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Essence Reaver has two main flaws. It's a dead end item, and it's build path makes no sense

5G8Nri0B54·6/23/2014, 5:31:44 AM·7 votes·1,051 views

Let's start with the first point being a dead end item.

Quite frankly, it suffers the same problem as old Malady, Haunted Guise, etc. The item is nice and cost efficient, but cost efficiency only goes so far, the item isn't slot efficient. You'd rather sell it and buy a Youmu's or something instead.

Solution: Up the item's price and make it stronger OR make it upgrade into something relevant? Like I don't know, if it upgrades, have it's mana drain passive extend to ABILITY damage as well as AA damage or something. Then maybe it might be useful.

As for the second point about it's build path making no damn sense. The ONLY champion who'd consider this item useful are super mana hungry AD champions. But mana for all the ADC's that'd want this item ceases to be a thing by the time you save up for it. The item has a mid game price, while it tries to solve an early game problem. What's worse, at no point in building this item are you getting any mana-aid that a champion that'd want this item really needs. If you're desperate enough to buy such a terrible item, it means you really need help with this item. But it's build path does NOTHING to help you sustain your mana!

Solution: Add a mana-related item in this item's recipe.

Those are the main issues. Asides from that, it appears to be a laning item. The mana regeneration passive will rarely come up much in a fight. Maybe it'd work out in a siege, but you'll only get so much mana back competing with your allies to kill the minions asap.

16 Comments

Manchette6/23/2014, 6:45:08 AM3 votes

ADC's can sustain for days with it now. Its meant to be an extended team fight item, or a split-pushing item. It doesn't fit the mold of the meta because there was nothing else like it until now. Thus, the application of the item is still being evaluated.

If you are having trouble applying it, try not spending mana while using it.

Linna Excel6/23/2014, 7:07:01 PM2 votes

I don't mind that it's a dead end item for that cost. Frankly it gives about as much as it should for the cost.

I've talked about fixing the build path here: http://community.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/live-gameplay/4kgLB4aA-essence-reavers-build-path

I think that ER is fine on some champs but most people don't notice the passive's effect. It is relatively invisible.

That and I think people are still trying to figure out it's usefulness. I think it works on some ADCs, some tops, and some AD junglers: http://community.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/live-gameplay/fAyIy7ww-how-does-essence-reaver-interact-with-skills-and-items

Remlap12236/24/2014, 12:08:18 PM1 votes

Honestly, I see Essence Reaver as more of a Top Laner's item (Jayce is really the first one that comes to mind.) It allows for much better sustain top lane while still giving that lifesteal bonus. BORK is better, but if you aren't Renekton and your champion goes through mana like I go through Taco Bell, it isn't a bad option.