Hi everyone and welcome back to episode of Weird Pick Wednesday! This week we're looking at a Flavor of the Month (FOTM) pick that doubles as a weird pick since well...it's fairly weird!
With the introduction of the new Runeglaive jungle enchantment, players are starting to play Ezreal mid with smite to take advantage of the abilities it provides. Check out the details below
Introduction
Hi everyone and welcome back to episode of Weird Pick Wednesday! This week we're looking at a Flavor of the Month (FOTM) pick that doubles as a weird pick since well...it's fairly weird!
With the introduction of the new Runeglaive jungle enchantment, players are starting to play Ezreal mid with smite to take advantage of the abilities it provides. Check out the details below!
With the introduction of the new Runeglaive jungle enchantment, players are starting to play Ezreal mid with smite to take advantage of the abilities it provides. Check out the details below!
How to Play
Runes: Ability Power Quints, Magic Penetration Reds, Armor Yellows, Magic Resist Blues
Masteries: 21-0-9, standard AP laner masteries
Abilities: Q, E, Q, W then prioritize R > Q > E > W
Core items: Tear, Skirmisher's Sabre + Runeglaive Enchantment, Ionian Boots, Luden's Echo, Archangel's Staff, Deathcap, Void Staff
Masteries: 21-0-9, standard AP laner masteries
Abilities: Q, E, Q, W then prioritize R > Q > E > W
Core items: Tear, Skirmisher's Sabre + Runeglaive Enchantment, Ionian Boots, Luden's Echo, Archangel's Staff, Deathcap, Void Staff
Why It Works
Ezreal Q Changes to Magic DamageAs a result of the Runeglaive enchantment, Ezreal Q now changes directly to magic damage, meaning that AP Ezreal now gets a direct benefit from maxing Q, a higher range and less mana costly spell compared to AP Ezreal's normal spell of choice, W. Incidentally, since it counts as an auto attack, it also procs his skirmisher sabre passive as well.
Luden's Echo Synergy
With Ezreal's Q now being considered magic damage as a result of the Runeglaive, he can proc Luden's Echo via his Q, giving AP Ezreal some much needed waveclear. Classically, Ezreal without his ultimate had extremely low waveclear power.
Built-In Sheen
As everyone knows, Sheen is an absolutely amazing item on Ezreal for any type of build, so with Sheen already included in Runeglaive, Ezreal doesn't have to drastically modify his normal core items to fit in the new item.
Smite Summoner
Using smite means Ezreal can assist with securing Dragon and Baron.
With Ezreal's Q now being considered magic damage as a result of the Runeglaive, he can proc Luden's Echo via his Q, giving AP Ezreal some much needed waveclear. Classically, Ezreal without his ultimate had extremely low waveclear power.
Built-In Sheen
As everyone knows, Sheen is an absolutely amazing item on Ezreal for any type of build, so with Sheen already included in Runeglaive, Ezreal doesn't have to drastically modify his normal core items to fit in the new item.
Smite Summoner
Using smite means Ezreal can assist with securing Dragon and Baron.
Potential Pitfalls
Smite Summoner
Having smite does mean that Ezreal won't be able to carry Ignite or a defensive summoner, which is generally favorable on mid laners.
Low Waveclear
Just because Ezreal now has more waveclear than before doesn't mean that his waveclear's any good. It's still quite bad compared to the majority of other AP mid laners.
All Skill Baby
As you know, Ezreal is a 100% skillshot based champion. This means that it does take high proficiency to use his effectively, especially since his skillshots all have a very narrow range of effectiveness.
Having smite does mean that Ezreal won't be able to carry Ignite or a defensive summoner, which is generally favorable on mid laners.
Low Waveclear
Just because Ezreal now has more waveclear than before doesn't mean that his waveclear's any good. It's still quite bad compared to the majority of other AP mid laners.
All Skill Baby
As you know, Ezreal is a 100% skillshot based champion. This means that it does take high proficiency to use his effectively, especially since his skillshots all have a very narrow range of effectiveness.
Conclusions
AP Ezreal is definitely much stronger than before, and is certainly a viable pick at the moment. However, as a high skill champion with a low margin of error, I wouldn't say he's particularly overpowered just yet. Maybe after Runeglaive is further buffed...
Suggested Rating: Mid Tier 2