I've been playing Soraka now a long time, and since the update, I can't decide which build is better for a Soraka. Do I go tanky Soraka (no hp items) or AP Soraka (for the bigger heals). Please vote and leave a comment explaining why you think so. Thanks :D
Why not both?
Either one can be good situationally.
If you have a strong frontline, but they stack a lot of hp, AP is the way to go (stronger heals because you're protected!)
If you don't have much of a frontline, but your priority healing targets don't have a lot of base hp, you could probably get by with a tankier build.
In my point of view, neither. But I'll vote AP, just that don't build it purely.
Soraka's beginning core items would be 
, since these are the most common support-beginner's build to finish first. You can always upgrade it to 
whenever you want, but prioritize the latter if possible.
Whatever you do, do not build heavy HP items on Soraka. Your W will hurt yourself more the more HP items you build on her, so I suggest you stay away tank builds like 
. You can only build tank builds that helps:
(can be upgraded to 
)
Do note that if your team compo consists of AA-based champs like 
, 
is an ideal item to help boost their DPS.
You can only build defence builds which only contains pure Armor/MR stats, so 
is an excellent item for her. 
may also be suitable, but not a very compulsory item since you're still kinda squishy.
Due to the amount of CDR items you have purchased along the way like , sell your for better boot with defensive stats, mainly MR like 
.
are also ideal if you plan to roam around & help to heal your allies from lane to lane. You don't really need 
since your backs you up, but it's still okay to build it if you get AA-harassed lots.
AP, but you don't need a crazily high AP to do serious work with Soraka. Talisman of the Ascension and Ardent Censer are essential along with your sightstone and boots (swiftness is the best upgrade if you ask me) but you might want to go for utility rather than raw ability power when it comes to whatever other items you buy. Athene's has become a staple for me mostly since in addition to everything else it confers a little magic resistance.
AP for bigger heals, better self-sustain, more damage.
Try an Archangel staff combined with the mastery which gives you 1 health regen per 300 mana. Archangel is currently the heaviest AP item in the game outside Deathcap, even stronger than it already was before the recent buffs. Sadly the increased price cost has pushed it slightly out of what a support can easily afford, but the tear itself is pretty cheap to pick up early and if you can scrounge up the cash for a needlessly large rod you should be able to get it.
It also offers a nice mana scaling shield for a bit of survivability.
