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Combat snowballing from "free Dragon" after early kills on bot/jungler

LynXLytE·12/12/2013, 7:55:54 PM·5 votes·661 views

During recent patches Riot acknowledged how they want to combat "snowballing." For example, increasing experience from killing enemies that are ahead in levels, reigning in early game damage on champions, or the recent towers rework.

However, I wanted to point out an issue I feel leads to snowballing as well, which is the bonus dragon gold after a kill on bot lane.

We all recognize that Dragon is a prize and should reward teams for taking this objective, but when a team scores an early kill on bot lane, especially during a counter-gank, and is easily able to secure Dragon afterwards, the bonus gold is a bit steep during this phase of the game. That amount of gold can often secure bot lane's snowball or perhaps the jungler's...as if the 2-3 kills weren't enough already.

What I am proposing is a gate that first must be destroyed to enter the dragon pit. By adding a destructible object, Riot can combat early snowballing by adding some counter-play. The respawning team will have more time to contest the dragon, not to mention new intricacies added to early game dragon dances. Teams will have to coordinate better on how/when to take the gate down. We might see less cheesy level 1-3 dragon attempts as well.

TLDR: Add a destructible gate to dragon pit so teams that get early kills on bot lane/jungler will not get incontestable bonus gold that leads to snowballing.

Personally I would love to see a pro-game where mid successfully pokes/defends the dragon's gate just long enough for their team to make it back to battle.

6 Comments

Sweet Dream12/13/2013, 7:03:49 AM3 votes

What about the jukes into the dragon pit, won't most get trapped? Unless they can dash/teleport then wait for cd or flash?

Maokai Has Wood12/13/2013, 1:15:10 PM2 votes

The game can't have a map created prison. Imagine how useless Jarvan will feel.

Bolraguard12/13/2013, 2:47:16 AM1 votes

I like the idea in general, the idea of "Counter snowball" but i disagree with the solution. - Please read this and see if you think this would help:

http://community.na.leagueoflegends.com/c/ideas/cWdwRLQO-i-want-to-have-a-discussion-with-riot-about-the-camera-angle

PirateLance12/13/2013, 5:51:32 PM1 votes

you guys talking bout snowballing champs just play jax all you need to do is get him and its gg fiddle jax gg

Ry0n12/22/2013, 3:44:34 AM1 votes

This guy has a brilliant idea! Well working on it a bit about the gate or something like twisted treeline, everybody getting a vision of the dragon if they not secure the gate, or if you dont destroy this gate and people jump in through teleports/skills like jarvan.. well its an idea to think about.

BTW I don't like the new gold snowball dragon, i like the idea of people contest the dragon more late game... but a winning team maybe always get the dragon and snowball the chances of winning... which is bad for balance anyway...

thanks for bringing it up

VexingRaven1/26/2014, 2:51:51 AM1 votes

This would make Shaco hilariously strong. Deceive into dragon pit, pull dragon to the back, and laugh as nobody can get you. Or pull it to the front so the adc and support can hit it. Same for any champion with a non-target dash.

Sorry, this is a terrible idea. Besides, you should be getting a tower after a kill on bot, not dragon.