Discussion about item diversity
Hello League community! I'm here wanting to spark some discussion about items. This mostly stems from the "is bork too strong" circlejerk that seems to be happening on every adcs stream. League doesn't need new items per say, it just needs some variety. Why? Not only will it open up different champions (or playstyles) it will provide a deeper level of strategy for the game.
So what's right? Imo the best example of item diversity is on the Hydras and Sightstones to a lesser extent. Let's look top: Ravenous Hydra is great for the sustain/splitpusher assassins like fiora/camille. While it's not built every game, it's a valid option (as seen on LCS yesterday on Camille). Titanic Hydra: again, the split pushers option but for tanks. Less ad, but better overall stats. This seems to be picked up a whole lot more, which is conversation for another time.
I think this is great, having two similar items that work in different situations. Now for supports it's similar, but instead they choose between a strong active and an extra inventory slot (due to Sightstone). Again, same item (more or less) but two different situations that are beneficial. We even see this in jungle (smites/enchantments) and recently the hextech items for mid. Albeit they aren't all really interchangable, but you get what I mean.
This is why I'm using adcs as an example. Their builds are mainly focused into two catagories right now: crit or bork. While there's some variety, most reach the same end build no matter what. Imagine if there were a second type of IE, or runnans that provided something different?
Ex: runnans tempest- same stats, every auto heals you and 2 nearby allies for some hp. Imagine if you fall behind as MARKSMAN, you can choose to itemize for a more supportive role, letting another carry do work.
Ex: Bloodgusher: active convert current lifesteal into bonus aa dmg (% or flat). We all have seen that video of maokai taking 500 autos then turning around and killing the adc. What if you had a quick burst of damage without the need of lifesteal?
Ex: null edge: same stats as IE: but every crit grants increased attack speed for 2 sec. Another variation allowing for more champs/new playstyles.
These are all pretty generic, and not meant to be 100% serious suggestions. Just offer something similar but not the same just like the Hydras. You couldn't build both forms, but it would allow for more interesting builds. And this would be good not only for adcs items but for all roles, like a knights vow for MR or Sunfire that pulsed healing every 5 sec. We need the options with distinct uses. I know the biggest argument for this is balance, but if they have vastly different effects I don't think it will ever be a matter of one is stronger than the other, it would be more champions that can use this item are stronger than other champions.
Tl;Dr more item variety in the form of current items in new forms (ex Titanic/ravenous). Take a quick look at the examples.
