In the battlefields of the Rift, victory often hinges on the unsung heroes: the support players. But a question lingers among the gamers: “Which is the best support in LoL?” With the array of champions at our disposal, choosing the right one to master can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.
In an intricate game like League of Legends (LoL), the best support isn’t simply the one with the highest pick rate or the flashiest plays-it’s a multifaceted title that considers champion strengths, player proficiency, and team composition. Let’s dive deeper.
TL;DR:
- Best support in LoL isn’t about win rate alone but also player comfort and team synergy.
- Thresh, despite his average win rate, is a top pick due to his flexibility.
- Champion effectiveness is significantly influenced by player’s skill and team composition.
- Personal comfort with a champion trumps meta trends.
show
Diving into Data: Thresh’s Dominance
According to Mobalytics, Thresh has been a popular choice among support players in LoL, boasting a solid pick rate of 10.7% and a decent win rate of 50.7% in 2021. But what makes Thresh such a reliable choice despite his average win rate?
The secret lies in Thresh’s versatility. He can poke, shield, hook, flay, and even provide an express ticket to safety with his lantern. This wide array of utilities makes him a suitable choice in various situations, often making him the first pick in many games.
Breaking the Meta: Role of Player’s Skill and Team Composition
Just as in any strategic game, the key to winning in LoL isn’t just about choosing the most potent champion-it’s about tailoring your pick according to your skills and your team’s needs. Champions like Leona and Nautilus, for instance, bring crowd control and tankiness to the table. However, if your team already brims with tank champions and is starving for damage, picking them might lead to a rather hefty defeat.
Words of Wisdom: The Imaqtpie’s Doctrine
Michael “Imaqtpie” Santana, a popular LoL streamer and former professional player, once said, “Support is so easy, dude. But seriously, the best support is the one you’re most comfortable with. It’s all about understanding your role in the team and making the plays that help your team win.” This quote captures the essence of the support role-not just playing it, but truly mastering it.
Reaping the Benefits: Comfort over Meta
While being up-to-date with the meta trends is crucial, your comfort with a champion often plays a pivotal role. Every player has a unique playstyle, and certain champions resonate better with certain players. So while Thresh might be the popular choice if you’re someone who enjoys mages, champions like Yuumi or Soraka might be your ticket to victory.
The Element of Surprise: Unorthodox Supports
LoL is a game full of surprises, and the support role is no exception. Although champions like Thresh, Nautilus, and Leona are often seen in the bot lane, a few unorthodox choices can take the enemy by surprise and give your team the upper hand. Veigar and Maokai, typically played in the mid and top lanes respectively, can function exceptionally well as surprise supports.
Veigar: The Tiny Master of Evil (as a Support)
Veigar is a magical menace typically seen in mid lane, but when played as a support, he becomes an unpredictable nightmare for enemies. His “Event Horizon” (E) can stun multiple foes, offering crowd control, while his “Dark Matter” (W) and “Baleful Strike” (Q) provide a considerable amount of poke and burst damage. Although he may be lacking in heals or shields, his damage and control capabilities make him a niche yet formidable support option.
Maokai: The Twisted Treant
Maokai, a typical top lane tank, can shine as a support when played correctly. His ability to disrupt enemies with his “Twisted Advance” (W) and “Arcane Smash” (Q) make him a tough contender. His “Sapling Toss” (E) provides excellent zone control, and his ultimate “Nature’s Grasp” can turn team fights in your favor. Even though he isn’t traditional support, his tankiness and crowd control can prove highly beneficial in the bot lane.
Supporting Like a Pro: Game Knowledge, Timing, and Communication
While the specific champion you choose matters, becoming a top-tier support involves far more than simply selecting the right character. A deep understanding of game mechanics, map awareness, and communication skills are all paramount to fulfilling your role effectively, regardless of your champion of choice.
Knowledge Is Power: Understanding the Game’s Mechanics
Whether you’re placing crucial wards, peeling for your ADC, or engaging in a team fight, understanding the intricacies of the game’s mechanics is crucial. This involves knowing when and where to ward, when to engage or retreat, how to manage the minion wave, and how to capitalize on the enemy’s mistakes. Knowledge of every champion’s abilities can also provide you with the insights to know when to play aggressively and when to play defensively.
Map Awareness: The Art of Being Everywhere
As a support, your role extends beyond the bot lane. Good supports maintain a constant eye on the map, watching out for enemy ganks, alerting other lanes of missing enemies, and even roaming to other lanes to help secure kills. This constant vigilance often makes the difference between victory and defeat.
