Is it crazy to buy Ancient Coin first as ADC?

devomp·Jan 23, 2016·2 votes·3,640 views

When I play as Ashe, would it be crazy/stupid to buy Ancient Coin first, instead of a standard item like Doran's Blade ?

I know it's normally a support item, but here's my thinking on why I want to buy Ancient Coin: Ashe is weak, both offensively and defensively at the start of the game. Ancient Coin would help Ashe's squishiness, because every single time a minion in the vicinity dies, you get some health, not to mention gold. Of course, I'm trying to last hit the minions, but if I don't, I still get gold and health. Doran's Blade gives you a tiny bit more attack damage and health, and a very small lifesteal, but it doesn't help you with gold or mana.

I'm relatively new to the game, so if this idea is dumb, say so, and tell me why. I've only tried it once in a game, and it went well (I was 5-0-3, but they surrendered kinda early), but that was only one game.

6 Comments

disregardableJan 23, 20164 votes

It only restores health if you didn't kill it. Considering your goal should be to kill 80%+ of the CS, it's not worth it. I realize new players generally can't even come close to accomplishing that, but you never will if you don't start trying now.

Every time a CS dies that you didn't kill, it's a failure. Half of your attention should be solely on killing those creeps.

masterdragon481Jan 23, 20162 votes

Piggybacking: this guy is completely right.

If you had one successful game with it, you got lucky. If i saw an adc with an ancient coin, im going to trade hard vs them. Every time. Also, don't forget, dorans gives some health, which helps a lot more with squishyness than healing you aren't going to get.

There might be an argument for dorans shield.......but still..........

WingsofGulgazorJan 23, 20162 votes

ya you would open up yourself to being engaged on to much. Also if you can win lane without dorans then you would win even harder if you had dorans. Also if someone came to lane without a dorans I would try and back early to buy a second one then the enemy wouldn't be able to fight you at all.

devompJan 23, 20162 votes

Ok, you guys have convinced me, thanks!

CraigJan 23, 20161 votes

Do not do this...

BonipherusJan 24, 20161 votes

Here's some advice to help you out in lane and with last hitting.

Look up some guides on last hitting. Jeremy "Gaming Curios" has one that was featured not too long ago. But search for more. They are definitely out there.
The cunning mastery tree grants you up to 5 bonus damage to minions on auto attacks.
Armor yellows and magic resistance blues help a lot with your squishiness.
Quintessences and reds give you the most ad and will allow you to last hit more easily. You can substitute some of them out for more armor if you still need the protection.
If you're going as a marksman/bruiser, try starting with a longsword for the extra attack damage and 3 pots for the extra healing (potions are more effective at healing early game than lifesteal is. But avoid starting longsword if you won't be using it to build it into another item.)
Play some custom or bot games and practice! It's hard at first but you'll get the hang of it!