If there’s one thing that differentiates a good team from a great one in League of Legends, it’s the strategy they employ even before they hit the Summoner’s Rift. It’s the intricate dance of champion selection, an often underestimated aspect of the game that can make or break your chances of victory. Yes, we’re talking about drafting.
But what if your drafting strategy is not up to par? What if you’re always on the back foot, reacting to your opponent’s picks rather than controlling the flow? The result is a frustrating series of losses that can dampen your spirits. Well, it’s time to turn that around!
We’ve got you covered with the ultimate League of Legends Drafting Guide. So, strap in and prepare for an in-depth journey into the world of LoL drafting.
TL;DR:
- The drafting phase plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a match in LoL.
- During the 2021 LCS Spring Split, Udyr was the most popular pick during drafts, selected in 66.7% of games.
- Flexibility and versatility have become key factors when selecting champions in recent years.
- A solid understanding of the current meta, champion synergies, and counter-picks can significantly increase your chances of success.
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How to Approach the Drafting Phase
The first step towards mastering the draft is understanding its importance. As Mark Zimmerman, Head Coach of Cloud9, rightly said, “Drafting is one of the most important aspects of competitive League of Legends. A well-crafted draft can set a team up for success, while a poor one can lead to defeat before the game even begins.“
Here are some core principles to help you level up your drafting game:
Understanding the Meta
Each season brings about changes in the meta. The 2021 League of Legends Championship Series Spring Split saw a whopping 66.7% preference for Udyr during the draft phase. Why? Because he was a force to be reckoned with in that season’s meta.
Flexibility in Picks
A trend worth noting is the increasing emphasis on flexible and versatile champions during the draft. Champions that fit multiple roles and team compositions offer strategic advantages and keep your opponents guessing.
Mastering Synergies and Counters
Knowing which champions synergize well and which champions can counter your opponents’ picks is essential. In essence, a well-rounded draft strategy considers both offensive and defensive plays.
Insider Tips for an Effective Draft
But we’re not stopping at the basics. Here are some little-known secrets that can help elevate your drafting strategy even further:
Decipher the Patterns
Look for recurring patterns in your opponent’s draft. They might be relying on a comfort pick or a specific champion synergy. Identify these patterns and disrupt them.
Flex Picks Early On
Make use of flex picks early in the draft phase. This strategy allows you to keep your true composition hidden while also potentially baiting counters from your opponents.
Don’t Underestimate the Ban Phase
The ban phase can be just as important as the pick phase. Use it to neutralize threats, eliminate counter picks, or disrupt your opponent’s strategy.
A Look into the Future: Drafting Trends
In recent years, a shift has been observed towards prioritizing flexible and versatile champions during the drafting phase. This trend seems likely to continue as teams explore new strategic depths and the game continues to evolve.
FAQs
What is drafting in League of Legends?
Drafting refers to the champion selection process before a match, including the pick and ban phase. It’s an integral part of strategy formulation in the game.
Why is Udyr a popular pick during the draft phase?
Udyr was popular during the 2021 LCS Spring Split due to his versatility, strength in the meta, and ability to fulfill multiple roles effectively.
How can I improve my drafting skills?
Improving drafting skills requires understanding the meta, identifying champion synergies, studying your opponents, and making smart choices during the pick and ban phase.
What are flex picks in LoL?
Flex picks are champions that can fulfill multiple roles in a team. They provide strategic advantages by keeping the team’s real composition hidden and potentially baiting counter picks.
What are the benefits of a good draft in League of Legends?
A well-executed draft can set up a team for success by providing a competitive advantage right from the start. It allows a team to strategically control the game’s flow and can help counter the opponent’s strategies effectively.
What role does the meta play in the drafting phase?
The meta, or the prevailing strategies and champion preferences at a given time, significantly influences the drafting phase. Being aware of the meta allows teams to make informed decisions about which champions to pick and ban.
Are there any popular drafting strategies I should know about?
Some popular strategies include focusing on flex picks, prioritizing meta-dominant champions, considering champion synergies and counters, and making strategic use of the ban phase to disrupt opponents’ strategies.
How important is versatility in drafting?
Versatility is becoming increasingly crucial in the drafting phase. Champions that can fill multiple roles keep your draft flexible and make it harder for your opponents to predict your team composition and strategy.
How does the ban phase affect the draft?
The ban phase can significantly influence the drafting process. It’s a chance to neutralize specific threats, eliminate potential counter-picks, and disrupt your opponent’s planned strategy. Smart use of the ban phase can give you a significant strategic edge.
What role does the team composition play in the draft?
Team composition is a critical factor during the drafting phase. You need to ensure that your chosen champions can work together effectively and that their abilities complement each other. A balanced team composition, considering factors like damage output, tankiness, crowd control, and healing, can greatly increase your chances of victory.
Is there a universal best pick in the drafting phase?
While certain champions may be more potent in the current meta, there’s no universal ‘best pick’ in the drafting phase. The effectiveness of a pick depends on a variety of factors, including team composition, opponent’s picks, and the specific game plan.
How do I counter opponent’s picks during the draft?
Countering opponents’ picks involves understanding each champion’s strengths and weaknesses and picking champions that can exploit these weaknesses. Additionally, studying your opponent’s drafting patterns can also give you a tactical edge.
How can I predict what champions my opponent will pick during the draft?
Predicting opponent’s picks involves understanding the current meta, studying your opponent’s past matches, and recognizing popular drafting strategies. However, remember that it’s impossible to predict with absolute certainty due to the variety of strategic options available.
Concluding Thoughts
Drafting is like a game of chess. It demands deep understanding, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Whether you’re a casual gamer or an aspiring professional, improving your drafting skills can greatly enhance your chances of victory in the Summoner’s Rift.
References:
- League of Legends Official Website. (2021)
- Cloud9. (2021). Interview with Mark Zimmerman.
- Leaguepedia. (2021). LCS 2021 Spring Split Stats.
- Lolalytics. (2022). Understanding Counter Picks.
- Summonerschool Subreddit. (2022). Discussion: Predicting Opponent’s Picks.
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