Mana: AD vs AP

Looknook·Apr 7, 2017·1 votes·482 views

Why, generally speaking, are AP champs typically required to build mana items while AD champs are not? This can be seen in items as much as build paths. There is really just two mana items for ad users. One builds from tear and is only really seen on Ezreal and occasionally Jayce. The other is Essence Reaver which is locked behind crit builds for effectiveness. Champions like Gangplank, Lucian and Corki don't build Essence Reaver or even typically need it. AD ability casters are better off going for Armor Pen and damage rather than any mana.

AP assissans have to build mana too though. Look at Leblanc, one of the burstest mc'bursters this side of the rift. First item, generally Morelleo.

So why do AP users gerenerally need to build mana but AD users don't?

3 Comments

ChaddyFantomeApr 7, 20172 votes

This is because AP AOE Spell Artillery is more problematic and requires more gating than AD spell casting.

Champs like Ziggs Lux etc would be able to poke, stall out seiges and wave clear with impunity while remaining to safe to contest without any gating of management of their spells.

The closest thing AD has to this was Gangplank (whose barrels can be killed) and require set up and Varus who was hotfixed for that very reason. Jayce Urgot for example was made to have to build item 3070 for this very reason.

420 gramsApr 7, 20172 votes

Because mana costs are on ABILITIES so it makes sense that ABILITY power champions need mana.

Trinity force gives mana. Frozen heart gives mana. Ice born gauntlet gives mana. Urgot also builds the ad tear item. Banner of command gives mana. Righteous glory gives mana.

Yes, a lot of ap opt for the morello because it gives them the mana they need to keep using abilities to keep doing damage early. Plus it gives a lot of other stats that make it a core item on many ap users such as the high cdr, high ap stats, and the passive.