Are you looking to boost your rank in Season 14? Look no further than Smolder, the fiery ADC who can carry games single-handedly with his high-damage abilities and scaling potential. In this 1 minute guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to master Smolder and take over the Rift. If you're in champion select, you can finish guide this before your minions arrive.
Runes for Maximum Impact
To get the most out of Smolder, you'll want to take the following runes:
- Keystone: Comet - For extra poke damage
- Primary Tree: Manaflow Band, Transcendence, Gathering Storm
- Secondary Tree: Taste of Blood, Ravenous Hunter
These runes will provide you with mana sustain, cooldown reduction, scaling damage, and lifesteal to keep you healthy and dangerous throughout the game.
Ability Prioritization and Builds
When it comes to abilities, you'll want to max them in the following order:
- W: Max first for strong poke damage
- Q: Max second for increased number of bolts based on stacks
- E: Max last for mobility and additional bolts
- R: Take whenever possible for a powerful teamfighting tool
For your build, start with a Doran's Blade and then rush Essence Reaver for mana sustain, cooldown reduction, and crit chance. Follow up with Navori Quickblades for even more cooldown reduction on critical strikes, and Runaan's Hurricane to apply your W to multiple targets. Other strong items include Infinity Edge, Bloodthirster, Lord Dominik's Regards, and Guardian Angel.
4.9Laning Phase and Mid Game
During the laning phase, start with W at level 1 and auto-attack the enemy to proc it for an easy stack. Play aggressively and look to poke with W whenever possible, but be careful of ganks. Prioritize farming and objectives over risky plays.
As you transition into the mid game, continue farming and poking with W. Join teamfights if you can do so safely, but watch out for fed enemies who can burst you down. Use your E to reposition and kite, and consider building defensive items like Guardian Angel or Zhonya's Hourglass if needed.
Late Game Domination
By the late game, you should have a ton of stacks and crit chance, making you a formidable damage threat. Group up with your team and look for picks or teamfights. Use your R to initiate or follow up on engages, and keep an eye out for assassins like Riven who can still one-shot you. Focus the enemy carries and use your superior range to stay safe while dishing out massive damage.
Tips and Tricks
- Animation Cancel: Use auto-Q-auto for a quick animation cancel and Press the Attack proc
- Bush Checking: Fire W to check bushes by counting explosions or stacks gained
- Mobility: Utilize your E's movement speed to dodge skillshots or escape over walls
- Flash Angles: Flash sideways during Q or W for surprise angles
- Item Synergy: Build Navori Quickblades and Essence Reaver for more Q spam
- Red Buff: Apply Red Buff to all Q bolts for massive damage over time
- Ultimate Usage: Save R for key moments like starting fights or cutting off escapes
4.9You're all set!
Smolder is a mechanically demanding ADC that rewards skilled players who can position well, use their abilities effectively, and itemize appropriately. By following this guide and practicing your combos and decision-making, you'll be well on your way to solo carrying games as Smolder in Season 14. Get out there and set the Rift ablaze!
