In pro-level League of Legends: Wild Rift matches, each team’s players have one of five distinct roles to play. How these roles work together is different in every team, with various formations shaping where pressure comes from across the three “lanes” in Wild Rift’s map, how fights start and how matches are won.

To set the stage, here’s the quick version of the five roles! The Baron Lane (also known as Solo Lane) player tends to work alone on the map’s upper left lane to pull the enemy’s attention; the Jungler (or simply Jungle), moves fast between lanes to start action and take objectives; Mid Lane players tend to stick to the map’s middle lane to control the centre of the playing field but can roam to help elsewhere as needed; Dragon Lane (aka Duo Lane) grows into the main damage as the match goes on, typically by farming gold to buy items; and Support keeps the team safe while setting up fights.

Every team has these pieces, the formation is how they’re used together. Below are the most common formations you’ll see on the Wild Rift esports stage, how they play out in real matches, what they’re good at and where they can fall apart.

Turn the players on Baron Lane and Jungle duty into a powerful duo that threatens multiple locations at once, stretching the map and pulling enemies in different directions.

Why teams love it: Spreading the opposing team thinner creates space and openings for attack.
Where it can fail: If the top lane side falls behind, they can cease to be a threat and pressure disappears.
When teams use it: To win with a territorial advantage before they win the fights.

Mid and Jungle players move together to arrive quickly to fights and objectives. By getting there first, they set the terms of engagement and dictate the pace of the match.

Why teams love it: It puts you in control of the pace of the match, allowing you to stick to a nice clean plan.
Where it can fail: Your team can become predictable if opponents avoid getting sucked into Mid Lane fights.
When teams use it: They want structure over chaos.

Focus your resources on a strong Dragon Lane to give them the power to decide the game, with the rest of your players prioritising keeping them safe.

Why teams love it: It can be decisive in late-game clashes when teams need it the most.
Where it can fail: If your Dragon Lane player falls behind early on in the game, the plan collapses.
When teams use it: They’re happy to build towards big late-game fights more than having early skirmishes.

Sometimes it pays to have momentum on your side. Rather than playing cautiously and waiting to attack after your team has built up its strength, instead push for early fights to build up the gold and experience that can quickly snowball into an early victory.

Why teams love it: It creates fast leads and puts slower teams under pressure.
Where it can fail: If you overextend then one failed attack can turn the tide against you.
When teams use it: To win early and avoid late-game tension.

Alternatively, play it safe early with the aim of deciding the match in one or two big fights later. Cautious play can allow you to grow your team’s power over time, saving your strength for one or two decisive fights later in the match.

Why teams love it: It rewards calm teamwork under pressure.
Where it can fail: Play too cautiously and you risk falling too far behind, making comebacks hard.
When teams use it: They trust their late-game composure.