Welcome to the world of League of Legends, where strategic gameplay and character mastery are key to success. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of item builds and how to acquire them in the game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new recruit, understanding the ins and outs of item builds is crucial to outwitting your opponents and climbing the ranks. So buckle up, and let’s explore the secrets to mastering item builds in League of Legends.
Understanding the Basics of Item Builds
What are Item Builds?
In League of Legends, item builds refer to the process of collecting and upgrading items throughout the course of a match. These items can include weapons, armor, trinkets, and other magical artifacts that can be used to enhance a champion’s abilities and strengthen their overall gameplay.
Item builds are an essential aspect of the game as they allow players to customize their champion’s abilities and adapt to different game situations. For example, a player may choose to build a champion with high amounts of attack damage and health to engage in intense fights, or they may opt for a support champion with high amounts of utility and sustainability to help their teammates.
Furthermore, item builds also have a significant impact on the game’s economy. Players must carefully manage their gold income and decide which items to prioritize based on their team’s needs and the enemy team’s composition. This requires a deep understanding of the game’s meta and the strengths and weaknesses of each champion.
Overall, item builds are a crucial part of League of Legends gameplay and require careful consideration and strategy to master.
Basic Item Builds for Each Role
When it comes to item builds in League of Legends, it’s important to understand that different roles require different item builds. Here are some basic item builds for each role:
Support Item Builds
Supports are the backbone of any team, and their item builds should reflect that. Here are some basic item builds for supports:
- Core Items:
- Health Relics: These items provide bonus health and are essential for supports who want to stay in the fight for as long as possible.
- Dead Men Tell No Tales: This item gives a support a slight movement speed boost and also grants a bonus to the movement speed of their allies when they die.
- Boots of Mobility: These boots provide a support with extra movement speed and the ability to move quickly around the map.
- Situational Items:
- Frostfang: This item provides a support with a boost to their magic damage and slows down enemies hit by their abilities.
- Rabadon’s Deathcap: This item provides a support with a massive bonus to their mana pool and a significant boost to their spell damage.
- Sterak’s Gage: This item provides a support with bonus health and a powerful ability that damages enemies who attack them.
Mid Lane Item Builds
Mid laners are the core of the team, and their item builds should reflect that. Here are some basic item builds for mid laners:
+ **Health Relics:** These items provide bonus health and are essential for mid laners who want to stay in the fight for as long as possible.
+ **Dead Men Tell No Tales:** This item gives a mid laner a slight movement speed boost and also grants a bonus to the movement speed of their allies when they die.
+ **Boots of Mobility:** These boots provide a mid laner with extra <strong>movement speed and the ability</strong> to move quickly around the map.
+ **Maw of Malmortius:** This item provides a mid laner with a boost to their physical damage and bonus damage against enemies below a certain health threshold.
+ **Rylai's Crystal Scepter:** This item provides a mid laner with a significant boost to their magic damage and a powerful active ability that deals damage to enemies in a cone in front of them.
+ **Morellonomicon:** This item provides a mid laner with a significant boost to their spell damage and the ability to slow down enemies hit by their abilities.
ADC Item Builds
ADCs are the primary damage dealers in a team, and their item builds should reflect that. Here are some basic item builds for ADCs:
+ **Health Relics:** These items provide bonus health and are essential for ADCs who want to stay in the fight for as long as possible.
+ **Boots of Mobility:** These boots provide an ADC with extra <strong>movement speed and the ability</strong> to move quickly around the map.
+ **Dead Men Tell No Tales:** This item gives an ADC a slight movement speed boost and also grants a bonus to the movement speed of their allies when they die.
+ **Precision Hits:** This item provides an ADC with bonus damage on their basic attacks and a chance to critically strike.
+ **Infinity Edge:** This item provides an ADC with a boost to their attack <strong>speed and the ability to</strong> critically strike more frequently.
+ **Rapid Fire
Item Builds Based on Champion Strengths and Weaknesses
When crafting an item build for a champion in League of Legends, it is essential to consider their strengths and weaknesses. This allows for the optimization of the build to capitalize on the champion’s unique abilities while minimizing their deficiencies.
How to Identify a Champion’s Strengths and Weaknesses
To effectively build an item for a champion, one must first understand their strengths and weaknesses. This involves evaluating the champion’s abilities, passive, and playstyle. For example, a champion like Diana has a strong set of abilities that focus on dealing physical damage and harassing enemies. In contrast, a champion like Thresh has a more supportive playstyle with abilities that focus on setting up allies and disrupting enemies.
