League Pro Play’s Next Meta-Defining Pick: Statikk Shiv LeBlanc.
The broad champion roster and dynamic meta in League of Legends are well known. In patch 13.10, Statikk Shiv was reintroduced as an ADC item. However, professional players have discovered that purchasing Statikk Shiv on LeBlanc, a traditionally AP mid laner, can greatly enhance her performance. This unexpected turn of events has sparked interest and experimentation within the League community.
VIT Perkz vs SK Gaming
Statikk Shiv Damage: 8994No Post game stats available so not sure what % was but probably around 30% pic.twitter.com/XRlM5gXnYG
— Renato Perdigão (@Shakarez) June 18, 2023
LeBlanc Deceiver has quickly risen to prominence as a first pick/first ban mid laner due to the effectiveness of the Statikk Shiv build. Players from all around the world have realized its potential and implemented it into their playstyles including well-known professionals like Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok and Jeong ‘Chovy’ Ji-hoon. Statikk Shiv often contributes 20-30% of LeBlanc’s total damage to champions in pro matches, providing a significant boost to her burst potential.
Statikk Shiv not a Mythic item has top priority for LeBlanc players. While most AP mid laners rely on Mythic items such as Rod of Ages, Liandry’s Anguish, or Everfrost, LeBlanc enthusiasts are thinking outside the box. The item’s passive, Energized, adds bonus magic damage to basic attacks and periodically releases chain lightning upon attacking. LeBlanc’s mobility allows her to quickly stack the Shiv’s passive and utilize it multiple times during skirmishes and team fights.
When it comes to building Statikk Shiv LeBlanc the item is typically prioritized as the first purchase. Night Harvester and Ludens are popular choices for the Mythic item, with Night Harvester being favored by players like Faker. The synergy between Statikk Shiv’s empowered auto-attacks and the burst damage from LeBlanc’s combos makes Lich Bane an ideal second item.
LeBlanc players have flexibility in their build paths based on the game’s circumstances. Rabadon’s and Mejai’s can accelerate snowball potential, while Shadowflame and Void Staff offer strong penetration options. Zhonya’s can be a valuable defensive choice when facing threats. Experimentation is encouraged to find the optimal build for each situation.
LeBlanc’s rune page for the Statikk Shiv build takes inspiration from ADCs to maximize her mobility and sustained damage. Fleet Footwork provides additional mobility and healing, making her a challenging opponent throughout all stages of the game. Presence of Mind ensures a steady supply of mana, while Alacrity offers increased attack speed, enhancing LeBlanc’s fluid combo execution. Coup de Grace guarantees her ability to eliminate targets swiftly.
In the secondary rune tree, players have a choice between Sorcery and Inspiration. Manaflow Band and Scorch from Sorcery can provide additional poke damage, while Magical Footwear and Biscuits from Inspiration offer utility and sustain. Both choices have advantages, so ultimately it comes down to preference.
Playing Statikk Shiv LeBlanc requires a deep understanding of her kit, itemization, and positioning. LeBlanc’s mobility and burst potential can catch opponents off guard, but it also demands precise execution. Mastering her combo patterns, knowing when to engage or disengage, and effectively utilizing the passive from Statikk Shiv are essential skills to develop.
The Statikk Shiv LeBlanc build brings numerous advantages to the table. The item significantly amplifies her burst damage, improves wave clear, and provides versatility in sidelaning. The unexpectedness of this build catches opponents off guard, allowing LeBlanc players to gain an early advantage and snowball the game.
However, like any strategy there are downsides. Building Statikk Shiv on LeBlanc sacrifices the benefits of traditional AP mid laner itemization. It requires a playstyle adjustment, and opponents who adapt quickly can exploit her vulnerabilities. Additionally patches and balance changes may impact the viability of the build over time.
Statikk Shiv LeBlanc’s emergence has created a ripple effect in the meta. Professional players and solo queue enthusiasts alike are testing and adopting this build. Its success has shifted the focus from traditional AP mid laners and opened up new possibilities for champion versatility and itemization.
Statikk Shiv LeBlanc has become a meta-defining pick, captivating players and professionals with its surprising effectiveness. The build offers a refreshing alternative to traditional AP mid laners, showcasing LeBlanc’s burst potential and mobility. It’s essential to adapt to the evolving meta and explore innovative strategies that can potentially shape the game’s future.
