The Blade of the Ruined King: A Deep Dive
Is Blade of the Ruined King the definitive item for attack speed champions, or a situational pick that’s seen better days? From game-breaking levels of power to a more niche role, the Blade of the Ruined King has a storied history within League of Legends and other similar games. This item, often abbreviated as BotRK, offers a unique combination of attack damage, attack speed, and lifesteal, coupled with a potent passive and active ability. Its ability to shred high-health targets and provide crucial mobility has made it a staple for certain champions, while its weaknesses make it unsuitable for others. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history of the Blade of the Ruined King, explore its mechanics and synergies, analyze its strengths and weaknesses, and examine its optimal usage in the current meta.
A Look Back: The History of the Blade
The Blade of the Ruined King wasn’t always the meticulously balanced item we see today. Its initial release introduced a powerful force into the game. Boasting a combination of damage stats and a devastating active, it quickly became a must-buy on numerous champions. Early iterations offered raw power that allowed champions to dominate the battlefield. Core stats like attack damage, attack speed, and lifesteal were present, but the active was truly what defined it, allowing for unparalleled kiting potential and burst damage. Champions who scaled well with attack speed, along with those who needed mobility, immediately flocked to the Blade of the Ruined King. Early adopters found the item allowed them to snowball leads and carry games with ease.
Over time, the Blade of the Ruined King has undergone significant changes. Developers have adjusted the stats, tweaked the active and passive, and altered the cost to maintain balance within the ever-evolving game. Buffs and nerfs have shaped its identity, sometimes pushing it to the forefront of the meta, and at other times relegating it to a more situational choice. These changes were often implemented due to concerns about the item being overpowered, especially on certain champions who could exploit its unique mechanics. Adjustments to the on-hit damage, lifesteal, and active effect have all played a role in shaping its current state. These constant iterations are essential to keep the gameplay enjoyable.
The Blade of the Ruined King has undeniably left its mark on the meta. There have been periods where it was a core item on almost every attack damage carry, assassin, and even some bruisers. During these metas, the item’s power was undeniable, shaping team compositions and strategies. However, there have also been times when the item has fallen out of favor, overshadowed by other options that provided more efficient stats or better scaling. The ebb and flow of the Blade of the Ruined King’s popularity mirrors the broader shifts in game balance and champion design. Understanding the history of an item can help you strategize and make informed decisions on what to build.
Breaking It Down: Mechanics and Synergies
To truly understand the Blade of the Ruined King, it is crucial to examine its mechanics in detail. The attack damage it provides contributes to overall damage output, while the attack speed allows for more frequent auto-attacks, proccing on-hit effects and stacking other items more quickly. The lifesteal offers sustain, allowing champions to remain in fights longer and recover health between engagements. Each of these stats contributes to the item’s overall effectiveness and caters to different playstyles. Whether you prioritize sustained damage or the ability to survive in extended fights, the stats on the Blade of the Ruined King offer a well-rounded approach.
The unique passive of the Blade of the Ruined King deals bonus on-hit damage based on the target’s current health. This makes it particularly effective against high-health targets, such as tanks and bruisers. The higher the target’s health, the more damage the passive will deal, making it an excellent choice for shredding through even the most durable opponents. This damage is significant and makes this item viable against champions that might otherwise be impossible to kill. The current health scaling also means the passive remains relevant throughout the game, providing consistent damage output regardless of the enemy’s item build.
The active of the Blade of the Ruined King steals movement speed and deals damage. This active is a powerful tool for kiting, engaging, or escaping. The movement speed steal allows you to quickly close the gap on enemies or create distance to avoid incoming damage. The added damage from the active is significant, and can swing battles in your favor. Using the active effectively requires careful timing and positioning. Knowing when to use it to maximize its impact is crucial for mastering the Blade of the Ruined King.
