So is Ohmwrecker and Banner of Command Viable Now?

Tis a nice day·Dec 2, 2014·2 votes·2,313 views

For the most part, I actually quite like the 4.20 changes to Ohmwrecker and Banner of Command in that they act as pseudo-alternatives to Randuins' Omen/Sunfire Cape for Ohmwrecker and Locket of the Iron Solari for Banner of Command. Stat efficiency wise the two updated items are also fairly on-par where Ohmwrecker holds a 95.2% gold efficiency on stats alone (Randuin's is 95.9% pure-stat efficient) and Banner is 108% gold efficient compared to Locket that's only 87.7% efficient.

But even after several dozen games or so, I have yet to see one of these items actually purchased other than as a throwaway for extremely uneven games where victory/defeat is guaranteed.

It's certainly not that the items are new, since I've seen a fair share of players purchasing the new Righteous Glory item.

So have I been unlucky or do most players still consider the two items too niche to use?

14 Comments

Zen FuryDec 2, 20142 votes

I usually get BoC on AP supports, as that 60 AP is really nice, plus you still get the aura and the minion promote. The minion promote will push without anyone needing to be there, which usually forces at least one enemy to have to go and deal with it which can open up some opportunities.

I've never used ohmwrecker. I view that item as more for coordinated teams rather than "random" teams. I could also see it working in tower-wrecking/troll teams (yi/trynd/etc. + ohmwrecker = What Towers?). But in general there are better items that support the team better.

SpecterVonBarenDec 2, 20142 votes

I think the new BoC is really good. If you're a squishy support like Nami or Soraka, the extra health from Locket wasn't going to keep you from being blown up if one of the carries gets on you, and while the shield could be useful, it still feels like a tank item. Having an alternative that gives me some AP and pushing power feels much better for the supports that can benefit more from some AP.

ArsenalsDec 2, 20141 votes

No.

Boots/Sightstone/Locket/Crucible are pretty much core for everyone. Banshees/FH/Randuins are also the "standard" go-to's after your support items. Zekes is more niche than the rest. Zhonya's/Mejai's/Morello's are also all built before Ohm/Banner/etc.

Ale non è maleDec 2, 20141 votes

Yes and Yes. Of course, Ohmwrecker is a niche item, so you still have to value if it is really what you need as sup, but overall it's viable. Banner of Command is flat out superior to locket right now, imho, unless you play against with some champ with large AoE skill that can hit multiple champs and you can often make use of the active shiled(which isn't really powerful)

And, Righteous Glory sucks badly

AtheosisXDec 2, 20141 votes

Not really.

TalamareDec 2, 20141 votes

Locket is like 500% Gold Efficiency

What are you only counting the GE on yourself?

Ale non è maleDec 2, 20141 votes

BoC has the same passive aura on the allied champ of Locket. So it all come down to the value on the shield + 200 hp on Locket vs the 60 AP and the promotion of the minion (given how both are really gold efficient with allies around thanks to the aura)

And to me, actually BoC > Locket, except for some situations

TalamareDec 2, 20141 votes

Zeke is super niche despite being insanely strong due to it needing a physical damage team, it doesn't do very much on your non physicals...

BoC is actually probably a good choice atm

Ohm technically got nerfed with laser turrets being so lame

Chaotic ReksDec 2, 20141 votes

I liked old Banner of Command, it promoted pushing lanes (RIP lane dominance Soraka )

Duke AnaxDec 2, 20141 votes

Oddly enough i started using the new one on Soraka.

Chaotic ReksDec 3, 20141 votes

Old item 3060 allowed Soraka to support mid. It provided minions with 15% extra damage, so bananawoman could sit back and heal the minions while they push and do "tons of damage".

TalamareDec 2, 20141 votes

They should make a physical BoC

Lord DusteonDec 2, 20141 votes

Based on my own experience toplane, if I'm against a mostly AD team and we need more dive potential I'll buy this (or if I'm even as Nasus vs AD; the item seems like it was made for him!), but other tank items do give more actual tankiness. If you value the passive, it's useful, but that does make it more niche.

iluvalarDec 2, 20141 votes

I now buy the raptor cloak as a core item both on soraka and heimerdinger. My 2 favorites characters because it's the cheapest item to have 100% hp/5. Also, the movement speed seem to save my life once every 3 game (someone try to dive me; I suddenly run 20% faster then he tought...)

For Soraka, Because she can multiply the hp5 by 2.5x on the champion of her choice. For Heimer. Because he have the highest base hp5 so it's like a constant potion.

So at some point I upgrade it in a Ohmwrecker. Not sure if it worth it, but the raptor cloak definitively. I'd by a second and a third any time if it could only build into something else..