Electrocute Makes Early Burst on LeBlanc Too Reliable

The Facts LeBlanc’s kit numbers would tell you that she has a strong all-in but needs at least some ability power to trade with individual spells. However, her kit itself makes electrocute very easy to proc for the damage it deals.

Specifically, since Distortion deals AOE damage, Sigil of Malice is point-and-click, and basic attacks never miss, LeBlanc can Distort onto an enemy, apply Sigil, and basic attack. That’s two unique spells and a basic attack, proc’ing Electrocute to almost instantly deal about a third of her opponent’s health. Moreover, even if she cannot land the Distortion AOE, re-casting Distortion lets LeBlanc land a second basic attack and then escape, making the trade much safer.

This tactic is much more effective than Distoring into range, casting Ethereal Chains, and waiting for them to cook, since the Electrocute combo I mentioned doesn’t require LeBlanc to remain in range or land a skill-shot. The only counterplay is to remain outside range and try to force her abilities by shoving the wave. There’s not point trying to land skillshots or trade damage, since she can always win with Electrocite or escape if she can’t.

My Opinion This kit interaction returns LeBlanc to her previous, unhealthy insta-burst playstyle, only now in lane and before she gets fed. It also rewards her for not interacting with her opponent unless her Electrocute is up, since proc’ing it guarantees winning a trade. Ethereal Chains has become an ability best left on cooldown as a gank escape or a win-more ability to force flashes or solo kills. Quickly distorting back and forth makes hitting her very difficult. Overall, laning agaisnt her feels like just trying not to get clicked on and then having to base whenever you do.

What do you think of the kit interaction, and if you don’t like it, then what do you think could be done about it?