LoR: 15 New Decks for the April 2025 Rotation

The April 2025 Legends of Runeterra rotation is finally here, and the Standard meta has changed a lot already!

In this article, we'll show you 15 new decks for the ranked queue with the cards that just rotated into Standard again.

These lists aren't considered meta yet, but they might stand out in the ranked queue because of how strong they have been in the past.

Let's see them!

Azir Irelia

Let's start with the elephant in the room. Yes, Azir and Irelia are both in Standard now - that is, the most hated deck in the history of the game is Standard-legal again.

This list is always extremely strong and popular, and will probably define the meta this season as well.

Furthermore, considering the new Standard card pool, this meta will most likely be faster than usual, and, as such, Azir Irelia might become one of the main stars quite soon.

For now, there is no clear or obvious counter for this list. However, this deck does lose to other aggressive lists, particularly if they play many Fearsome or Overwhelm units. It might also struggle against control lists with lots of healing and pings.

Poros

Poros, one of the most versatile archetypes of all time, has also returned to Standard. This is the traditional version with Freljord, plenty of protection spells, and Poro Herder as card draw.

However, this archetype can play literally all regions, so it's up to your taste and creativity. You can basically build this list however you like most, and still win many matches with it.

Depending on how the meta evolves, this archetype - or one of its most refined versions - can become meta, as well as perform really well in tournaments as a rogue list.

Tristana Teemo + Gnar

This old classic, one of the most aggressive LoR decks of all time, has also returned.

It is one of the few lists that can combine value and aggression.

It might also be one of the best alternatives to beat Azir Irelia, particularly considering it is very well-rounded. If you want to climb ranks fast and rather easily, it is a great choice as well.

Warden of the Tribes

One of the few slow Midrange lists left in Standard is Warden of the Tribes with Neeko and Gnar.

This list is extremely consistent and easy to pilot, so I highly recommend it if you're a beginner or have just started playing ranked matches.

It also performs really well in tournaments as a rogue option in aggressive lineups.

Neeko Noxus - Evil Neeko

"Evil Neeko" is a classic aggressive list that focuses on filling the board with strong units that, in turn, have great keywords and stats.

Just like all Neeko lists, it is easy to play, so it is great for beginners.

It is often also one of the fastest and most powerful lists in the game. Very few archetypes can compete with the incredible units this list plays on curve.

Furthermore, it also creates a decent amount of value whenever needed.

In fact, "bricking" with it is practically impossible.

Draven Jinx

Our last aggressive list is Draven Jinx. Though it has been, historically, the fastest deck in the game, this particular version is not that fast.

The idea behind it is to fill the board with 6 units as fast as possible so you can get the most out of Crowd Favorite's and Arena Battlecaster's effects. As such, it is more like a combo than an aggro, and also doesn't play a lot of burn.

In any case, this list is still incredibly strong and consistent. The only issue is that it becomes quite weak if your opponent manages to answer your early game board.

Swain Norra

Noxus Control is back and will probably be one of the best options to answer the meta if Neeko lists and other fast Midrange lists become too popular.

This version focuses on Teenydactyl, which will basically carry the entire match on its back if you manage to deal non-combat damage to your opponent every turn. With it, you'll level up Swain incredibly fast, and will finish matches even faster.

Transform

The classic Transform archetype has returned to Standard, and can also become quite powerful in the meta, particularly later on.

The reason behind this is that it is a bit difficult to pilot, and many players fail to get good results with it. However, as this is one of the few lists that can play Deny in this meta, it often pops in and out. In one week, it is the best deck in the game, in the other, it is gone, and so on and so forth until the season is over.

It is an extremely unique list that doesn't have many counters and is always well-positioned in the meta.

Fizz Samira

Fizz Samira is back, but a few of its key pieces are not Standard-legal.

In any case, it might be interesting, and many veterans like playing it on the ranked queue. The version above will certainly not remain the same as the weeks go on.

Rubin's Pile

One of the most unique LoR archetypes of all time, "Rubin's Pile" (a Piltover & Zaun/Targon list that focuses on Celestials), has returned as well, though it looks a bit different.

This version focuses more on Vi, who, with The Winding Light, can win the game by herself.

The main idea behind this list is to control the enemy board, deal a lot of damage with Ballistic Bot as the turns go on, and, later on, finish it with Vi or some Celestial.

Azir Hecarim

This was one of the most powerful lists in the last 2024 Standard meta, and it is now fully available in this format again.

This deck will probably remain one of the strongest decks in the meta. It is an extremely consistent all-in list that deals a lot of damage very early on, and doesn't let the opponent answer at all.

It also has a great late game with The Harrowing, which is always efficient.

As there aren't many Control lists in this meta, very few players will be ready to beat this archetype in the first few weeks.

Zombie Ashe

One of the few Control lists in this meta is Zombie Ashe, which is great against Neeko lists and other fast Midrange archetypes. It is also great against lists that put many units in play.

The idea is to put Ashe in play on curve and attack with her without worrying about her dying, all while you control the enemy board. At the end of the match, you'll play The Harrowing to bring back all your Ashes or giant Rimefang Packs with Overwhelm.

Kai’Sa Evelynn

Though simple, with incredibly predictable plays, this list is consistent and could be powerful enough to become one of the best decks for the ranked queue in this meta.

What makes it so powerful are Evelynn's husks, which can change the course of the match and win games that were theoretically impossible or unfavorable, all because of their random keywords.

For instance, if you get an Elusive or Tough husk, Aggro matchups will be easier. Spellshield husks can be great in Control matchups.

Leona Diana Midrange

Another somewhat aggressive list is Leona Daybreak with Kayle and Diana.

This is the best Midrange list in the game if you get all the cards you need at the right time. However, it often loses to itself because it bricks rather easily.

Other than that, it is a very competitive list that is usually strong in tournaments, too.

This particular version uses a few Nightfall cards and finishes matches with The Winding Light.

Siren Song Lucian Illaoi

Siren Song archetypes almost returned to Standard in full. The only card missing is Xolaani the Bloodweaver, and, unfortunately, without her, these lists don't really work all that well.

One of the few versions of this archetype that doesn't play Xolaani is this Lucian Illaoi list that focuses on Tentacles instead.

It is a typical Midrange/Combo Illaoi list, but it plays Siren Song and a few 1-cost cards that are often quite powerful.

It is very similar to the traditional version. The only difference is that it is a bit slow because it doesn't play Vayne or Jarvan IV.

If you read this far, thank you! I hope you had fun and enjoyed reading this article.

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See you next time!