Crafting Item Builds Based on Champion Strengths and Weaknesses
Once a player has identified a champion’s strengths and weaknesses, they can craft an item build that enhances their abilities while addressing their deficiencies. For instance, a Diana player may opt for a blade-shaped sword like the Rapid Firecannon to enhance her ability to deal physical damage and harass enemies. On the other hand, a Thresh player may choose to build items that improve their ability to provide utility for their allies, such as the Rod of Ages, which can help sustain and protect allies while also providing crowd control capabilities.
It is also essential to consider the champion’s role on the team when crafting an item build. For instance, a top laner like Garen may benefit from a build that focuses on improving their survivability and ability to deal physical damage, while a mid laner like Zed may benefit from a build that enhances their ability to deal sustained damage and apply crowd control.
In conclusion, building an item build for a champion in League of Legends requires an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. By crafting an item build that enhances a champion’s abilities while addressing their deficiencies, players can optimize their build to maximize their effectiveness in a game.
The Process of Itemization
How to Itemize in the Early Game
Early game itemization is a crucial aspect of mastering item builds in League of Legends. In the early game, players must focus on acquiring items that will provide them with the necessary power spikes to gain an advantage over their opponents.
Early Game Itemization Strategies
The early game is all about gaining a foothold in the game and establishing a strong foundation for the rest of the match. Players should focus on acquiring items that will help them gain an advantage in the early stages of the game.
One effective strategy is to prioritize items that will provide a significant power spike in the early game, such as the Blade of the Ruined King or the Essence Reaver. These items provide a significant boost in attack damage and can help players deal significant damage to their opponents.
Another effective strategy is to focus on acquiring items that will help players survive the early game, such as the Frostfang or the Rapid Boots. These items provide players with increased mobility and survivability, which can be crucial in the early stages of the game.
Best Items to Buy in the Early Game
The best items to buy in the early game will depend on the player’s role and playstyle. However, there are some general guidelines that players can follow to ensure that they are making the best use of their gold.
For most champions, the best early game item is the Blade of the Ruined King. This item provides a significant boost in attack damage, which can help players deal significant damage to their opponents.
Another popular early game item is the Frostfang. This item provides increased attack speed and bonus damage against champions with low health, which can be crucial in the early stages of the game.
Players should also consider purchasing the Rapid Boots, which provide increased movement speed and the ability to react more quickly to enemy attacks. This can be especially useful for champions with low mobility, such as tanks or support champions.
In conclusion, early game itemization is a crucial aspect of mastering item builds in League of Legends. Players should focus on acquiring items that will provide them with a significant power spike or increased survivability in the early stages of the game. By following these strategies and purchasing the best items for their role and playstyle, players can gain a significant advantage over their opponents and set themselves up for success in the later stages of the game.
How to Itemize in the Mid and Late Game
As the game progresses into the mid and late game, itemization becomes more critical to success. This section will discuss how to effectively itemize in the mid and late game.
Transitioning from early game items to mid and late game items
In the early game, champions typically rely on cheap trinkets and potions to sustain themselves. However, as the game progresses, these items become less effective, and champions need to transition to more powerful items. This transition requires understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different champions and how they fit into the team composition.
For example, champions with high damage output, such as assassins, may benefit from items that increase their damage, such as the Infinity Edge or the Rapid Firecannon. On the other hand, champions with high crowd control, such as supports, may benefit from items that increase their ability to control enemies, such as the Zenith Blade or the Rylai’s Crystal Scepter.
Understanding when to upgrade items and when to buy new ones
Upgrading items is crucial to increasing their effectiveness, but it is also important to know when to upgrade and when to buy new items. In general, items should be upgraded when they are no longer providing significant benefits or when they are being outclassed by enemy items.
For example, if an enemy team is building a lot of armor, it may be wise to upgrade your own armor items to keep up with their defenses. However, if the enemy team is building a lot of magic penetration, it may be better to buy new items that counter their strategy, such as magical damage-dealing items.
In addition to upgrading items, it is also important to understand when to buy new items altogether. This may be necessary when the enemy team is building a strong composition that cannot be countered by upgrading existing items. In these situations, it may be necessary to buy new items that specifically counter the enemy composition, such as healing items for a team composition that is heavy on damage.
Overall, effective itemization in the mid and late game requires a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different champions and how they fit into the team composition. It also requires the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make strategic decisions about when to upgrade and when to buy new items.