The Blade of the Ruined King synergizes well with a variety of champions and items. Champions who rely on on-hit effects, such as Vayne, Master Yi, and Kog’Maw, benefit greatly from the item’s attack speed and on-hit damage. Champions who need mobility to kite or engage also appreciate the active’s movement speed steal. Furthermore, champions who benefit from lifesteal to sustain themselves in fights can utilize this item and all its benefits.
When considering item synergies, Guinsoo’s Rageblade stands out as a prime example. The attack speed and on-hit effects of both items combine to create a devastating combination. Wit’s End is another excellent choice, providing additional on-hit damage and magic resistance. Items that amplify attack speed, such as Phantom Dancer, also pair well with the Blade of the Ruined King, maximizing its damage output. Understanding these synergies is key to building the most effective loadout for your champion.
Weighing the Options: Strengths and Weaknesses
The Blade of the Ruined King boasts a number of strengths. It is excellent for dueling and skirmishes, providing the damage and mobility needed to outmaneuver opponents. Its ability to shred high-health targets makes it a valuable asset against tank-heavy compositions. The active provides both damage and mobility, allowing for aggressive plays and safe escapes. Finally, the lifesteal offers valuable sustain, allowing champions to remain in fights longer and recover health quickly.
However, the Blade of the Ruined King also has its weaknesses. It is relatively expensive compared to other attack damage items. It offers lower raw attack damage compared to other options, making it less effective against very low-armor targets. The active can be difficult to use effectively, requiring precise timing and positioning. These drawbacks make it a situational item that is not always the best choice.
Putting It to Work: Optimal Usage
Building the Blade of the Ruined King is a strategic decision that depends on several factors. Consider building it when facing team compositions with multiple tanks, as its on-hit damage is highly effective against high-health targets. It is also a good choice when you need to duel frequently, as its stats and active provide the tools needed to win one-on-one engagements. Furthermore, if you need additional mobility to kite or engage, the Blade of the Ruined King can be a valuable asset.
However, there are also situations where the Blade of the Ruined King is not the best choice. Avoid building it against very squishy team compositions, as its on-hit damage is less effective against low-health targets. If you need burst damage to quickly eliminate opponents, other items may provide more value. Also, consider other options if those items provide more value for your champion and can potentially fill the same role.
Typical build paths involving the Blade of the Ruined King often involve building it as a first or second item. The specific order depends on the champion and the game state. Adapting your build based on the situation is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. It is essential to always think ahead and strategize before building any items.
When considering alternative items, consider options that provide more raw attack damage or burst damage. Items like Infinity Edge and Essence Reaver can be better choices against squishy targets. The decision ultimately depends on your champion, playstyle, and the enemy team composition.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects
The Blade of the Ruined King’s current meta relevance is constantly in flux. Currently, it sees varying degrees of popularity depending on the patch and champion. Its status as a strong, balanced, or weak item is a matter of ongoing debate within the community. However, there is hope for this item.
Looking ahead, potential future changes could impact its viability. Nerfs to its stats or active could reduce its effectiveness, while buffs could make it a more attractive choice. These changes could dramatically alter its place in the game.
New champion releases and item additions could also impact the Blade of the Ruined King. New champions with on-hit effects or mobility could synergize well with the item, while new items could compete for a slot in your build. It is important to stay informed about these changes to adapt your strategies accordingly.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Blade of the Ruined King is a complex and versatile item with a rich history and a wide range of applications. Its unique combination of stats, passive, and active make it a valuable asset for certain champions and situations. However, its weaknesses make it a situational item that is not always the best choice.
Overall, the Blade of the Ruined King remains a viable option for certain champions and situations. Its ability to shred high-health targets, provide mobility, and offer sustain makes it a valuable asset. It’s a niche pick that can turn the tables. Understanding its mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness.
Now it’s your turn! Experiment with the Blade of the Ruined King in your games and see how it works for you. Share your experiences and strategies with the community. The best way to master an item is to use it, so what are you waiting for?
