz, Aiming… continually become the top targets for opponents every time they engage in battle.
Besides the fact that these players are choosing positions inadequately, there is another reason: taking down the enemy ADC as fast as possible is a prerequisite. Not to mention, the fact that top laners are now upgraded to level 20, along with some items for top laners and junglers being buffed, means ADCs must play with the highest concentration. Even in the match against NS, 2 combos from Scout and Kingen were solely aimed at Gumayusi, so quick that he couldn’t even Flash away.
As ADCs in the LCK Face More Challenges, Teamwork Must be Enhanced
Protecting the ADC is becoming an essential requirement, and as a result, the roles of other team members are becoming increasingly important. In the LCK Cup 2026, perhaps the team that executes these roles best will have a chance to lead their team to high results by the end of the season.