Utility supports are losing their unique identity

Champions like Sona, Janna, Nami and Lulu have always been pretty different from mage supports or tank supports. They provide a variety of buffs to their team, like speed boosts, slows, auto attack buffs, shields and heals. But over the years Riot introduced items that fulfill the same role, so anyone can buy the utility they want. As a result utility supports lack satisfaction and they need to be very strong to get played. Utility supports should be picked for their unique strengths, not their overpowered numbers.

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So what are these items I am talking about?

Movement speed Talisman of Ascension, Righteous Glory

Slows Rylai’s Crystal Scepter, Frost Queen’s Claim, Randuin’s Omen, Twin Shadows

Auto attack buffs Zeke’s Harbinger, Ardent Censer

Shields & heals Locket of the Iron Solari, Face of the Mountain, Mikael’s Crucible

Basically you can buy a strength if your team really needs it, no matter if you are Thresh, Brand or Trundle. Tank and mage supports get their own unique strengths plus the option to buy fitting utility. But you can’t buy Blitzcrank’s hook, Thresh’s lantern, Morgana’s cc immunity or Braum’s projectile blocking. That would rob these champions of their uniqueness.

The irony is that utility supports used to be one of the most adaptable classes. They could buy defensive items, utility or AP. But defensive itemization got nerfed and only tanky supports got compensated. Meanwhile Riot keeps pushing for AP scaling (Nami buffs, Zeke’s harbinger). Sona and Lulu used to have more defensive playstyles available by maxing W or E respectively.

I get that giving other champions more niche items and meaningful choices is great for the game. But don’t forget utility supports. Make them the best at something. That could be adaptability, disengage, reliability, distraction or whatever fits. This small group is losing their purpose in the game as it evolves, so give them hope for a better future.