It's just me or Doran's Shield just sucks nowdays?

It's always been inferior to Cloth + 4/5.

I've actually found myself using it recently. I don't really know why, but the regen from it can feel pretty nice compared to a boots/cloth start with potions.

The other stats are pretty meh, but having extra sustain that does not require you to attack and works at all times is enough for me. It's strange too, I used to avoid it completely, even when it was a lot stronger than it is now.

I built it for the first time in ages today as Malphite vs Vlad, it worked fairly well.

Cloth + 4pots is still superior in almost every matchup though

So many champs do aoe dmg in the top lane now that the passive on it is kinda weak, if it reduced aoe dmg by 3-4 it would get some more love

To me, it's an abomination. I'd way rather take boots/cloth 4. It feels like it's the worst starting item right now. I only buy it if I have to.

Dorans blade gives as much hp, has a flat ad value that doesn't diminish and lifesteal. Dorans shield has as much hp as blade, weak regen and a passive that diminishes the more armor you get. Seems fair. Not. If they're gonna have that ridiculous pricetag on it, at least give it +5 armor or something, right now it's horrible.