Communication Is Key
Another critical aspect of being a good support is effective communication. This could involve coordinating with your ADC, planning strategies with your team, or simply alerting your teammates about potential threats or opportunities. Remember, League of Legends is a team game, and a support’s communication often holds the team together.
The Support’s Arsenal: Items and Warding
Itemization is a significant part of being a support. Knowing which items to buy, and when to buy them, can have a profound impact on your team’s success. For example, items like Locket of the Iron Solari provide a shield to nearby allies, and Redemption can heal your team during fights, both of which can turn the tide of a skirmish. Meanwhile, items like Ardent Censer can enhance your ADC’s attack speed, making them a significant threat to the enemy team.
Moreover, good warding can offer your team crucial information about the enemy team’s location and objectives, allowing your team to make more informed decisions and avoid unnecessary deaths. Vision control is a significant part of the support role, and mastering it is vital for any aspiring support player.
Comfort vs. Meta: The Final Showdown
The question remains, which is the best support in LoL? Data might favor champions like Thresh, while professionals like Imaqtpie stress the importance of comfort and proficiency. As a support player, your choice might depend on the current meta, but it also leans heavily on your personal skill set and preferences. If tank supports fit your style, Leona or Nautilus might be your champions of choice. But if you love to surprise your enemies, unconventional supports like Veigar or Maokai can be your secret weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which champion has the highest win rate as a support?
Win rates often fluctuate based on patches, balance changes, and regional gameplay meta. It’s recommended to check updated statistics on websites like Mobalytics or OP.GG for current insights.
Are healing supports better than tank supports?
Each type of support has its advantages. Healing supports can sustain the ADC in lane and during fights, while tank supports can initiate fights and absorb damage. Your choice should complement your team’s composition and playstyle.
How important is the support role in LoL?
The support role is crucial. They provide vision, protect the ADC, and create opportunities for the team. A skilled support player can significantly influence the game’s outcome.
Is it necessary to follow meta picks as a support player?
While meta picks reflect the current “strong” champions, comfort and proficiency with a champion often yield better results. So, it’s not always necessary to follow the meta picks.
How can I improve as a support player in LoL?
Understanding the game’s mechanics, champion abilities, warding spots, and mastering a few champions can significantly improve your performance. Watching professional players or streamers can also be insightful.
Can any champion be played as a support?
While some champions are more suited for the role, with creativity and understanding of the game’s mechanics, many champions can function as supports. However, it’s crucial to note that some choices may not be as effective as traditional support champions.
What’s the role of a support in the late game?
During the late game, a support’s role includes warding key areas, protecting the ADC, setting up fights, and providing crowd control or heal and shields during team fights.
Are mage supports viable?
Absolutely. Mage supports like Zyra, Brand, or Yuumi can deal a significant amount of damage and provide utilities like crowd control or healing, making them viable choices in the right team compositions.
How to cope with an aggressive bot lane as a support?
Playing defensively, freezing the lane near your turret, and coordinating with your jungler for ganks can help manage an aggressive bot lane. Communication with your ADC and understanding when to engage or disengage are also crucial.
Which support champions are best for beginners?
Champions like Leona, Soraka, and Blitzcrank are often recommended for beginners due to their straightforward abilities and clear role in the team.h3>What are the key items for support champions?
The key items depend on the champion and the situation, but generally, support item choices can include Redemption, Locket of the Iron Solari, Ardent Censer, and Knight’s Vow, among others. The support’s warding item, such as the Steel Shoulderguards or Spellthief’s Edge, is also crucial for providing vision for the team.
When should a support roam from the bot lane?
Roaming should be considered when your ADC is safe, the enemy bot lane is backing, or if you see an opportunity in another lane. However, communication is key. Always inform your ADC and the other lane of your intentions.
How does support carry a game?
Supports can carry games by creating opportunities for their team through crowd control, vision control, healing, and shielding. By providing information and enabling their team, a good support can guide their team to victory.
In Conclusion
Deciding on the best support in LoL isn’t a straightforward affair. It’s a blend of various factors like champion versatility, player skill, team composition, and personal preference. After all, in the words of Imaqtpie, “The best support is the one you’re most comfortable with.”
Understanding your champion’s strengths, recognizing your team’s needs, and being able to adapt to any situation are the hallmarks of a truly exceptional support player. Whether you’re a Thresh prodigy, a Leona loyalist, or a Veigar visionary, remember: being the best support is less about the champion you play, and more about how you play them.
If you like this article, check out: Wild Rift failed to connect to the match
(5 votes, average: 4.80 out of 5)
Loading…