I was wondering if there was a method or guide to follow when building. My friends tell me to finish an item, but after watching streams I see that is not an ideal way to play. So my question is how do I know when to slowly build 2 or 3 items and when to finish a specific item? If it helps I usually play olaf, yi, rakan, and sometimes pantheon.
TehNACHO3 votesIt's often champion specific on top of being scenario specific.
Rod of Ages users need to rush it ASAP.
Defensive itemization should be rushed ASAP if a carry, especially a Burst Carry (Burst Mage/Assassin) is getting fed.
AD Champions need an AD item early to help trade and farm in lane.
AP champions usually need a mana item of some kind to sustain in lane
etc. etc., there's no one size fits all guide.
Rovert duBelmont2 votesI kinda want to elaborate here.
Rushing rod of ages is good since it allows you to get the extra stats faster (a finished rod of ages at the 20 minute mark is much more potent than at the 40 minute mark).
I can also say this. Whether or not to rush, I think it depends on how well you're doing in the game. If you're doing well (getting farm, getting kills, making plays, etc), I would rush full items first, so that you can snowball your lead.
If you are not doing so well, I think that is when it's more important to be efficient with the gold you have (using as much of it as possible), in which case, get whatever components you can and do your best.
Hope this is of some use.
The Fuzzy 0ne2 votesIt really depends on who you're against in lane and how well you're doing, or if there's an item that would help get you ahead in that moment. Examples... Vs nautilus mercs would probably be a good thing to get early, if you're panth vs a mage or any AP top laner, hexdrinker is a good rush, vs a swain or Mundo or anyone that heals a ton? rush executioners. vs a marskman? rush warden's mail or tabis. It's hard to really give a general build path because there are so many factors to consider that it really goes by a case to case basis. A good source is generally a mid to high level One-Trick who knows all aspects of a certain champion and what to do in all match ups with that champ. But if you don't know one of those, then you will have to try things out and use your best judgement :)
When all else fails; build tank if behind and dmg if ahead
sanders2tj1 votesAwesome, thanks guys!