@Riot: Is it healthy that a solo laner like Shyv can use Cinderhulk effectively in top lane?

AFK Push·Apr 10, 2015·3 votes·891 views

This has been an ongoing thing, and I am currently indifferent about it. I think it is cool that people are trying new things, but I feel like it is unbalanced that can build an item that is meant for the jungle but be too effective in top lane. The problem isn't that she can do this, but that almost no other top lane can do this as effectively as her. Is this unbalanced, should there be restrictions on smite on laners?

Edit: Let me reiterate, should it be "balanced" if a top laner who takes smite and a jungle item is stronger than their usual build. I'm not saying it is stronger, but it could possibly be.

8 Comments

Sire HippingtonApr 10, 20154 votes

other toplaners like gnar or mundo can do so aswell
it really didn't look any strong at all in the games if seen, and those were befor the cinderhulk/gromp nerfs
why would it be a problem if smite gets used toplane in specific strategies?

XxxLumberJackxxXApr 10, 20152 votes

Bami's cinder builds into sunfire. Cinderhulk is the end item.

And if you are lostn to TP/smite shyvana top you are an idiot. She shouldn't be able to touch you without flash.

AFK PushApr 11, 20151 votes

My laner got rekt by her, not me. I was confused about this new strat and found out that it was a thing.

TecToNiiCApr 10, 20152 votes

I would dare call this "breaking the meta"

Isn't this what people always ask for? Now that it happens they complain...

ErockandrollApr 10, 20152 votes

Riot has already said that they don't oppose laners taking smite, as long as it doesn't crowd out other summoners. Their would have to be a lot more top lane smite CinderHulk cases before riot would take action.

Also, Your complaining that Shyvana is the only one who can do it. First off all, explain why Only Shyvana can build this way and succeed, how often the mechanics of this build work, and useful that actually is. Cause Either Cinderhulk makes top laners too strong (despite requiring smite over say TP or Flash.) Or it make Shyvana too strong. But if your suggesting the latter, Riot will Just nerf Shyvana.

Also I wouldn't worry too much about it. Likely it's something that people are trying out W/O any idea why or how it works.

IcyPepperApr 10, 20151 votes

Is it healthy that there's no alternative to taking flash, but people question it if someone finds something equally powerful to trade for?

Considering that flash is in 98%+ of games, and people only notice a few taking smite+cinderhulk top lane, I don't think the balancing issue is cinderhulk. It's strategic diversity, and they're making a fair trade.

Not to mention item 3153 is a counter to cinderhulk. To get the most out of cinderhulk, you have to buy health, therefore your MR and armor is going to be split a little more if you're not going full tank. Botrk's passive scales with health, meaning as cinderhulk increases HP, botrk will deal more damage and there will be less armor to counter it. If they build armor to counter botrk's damage, they're not getting as much health as they could and therefore won't benefit as much from cinderhulk.

There, I think that's a fair response. I gave a counterpoint and defended cinderhulk, and gave some tips against it so it's not as overbearing as it might appear.