Picking the right item in League of Legends can be the difference between carrying the game and feeding. This lol guide item focuses on arming you with the knowledge to consistently make the best itemization choices, game after game.
At a glance:
- Learn how to prioritize core item stats based on your champion and role.
- Understand when to deviate from standard builds based on the enemy team composition.
- Master the art of reactive itemization to counter specific threats.
- Discover advanced item synergies to maximize your champion's potential.
- Debunk common itemization myths and misconceptions.
The Foundation: Understanding Core Stats and Champion Needs
Before diving into specific items, it's crucial to understand which stats are most valuable for your champion. A marksman needs attack damage and attack speed, while a mage thrives on ability power and magic penetration. This seems obvious, but the nuance is in prioritizing those stats at different stages of the game.
For example, consider an early-game Caitlyn. She needs AD to bolster her harass in lane. A BF Sword first is often better than Boots of Speed. Why? Because that AD immediately translates to stronger auto-attacks and Q poke.
Contrast this with a late-game Jinx. While AD is still vital, attack speed becomes equally crucial. This allows her to rapidly fire rockets with her Q, maximizing her damage output in team fights.
Ask Yourself:
- What stat scales best with my champion’s abilities? (e.g., AP ratios, AD scaling)
- What is my primary role in team fights? (e.g., damage dealer, tank, support)
- What stats will help me win my lane? (e.g., early AD for trading, mana regen for sustain)
Knowing the answers to these questions forms the foundation of smart item choices.
Adaptive Itemization: Countering the Enemy Threat
Sticking to the same item build every game is a recipe for disaster. League of Legends is dynamic. Smart players adapt their builds based on the enemy team's composition and playstyle. This is where understanding the lol guide item system truly shines.
Facing Heavy AP?
If the enemy team is loaded with magic damage, building magic resistance becomes essential. Items like Mercury's Treads, Force of Nature, or even a Negatron Cloak early on can significantly increase your survivability. Don't wait until you're getting one-shot by a fed mage to build MR. React before it's too late.
Example: You're playing a squishy ADC against a fed LeBlanc and a fed Syndra. Building Mercurial Scimitar, even if it's not your usual build, can be a lifesaver. The cleanse it provides allows you to remove crowd control and avoid getting instantly blown up.
Dealing with Tanks?
Tanks can be a nightmare to deal with if you don't itemize correctly. Armor penetration is key to cutting through their defenses. Items like Lord Dominik's Regards (for ADCs) and Void Staff (for mages) are crucial for dealing damage to high-armor or high-MR targets.
Example: You're playing a mage against a Dr. Mundo who's stacking health and magic resistance. Void Staff becomes a much higher priority than raw AP. Without it, your damage will be negligible.
Anti-Heal is Your Friend:
Facing champions with heavy healing or sustain? Grievous Wounds is your answer. Items like Morellonomicon (for mages), Chempunk Chainsword (for AD bruisers), and Executioner's Calling (for AD carries) apply Grievous Wounds, reducing healing effectiveness.
Example: You're playing against a Soraka and a Dr. Mundo. Building Grievous Wounds early is crucial to prevent them from sustaining through your damage.
Advanced Item Combinations: Unleashing Synergies
Some items work exceptionally well together, creating powerful synergies. Understanding these combinations can significantly amplify your champion's strengths.
Ability Haste Stacking:
For champions that rely on their abilities, stacking ability haste can be incredibly effective. Items like Ionian Boots of Lucidity, Navori Quickblades, and Essence Reaver can drastically reduce your cooldowns, allowing you to spam abilities more frequently.
Example: A Lucian with Navori Quickblades can constantly dash around the battlefield, making him incredibly difficult to catch.
On-Hit Effects:
Certain champions benefit greatly from on-hit effects, which apply additional damage or effects with each auto-attack. Items like Wit's End, Blade of the Ruined King, and Guinsoo's Rageblade synergize well with on-hit builds.
Example: A Kog'Maw with Guinsoo's Rageblade and Wit's End can shred through tanks with his % health damage.
Crit and Infinity Edge:
For ADCs, Infinity Edge is a core item that significantly increases critical strike damage. However, it's most effective when combined with a decent amount of critical strike chance (at least 40%).
Example: Building Infinity Edge as your first item with 0% crit is not ideal. You're better off building a Zeal item first to increase your crit chance, then completing Infinity Edge.
Debunking Common Itemization Myths
Many misconceptions surround itemization in League of Legends. Let's dispel some of the most common ones:
- "Always build the same items every game." (False. Adaptive itemization is key.)
- "Raw damage is always the best." (False. Survivability and utility are often more important.)
- "Don't buy defensive items on damage dealers." (False. A dead DPS deals no damage.)
- "More Ability Power/Attack Damage is always better." (False. Penetration is important to do damage.)
Practical Playbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Itemization
Here's a simple framework to guide your item choices during a game:
- Identify your Champion's Core Stats: What stats does your champion need to function effectively? Refer to champion guides or resources if needed.
- Assess the Enemy Team Composition: What types of damage are they dealing? Are they tanky? Do they have a lot of healing?
- Prioritize Counter Items: Build items that counter the enemy team's strengths. This might include magic resistance, armor penetration, or Grievous Wounds.
- Maximize Synergies: Combine items that work well together to amplify your champion's potential.
- Adapt and Adjust: Don't be afraid to deviate from your planned build if the game calls for it.
Remember, itemization is an ongoing process. Continuously assess the situation and adjust your build accordingly. For a broader look at how item builders can enhance your game, check out this guide to Dominate with custom builds.
Quick Answers: Common Questions About Itemization
- Q: When should I buy boots?
- A: Typically, buy your basic boots early in the game to increase your movement speed and mobility. Upgrade them later based on the game's needs (e.g., Mercury's Treads for magic resistance, Plated Steelcaps for armor).
- Q: Should I always complete my items before buying components for other items?
- A: Not always. Sometimes, buying a component from another item might be more beneficial in a specific situation. For example, buying a Hexdrinker against a burst mage can be more valuable than completing your current item.
- Q: How do I know which item is best in a specific situation?
- A: Experience is the best teacher. Play more games, experiment with different builds, and pay attention to what works and what doesn't. Watching high-elo players can also provide valuable insights.
- Q: Is it ever okay to sell an item mid-game?
- A: Yes. While generally not ideal, selling an item can be the right call if the game state drastically changes. An example would be selling early MR if the enemy AP threats start falling behind and the AD carry is fed. The gold efficiency of the new item will likely outweigh the value of the old item.
Actionable Close: Refine Your Builds, Dominate Your Games
Mastering itemization is a crucial skill for climbing the ranks in League of Legends. It's a constant learning process. By understanding core stats, adapting to the enemy team, and maximizing item synergies, you can significantly improve your decision-making and carry more games. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and continuously refine your builds. Good luck on the Rift!