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A wise man, Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng, once said, “Drafting is one of the most important aspects of competitive League of Legends. A well-crafted team composition can make all the difference in a game.” Whether you’re a seasoned player, a budding talent, or someone who’s just getting their feet wet in the deep waters of League of Legends (LoL), this guide will help you master the art of the draft – an essential yet often overlooked aspect of gameplay.
TL;DR:
Key Takeaways Ashe was the most picked champion in the 2020 League of Legends World Championship with a pick rate of 76.6%.
Drafting isn’t just about picking strong champions; it’s about creating a synergistic team composition.
Expert drafting can provide a significant edge, often deciding games before they even begin.
Understanding both meta and counter-picks is crucial to successful drafting.
Champion versatility and adaptability are vital for an effective draft strategy.
In the heated battles of LoL, a well-crafted draft can be a powerful weapon. Indeed, the 2020 League of Legends World Championship showed the strategic value of a wisely chosen champion. Ashe, who had a remarkable pick rate of 76.6%, was the most sought-after champion. Why? Versatility. Ashe’s balanced skill set allowed her to adapt to multiple team compositions and strategies.
The Chess Game of Drafting
So, how do you transform the drafting phase into a chess game where you’re always one step ahead? It’s not just about picking the ‘OP’ (overpowered) champs. Martin “Deficio” Lynge, an expert in the field, says, “The key to successful drafting is not only picking strong champions but also considering the synergy between them and the overall strategy of the team.”
Going Beyond Meta Picks
Chasing the meta can sometimes feel like a never-ending race. Yet, a robust LoL Drafting Strategy goes beyond just picking what’s hot. It requires understanding champion synergies, anticipating your opponent’s picks, and making strategic counter-picks. It’s this level of depth and strategy that separates the average from the elite.
The Essence of Versatility
Champion versatility is the name of the game. A champion like Ashe with her crowd control, scouting ability, and consistent damage output can fit into almost any team composition. Drafting such adaptable champions provides your team with more strategic options as the game progresses.
Your Draft, Your Story
Remember, a draft tells a story about your team’s strategy. What story do you want to tell? Will it be a tale of brute force, with tanky champions leading the charge? Or perhaps a story of guile and deception, with stealthy assassins waiting in the wings? Your choices shape the narrative.
Adapting to the Battlefield
A smart LoL Drafting Strategy also adapts to the current battlefield. Is the opponent focusing on heavy physical damage? Maybe it’s time to draft champions with high armor. Are they choosing squishy ranged heroes? Perhaps it’s time to opt for assassins that can get in their face. Don’t be afraid to pivot your strategy based on what’s happening in the draft.
Your Draft, Your Win
Drafting isn’t just a prelude to the real game. It’s a game in itself, a match of wits and strategy where champions are your chess pieces, and the game map, your chessboard. Through strategic drafting, you can claim the first victory even before the minions spawn.
Secrets from the Drafting Diaries of Tony Fallon
Now, if you’re wondering how all of this theory applies in a real game, let’s take a page from my personal experiences. Here are some secrets from my drafting diaries: Always keep an eye on the enemy’s draft. Try to guess their strategy and adjust your picks accordingly.
Don’t pick your star player’s champion early in the draft. This gives the enemy less time to counter-pick. Use your last pick wisely. This is your chance to counter the enemy’s strategy, or to pick a champion that rounds out your team composition. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your LoL Drafting Strategy and securing those sweet, sweet victories.
A Deeper Dive: Understanding Champions and Their Roles
Gaining a deeper knowledge of each champion’s abilities, their typical roles, and how they interact with other champions is essential in drafting. Champions in LoL are not just about their damage or tankiness, they’re also about the unique utilities they bring to a team.
For example, champions like Thresh or Blitzcrank can dictate the pace of the game with their crowd-control abilities. They can force engagements or disrupt the enemy’s formation, creating opportunities for their team. On the other hand, champions like Soraka or Yuumi are more focused on sustaining their team, helping them stay in fights longer. Understanding these roles and how they fit into your overall team composition is the key to a successful LoL Drafting Strategy.
Reading the Meta: The State of the Game
Another factor to consider is the meta, which stands for Most Effective Tactic Available. The meta represents the strategies and champion picks that are currently dominating the game. However, blindly following the meta is not always the best strategy. While it’s important to understand the meta and the strong picks it presents, remember that games of LoL are won by teams, not individual champions. Prioritizing synergy and coordination over individual power can often lead to success.
Reading Your Opponents: The Art of Counter-Picking
Counter-picking is an advanced strategy where you choose a champion specifically to counter an enemy’s pick. This is where an in-depth knowledge of champion abilities and match-ups becomes crucial. Let’s say your opponent has picked Tryndamere, a champion known for his high damage output in close combat. A smart counter-pick might be Teemo, who can blind Tryndamere, rendering his attacks useless for a short time. By effectively counter-picking, you can negate the advantages of your opponents’ champions, setting your team up for success.
Team Synergy: The Sum is Greater Than the Parts
While it’s important to focus on individual champion abilities, it’s equally crucial to consider how those abilities combine with the rest of your team. A team that works well together can often overcome a collection of individually strong champions.
For example, combining Orianna’s ‘Command: Shockwave’ with Malphite’s ‘Unstoppable Force’ can create a devastating combo that can potentially turn the tide of a team fight. By understanding and exploiting these synergies, you can amplify the effectiveness of your champions and your overall strategy.
FAQs on LoL Drafting Strategy
1. What is the importance of drafting in League of Legends?
Drafting is crucial because it lays the foundation of your strategy for the upcoming game. A good draft can provide you with an early advantage, making it easier for you to achieve victory.
2. What factors should I consider when drafting my champions?
You should consider the current meta, the strengths and weaknesses of your own team, the enemy team’s composition, and the synergies between champions.
3. What is an ‘OP’ champion in LoL?
An ‘OP’ or overpowered champion is one that is considered stronger than others due to their abilities, stats, or role in the current meta.
4. How can I improve my drafting strategy in LoL?
Understanding the meta, knowing what champions counter others, recognizing synergies between champions, and being flexible with your picks are key ways to improve your drafting strategy.
5. Is it always best to choose the meta champions?
Not necessarily. While meta champions are often strong, a well-rounded team composition and a good strategy can often overcome a team of meta picks.
6. What is a counter-pick?
A counter-pick is a champion chosen to negate or counter the abilities of a specific champion on the enemy team.
7. What are some good resources to learn about champion abilities and match-ups?
There are several resources available online, including the League of Legends wiki, LoL forums, and various YouTube channels dedicated to the game.
8. What is ‘meta’ in LoL?
Meta stands for Most Effective Tactic Available. It refers to the strategies and champion picks that are considered the most powerful or popular at a given time.
9. How can I learn to counter-pick effectively?
Start by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each champion. Resources like CounterStats can provide you with data-driven insights on champion match-ups.
Remember, the game begins even before you spawn. Use your LoL Drafting Strategy to start on the front foot. Make your champions count, shape your strategy, and claim victory one draft at a time.
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