If theres no choice around runes, then why do we have them?

Josh Sand·Apr 30, 2019·1 votes·1,473 views

Is there a single optimal major rune for every champ?

I get that the lesser runes are helpful in different ways, but if every champ has a "must have" major rune like Conq or Aftershock that they take 100% of the time, then whats the point of offering it in the first place?

If the player isnt making a strategic decision around it, then why bother having it?

Like if Yas had to take conq, and Liss has to take aftershock 100% of the time, why not just remove the rune and build their kit around that play pattern?

Could be missing something here. Help me out if Im totally wrong.

5 Comments

Doge2020Apr 30, 20192 votes

My best example would be Nasus. His grasp build is the most efficient because it helps him sustain in hard melee lanes and the extra rune slots from resolve makes him tankier in said lane. His conq build is very aggressive, it gives him lots of power in extended fights due to the true damage conversion and more sustain too. His Aery/Comet build is more poke based with E max and is usually used during the early game when he is in a ranged matchup or an extremely hard melee matchup. Last is his Kleptomancy build, a rather dead build that can give him extra gold and more fighting power with the myriad of consumables that can be gained from klepto. The unique runes from inspiration helps nasus a lot in and out of lane (biscuits being the best example when the enemy laner pokes a lot).

Nasus and every other champ has many keystone options and builds, this is why off-meta stuff exists, but these champs also have a very efficient or very popular build that is recommended by guides for those that don’t know the rune options of a champ. There may be a single build that a champ runs for lots of games, that doesn’t mean it is that champ’s only choice, it just means that is the champ’s most efficient choice to get the best results.

Josh SandApr 30, 20191 votes

Well said. Good points all around.

Doge2020Apr 30, 20191 votes

Thanks. At least you take criticism well, can identify when you were wrong and is willing to have a discussion instead of resorting to flaming to protect your ego and refusing to admit you were wrong. You keep on doing you!

ThingamajigApr 30, 20191 votes

No champion has a must have

Some do but MOST don't bother This is why guides exist This is why META is a thing

You are missing a lot

90% of the champions can use 3 or more keystones And if they understand the changes in the play patterns they have to make they will make those strategic decisions

For example Ahri has a glacial augment Aery Comet and Elec choices Aert comet play the same way elec plays another and glacial completely changes her build It's your choice if you want to go blindly elec without thinking every game But removing that choice from others just because you are too stubborn to realize it is a big no no

Josh SandApr 30, 20191 votes

Yea that makes sense. Especially about the Glacial Augment builds. Changes a lot for the player and their opponent