Vladimir, the Crimson Reaper, has been a subject of debate recently due to the popularity of maxing his W (Sanguine Pool) ability first. As a Challenger-level Vladimir one-trick player since 2019, I'm here to shed light on why this strategy is often suboptimal and how to counter it effectively.
The Pitfalls of W Max Vladimir
While W max Vladimir can survive in lane by pooling under minion waves for massive healing, it comes at a significant cost:
- Reduced damage output: Q max is crucial for Vladimir's lane dominance and kill pressure.
- Loss of early game priority: Vladimir's strength lies in his ability to bully opponents early.
- Limited all-in potential: Without Q max, Vladimir struggles to contest wave states.
- Weakened skirmishing: W max Vladimir is ineffective in early 2v2 fights and objective contests.
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When W Max Can Work
W max is situationally useful in a handful of top lane matchups, primarily to survive and go even. However, it often turns skill matchups into passive farming lanes, allowing opponents to scale freely.
Optimal Vladimir Setup
For most situations, the best Vladimir setup includes:
- Summoner spells: Flash and Ignite
- Runes: Summon Aery or Phase Rush (matchup dependent)
- Ability max order: Q > E > W
This configuration maximizes Vladimir's lane dominance and burst potential, especially against opponents lacking magic resistance.
Countering W Max Vladimir
If you find yourself facing a W max Vladimir, here are effective strategies to punish this playstyle:
- Freeze the wave: Limit Vladimir's access to large minion groups for pooling.
- Harass strategically: Poke Vladimir when he approaches the wave, forcing early pool usage.
- Force early skirmishes: W max Vladimir is weak in early objective fights and 2v2 scenarios.
- Build magic resistance: Reduce Vladimir's already diminished damage output.
- Maintain wave control: Vladimir with W max struggles to contest wave states effectively.
While W max Vladimir can be a safe option in specific scenarios, it often hinders the champion's true potential. Understanding these limitations allows both Vladimir players and their opponents to make more informed decisions in the laning phase and beyond.
