Relatively noobish (only played this season, S4) player here.
I'm trying to get better at the top lane, and have learned several champs for the role, but whenever I'm 1st or 2nd pick in Draft, I'm counter-picked 90% of the time. It's brutal.
Anybody have a recommendation for a good all-around champ to learn that isn't so easily countered? Or is this just the reality of the top lane?
Slythion4 votes
is pretty solid
venomous frost1 votesthis
Sèx Craved Eve3 votes
Jo0o1 votesI actually played Darius for the first time yesterday (he's free =D), but according to the guide I read, he gets countered a lot. Hm...
Irelia and Singed don't seem like my style, but I'll probably pick up Gnar next and git gud with him and Darius. Thanks, guys.
Sèx Craved Eve2 votesI actually played Darius for the first time yesterday (he's free =D), but according to the guide I read, he gets countered a lot. Hm...
Irelia and Singed don't seem like my style, but I'll probably pick up Gnar next and git gud with him and Darius. Thanks, guys.
Singed is a lot more difficult in terms of playstyles and requires experience + the enemies inexperience against him. He's actually got a solid WR right now, though.
Jo0o1 votesSinged is a lot more difficult in terms of playstyles and requires experience + the enemies inexperience against him. He's actually got a solid WR right now, though.
I know, and he's so deliciously trolly that I'll probably pick him up at some point. But right now, I think I'd prefer to learn a more traditional champ.
Crazy Chatter1 votesTrundle
Persevence1 votesHave you tried using Tahm Kench, because he is pretty easy to maneuver. I hate getting first picks because that's the curse of going TOP. I suggest trying out Riven. Now i am a horrible player, but it is really easy for you to harrass. As long as you get the ,animation cancel aka fast atks , then it will be easy for you to play. Of course you can also try renekton, the lane bully himself, but I would recommend Fiora. As long as you get 2 kills and you just roam, then you can finish the rest of your items. The starting items will be Ravenous Hydra, Black Cleaver, Ionian Boots, Corruption Potion. After, you just want to go full armor.
TheHurricaneGamr1 votesYou can play 
into anything if you're good with him.
Jo0o1 votesYou can play
He's certainly on my radar, thanks.
TheHurricaneGamr1 votesIf you decide to play him, consider watching this video I made. It's a little soft, so keep that in mind.
DarkRitual1 votes 
DREADN0UGHT1 votesFirst picking Gnar is like begging for them to pick 
Swiftstrike41 votesHonestly, counter picks shouldn't matter in your Elo if you are good with ANY top laner.
I would just grind with a champion you like to play in order to improve. I played 
a lot and learned how to play against people who constantly counterpicked me. I got significantly better as a player because of it.
If you really are looking for top laners that are good first picks I would say 
are all pretty good "safe" picks.
is also good because of his high mobility, global map presence with his ultimate, and damage. The problem is that if you stink with GP you will just feed and lose lane hard. He is a pretty high skill cap champion. His ban rate is also climbing and he will see nerfs pretty soon.
VivaLaKitten1 votesTeemo for poke, range and harass 
Core Items: Rylai's, Deathcap, Liandry's
Nasus for a very weak early game, but if you last hit minions with your first ability enough and build full tank you'll become very strong
Core Items: Iceborn Gauntlet/Frozen Heart, Spirit Visage, Deadmans
Sion to be a good lane bully while doing some damage early game, but going full tank late game
Core Items: Black Cleaver, Warmogs, Frozen Heart
Mundo to be a tank that can top lane while poking with your Q 
Core Items: Sunfire Cape, Warmogs
Garen to be a tank for your team who singles out the enemy with the latest kill 
Core Items: Ghostblade, Deadmans, Black Cleaver
DREADN0UGHT1 votesPlat 5 Top main.
Here are my personal favorite safe picks: 