All of the different smite upgrades have been replaced with this one item that combines the Blue Smite with the warding upgrade. There's a post about the AP items overhaul, but I haven't been able to find any explanation for this change even though it looks like a big deal.
Very experimental, to the extent I'm a little surprised it's on the PBE already (hasn't really been tested internally at all yet either). A test into how much benefit there is from potentially streamlining the jungle item effects somewhat. Lot of varying opinions on it here.
Really hope Skirmisher's Sabre is gone for good.
If that active was on anything besides a jungle item it would be bought by basically every top ever.
PLEASE. DON'T. RELEASE. THIS.
This change makes me laugh a little. I was thinking that if they had done (almost exactly this) when they changed the support items people would be more pissed. I suppose we'll see if anything changes or not, but realistically "let's turn the core item for a role into the same item" sucks. All of the support gold gen items might as well be the same item past ten minutes, and jungle is getting the same sort of treatment. Granted the enchantment helps a bit, but eh. I like warding so having the control ward bit is cool enough. Good luck junglers who don't like the change, hope you get more justice than the support quests.
Rip Lee sin ward hops
Pink smite sounds cool, but no jg items should be removed. Item diversity seems to be decreasing, which really detracts from the game. I've mentioned that the same thing applies to ADC as well, there isn't much build diversity, much less than junglers.
I think a lot of long time players will feel alienated if the game is oversimplified, which it seems to be progressing to. Part of what makes League so appealing is it's strategic depth.
Unfortunately, while the item aspect of the game revolves around building for each game, in practice the core items are always focused anyway, maybe change up the build order and have 1 or 2 items that are situational.
I know Riot wants to keep League fresh and exciting, but simplifying the game would have an adverse effect.
Back to jg items: I think red smite should definitely continue, but pink smite should be added. If I recall correctly, there was also a grey smite once as well.
Of course, if pink smite is included, expect that to be almost the unanimous choice in LCS.
I'd love to see vision item options for all roles, especially since in solo queue mid laners and ADCs have to rely on their teammates for vision, which is no guarantee. I think many players at all levels would be happy to sacrifice some damage for vision. And while tons of vision would seem to dilute the critical positioning of each ward, it would likewise increase the depth of counter vision strategy and make planning each objective or team fight attempt more imperative.
I hope to hear what others think about this!
No please. I like my trackers knife :(