Item Builds for Specific Situations
Item Builds for Facing Specific Champions
Item Builds for Countering Popular Champions
Countering popular champions requires a strategic approach to item builds. Some champions are well-known for their strength in specific areas, and it’s crucial to build items that counter their abilities and playstyle. Here are some examples of item builds for countering popular champions:
- Kled vs. Katarina: Kled is vulnerable to Katarina’s all-in strategy, so building Blade of the Ruined King and Control Ward can help counter her burst damage and maintain distance.
- Jhin vs. Twitch: Jhin’s kit relies on sustained damage, making him vulnerable to Twitch’s burst damage. Building B.F. Sword and Rylai’s Crystal Scepter can help absorb Twitch’s attacks and retaliate with sustained damage.
- Galio vs. Azir: Galio’s tankiness and CC make him a strong counter to Azir’s mobility and spell-casting. Building Morellonomicon and Spirit Visage can help sustain Galio’s abilities and mitigate Azir’s spell damage.
Item Builds for Facing Strong Duelists
Facing strong duelists requires items that can help in dealing damage and surviving their burst damage. Here are some examples of item builds for facing strong duelists:
- Jinx vs. Jinx: Both Jinx players will try to outdamage each other, so building Rapid Firecannon and Serrated Dirk can help deal more damage and counter the enemy Jinx’s burst damage.
- Yasuo vs. Katarina: Yasuo’s mobility can be exploited by Katarina’s burst damage, so building a mix of Blade of the Ruined King and Shadowstep can help survive her all-in and deal sustained damage.
- Darius vs. Rek’Sai: Darius’s sustained damage can be countered by Rek’Sai’s burrow and CC. Building Essence Reaver and Infinity Edge can help deal more damage and avoid Rek’Sai’s attacks.
Overall, mastering item builds for specific situations requires a deep understanding of each champion’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the enemy team’s composition and playstyle. Experimenting with different item builds and adjusting them based on the game’s progress is crucial to becoming a successful League of Legends player.
Item Builds for Situational Scenarios
When it comes to item builds in League of Legends, it’s important to understand that different situations call for different strategies. Here are some item builds that are specifically tailored for situational scenarios:
Item Builds for Team Fights
In team fights, the goal is to help your team take down the enemy team while also staying alive. Here are some item builds that can help you succeed in team fights:
- Item Build 1: The Hybrid Build – This build is great for champions who can deal both physical and magical damage. It includes items like the Blade of the Ruined King, Liandry’s Torment, and Rapid Boots. The Blade of the Ruined King gives you bonus damage based on your missing health, which can be especially useful in team fights. Liandry’s Torment is a versatile item that provides both attack damage and ability power. Rapid Boots give you a movement speed boost, which can help you chase down enemies or escape from danger.
- Item Build 2: The Tanky Build – This build is ideal for champions who want to soak up damage and protect their teammates. It includes items like the Sunfire Cape, Bulwark of the Mountain, and Shield of Sorrow. The Sunfire Cape gives you a bonus to your armor and magic resistance, making you harder to kill. Bulwark of the Mountain provides a significant amount of bonus health, which can help you survive longer in fights. Shield of Sorrow gives you a passive shield that regenerates over time, which can help you stay alive even when you’re taking damage.
Item Builds for Soloing and Dueling
If you prefer to play more independently and focus on taking down enemy champions, here are some item builds that can help you succeed in soloing and dueling:
- Item Build 1: The Burst Damage Build – This build is great for champions who can deal a lot of damage in a short amount of time. It includes items like the Rapid Firecannon, Essence Reaver, and Blade of the Blood Moon. The Rapid Firecannon is a powerful weapon that deals both physical and magic damage, making it great for taking down enemy champions. Essence Reaver is a melee item that gives you a big bonus to your attack damage and ability power, making your attacks even more powerful. Blade of the Blood Moon is a versatile item that provides both bonus damage and life steal, making it great for sustaining yourself in fights.
- Item Build 2: The Supportive Build – This build is ideal for champions who want to provide utility and support to their teammates. It includes items like the B.F. Sword, Zhonya’s Hourglass, and Redemption. The B.F. Sword is a great weapon that provides both bonus damage and ability power, making your attacks even more powerful. Zhonya’s Hourglass is a versatile item that provides both armor and magic resistance, making you harder to kill. Redemption is a great item for supporting your teammates, as it provides a shield that can be shared with your allies.
