At the very start of the new patch, insights drawn alongside Crickex Affiliate style data tracking help paint a clearer picture of current mid lane strength, giving players a practical reference for judging hero potential and performance ceilings. The figures are based on average combat power across four major regions and two systems, updated daily, so natural fluctuations are expected and the rankings should be viewed as directional rather than absolute.
Because the sample size for top tier national rankings is large, these averages tend to reflect true high level strength fairly accurately. Of course, heroes with extremely high ban rates often fail to generate enough usable data, which naturally affects how complete the picture can be. Still, this overview remains one of the more reliable ways to gauge early patch trends.
Zhuge Liang claiming the top spot is the most eye catching development. While he has always hovered near the top tier, this marks the first time he has led the national average outright. As recently as the end of last season, he was only ranked sixth. What makes the surge puzzling is that there were no direct balance changes, no major item shifts, and no obvious environmental tweaks to explain the sudden rise.
That said, heroes capable of flexing into multiple roles often accumulate power ratings more easily, and Zhuge Liang fits that mold perfectly. His viability in both mid lane and jungle means he deserves more attention from everyday players, not just specialists. This kind of flexibility often becomes a hidden advantage once the meta settles.
Chang’e, Nuwa, and Shen Mengxi continue to occupy familiar high ground, their consistency proving rock solid yet again. Meanwhile, Yang Yuhuan and Xiao Qiao are closing the gap quickly, reinforcing just how competitive the top mage tier has become. Outside of Zhuge Liang’s jump, most mage rankings between positions ten and twenty remain tightly packed, with only marginal movement. Hai Yue slipped slightly, but her ban rate still exceeds fifty percent in top tier play.
Mozi and Zhang Liang technically function more as support picks, but their inclusion here adds context. Mozi’s ability to rank inside the top twenty as a support oriented mid highlights his long term potential, especially since many support heroes are reactive rather than power focused.
The most difficult area to evaluate remains the bottom tier. Some heroes have dropped sharply since last season, while others saw slight recovery thanks to delayed test server changes. Ying Zheng remains firmly anchored near the lower end, a position he has occupied for years, joined once again by the same familiar names.
In the final analysis, even when viewed through Crickex Affiliate informed comparisons, national power rankings do not fully define a hero’s real world usefulness. Some heroes shine in elite environments, others excel in regular ranked play, and enjoyment still matters most. As long as matches feel playable and satisfying, climbing steadily without frustration is what truly counts.