Just wondering why they changed the build paths for armor/MR, but didn't let us build a ruby into giant's belt.
Actually, the direction they were changing things made me wonder why they don't let us build dagger -> recurve, long sword -> pick axe -> BFS, or tome -> blasting -> NLR if need be, as well, or if there was something special about armor/MR that doesn't apply to the rest.
Onegarion4 votesBecause Giants belt is the BF sword for health. Its a powerful item that is bought outright.
They change how armor/MR was because things like Null mantle/Cloth armor were really bad options after season 3. There was no inherent reason to actually build them except for the boots upgrades and a small number of options.
Also to speak more to how you are comparing it. Before this change there really wasn't an equivalent starting option that built into meaningful items for armor MR. Most of the staple items required Negatrons and Chainvest. Not really a reason to buy the cheaper options. This has changed so that when they come back with a longsword you aren't being screwed with having to wait for a meaningful item. Each stat has something that is a basic item that builds into bigger and stronger things except for the resistances until late.
Health had Ruby crystal which builds into 
, 
, etc. Longsword builds into things like 
, 
and 
and so on. All the stats had these except armor and MR. Negatrons and chainvest where the items to get and not their cheaper counterparts. This is why they have the change.
ProfDrDeath2 votesThis.
Also, mitigation stats are reactive buys - meaning, you buy them as a specialised defense option in case of need.
Health, on the other hand, is a proactive buy - it makes you tankier regardless of context. Hence, the health items are bigger/more general powerspikes than more dedicated defense items.
poopoo peepee3 votesThat's just be a bit too much. It's so that there's a clear advantage in lane. One person has a long sword and the other a picksxe. Picksxe is far ahead, it's not like long sword can just upgrade.
Srry if it doesn't make sense, tired
Leti the Yeti1 votesdefensive items are reactive choices, so riot says
The Mormonator1 votesI think Riot wants there to be benefits for getting kills and farming by having large buying options and also to add a little diversity to items instead of having everything build from something.