Optimizing Your Item Builds
Understanding the Value of Gold and Items
One of the key factors in mastering item builds in League of Legends is understanding the value of gold and items. While it may seem straightforward, there are many nuances to consider when balancing gold and items.
Balancing Gold and Items
In League of Legends, players must carefully balance their gold and itemization to maximize their effectiveness on the battlefield. The amount of gold earned during a match can vary depending on how well a player farms and kills enemy champions, and it is important to know when to save gold for a powerful item and when to spend it on more basic items.
To balance gold and items effectively, players should consider their playstyle and the strengths and weaknesses of their champion. For example, some champions are better suited for burst damage, while others excel at sustained damage over time. Players should also consider the enemy team composition and adjust their itemization accordingly.
Understanding the Value of Each Item
Another important aspect of understanding the value of gold and items is knowing the value of each item. Each item in League of Legends has a unique set of stats and effects, and players must understand how these stats and effects can impact their gameplay.
For example, some items provide bonus attack damage, while others provide additional health or mana. Some items also have unique passive effects, such as increased movement speed or additional critical strike chance.
Understanding the value of each item is crucial for making informed decisions about which items to purchase and when. Players should consider their current and desired playstyle, as well as the enemy team composition, when deciding which items to purchase.
In addition to the stats and effects of each item, players should also consider the cost of each item and how it fits into their overall gold management strategy. Some items are more expensive than others, and players must decide whether the added benefits are worth the additional cost.
Overall, understanding the value of gold and items is a crucial aspect of mastering item builds in League of Legends. By balancing gold and items effectively and understanding the value of each item, players can make informed decisions that can greatly impact their effectiveness on the battlefield.
Customizing Your Item Builds
Tailoring item builds to your playstyle
- Analyzing your strengths and weaknesses
- Prioritizing items that complement your champion’s abilities
- Adjusting your item build based on the game’s phase (early, mid, late game)
Experimenting with different item builds
- Trying out different item combinations
- Adapting to situational needs during the game
- Learning from other players’ item builds and strategies
By customizing your item builds, you can create a unique playstyle that suits your preferences and maximizes your champion’s potential. Continuously experimenting and adjusting your item builds will help you discover new strategies and gain an advantage over your opponents.
FAQs
1. What are items in League of Legends?
Items in League of Legends are in-game purchases that provide champions with bonuses and stat boosts. They can be divided into categories such as weapons, armor, trinkets, and wards. Each item has unique properties and effects that can help enhance a champion’s abilities and gameplay style.
2. How do I purchase items in League of Legends?
To purchase items in League of Legends, you need to use in-game currency called “Blue Essence” (BE). BE is earned by playing games, and you can also purchase it with real money. During the game, you can use the “Shop” tab to browse and purchase items. Click on the desired item, and it will be added to your inventory.
3. What are the best items to build in League of Legends?
The best items to build in League of Legends depend on your playstyle, the champion you’re playing, and the situation in the game. However, some general guidelines include building items that provide bonus damage, tankiness, utility, or crowd control. Some popular item builds include the Infinity Edge and Rapid Firecannon for ADCs, the Sterak’s Gage and Thornmail for tanks, and the Rylai’s Crystal Scepter and Zed’s Assassin Blade for assassins.
4. How do I manage my item slots in League of Legends?
Each champion has six item slots in League of Legends. You can fill these slots with items purchased from the shop using Blue Essence. To view your current item build, click on the “Inventory” tab in the shop. You can also use the “Quick Buy” button to fill all six slots with a recommended item build. To swap items, right-click on the item in your inventory and select the desired item slot.
5. Can I sell items in League of Legends?
Yes, you can sell items in League of Legends to reclaim some of the Blue Essence used to purchase them. To sell an item, right-click on the item in your inventory and select “Sell.” The amount of Blue Essence you’ll receive depends on the rarity and type of the item.
6. How do I use items effectively in League of Legends?
To use items effectively in League of Legends, consider the situation and your team’s needs. Items like potions and wards can provide temporary or ongoing bonuses, while weapons and armor can significantly boost your champion’s damage output or tankiness. Utility items like trinkets can give you an edge in team fights or chases. Be mindful of your item costs and try to balance offense and defense when building your item set.
7. Can I trade items in League of Legends?
Yes, you can trade items with your teammates in League of Legends. This can be useful for sharing items like wards or trinkets, or for swapping items with someone who needs a specific type of bonus. To initiate a trade, right-click on the desired item in your inventory and select “Trade.” Your teammate must accept the trade for it to go through.