Friday 25 February 2011

OUTDATED (RIP) Akali, she's a single lady after all (In Depth AP and DPS builds)

Table of Contents
Abilities ...........................................................1
Introduction ......................................................2
AP versus DPS
.................................................3
Runes, Masteries and Summoner Skills .............4
AP Item Build ..................................................5
DPS Item Build ................................................6
Skill Orders ......................................................7
Tips and Tricks .................................................8
Conclusion ........................................................9
Akali, The Fist of Shadow There exists an ancient order originating in the Ionian Isles dedicated to the preservation of balance. Order, chaos, light, darkness -- all things must exist in perfect harmony for such is the way of the universe. This order is known as the Kinkou and it employs a triumvirate of shadow warriors to uphold its causes in the world. Akali is one of these shadow warriors, entrusted with the sacred duty of Pruning the Tree � eliminating those who threaten the equilibrium of Valoran.

A prodigal martial artist, Akali began training with her mother as soon as she could make a fist. Her mother's discipline was relentless and unforgiving, but predicated on the fundamental principle: "We do that which must be done." When the Kinkou inducted her into the order at the age of fourteen, she could slice a dangling chain with a chop of her hand. There was no question � she would succeed her mother as the Fist of Shadow. She has had to do much in this role which others might find morally questionable, but to her it is in service of her mother's inviolable doctrine. She now works with her fellows Shen and Kennen to enforce the balance of Valoran. This hallowed pursuit has unsurprisingly led the triumvirate to the Fields of Justice.

"The Fist of Shadow strikes from the cover of death itself. Do not impede the balance."
  •   1. Abilities
    Twin Disciplines
    This passive is sheer genius, it helps to make akali one of (if not THEE) best hybrid characters. Spell Vamp and extra Damage. Yes please.

    Mark of the Assassin
    Combined with Sheen, Trinity Force or Lich Bane, this skill can rack up some CRAZY damage with a very short cooldown.

    Twilight Shroud
    An all round good skill. Slow, armour and stealth in an area.

    Crescent Slash
    Amazing farming tool. Even more so with a dps build.

    Shadow Dance
    Ahh the ultimate, can be used to escape, guarantee no1 will get away from you while dealing damage. Could you ask for more?

  •   2. Introduction
    My favourite thing about akali is that she can be built DPS OR AP and still easily be viable. If your team is missing a carry, we can build DPS. If your team is low on magic damage, we can build AP.

    This guide is in no way perfect, but it does have 2 viable builds I have come up with that should hopefully help you be a valued member of your team. All comments are welcomed. Constructive critisism is never a bad thing. :P
  •   3. AP versus DPS
    Akali is viable as either of these. Dps is better for farming with Crescent Slash and better normal attacks, while AP has better Ultimate and Mark of the Assassin(with Lich Bane).

    Personally I've found that the AP build is better than AD. Just my experience (you may feel differently).

    Neither of my builds are PURELY focused on AP or DPS as both contain Guinsoo's Rageblade, but one focuses AP as the main damage source while the other focuses mostly on DPS.
  •   4. Runes, Masteries and Summoner Skills
    Masteries
    Personally (in most cases), I like to build my masteries around a Hero's weakness and compensate for it, rather than boosting what they are already good at.

    Since Akali's damage is done at melee range and she is notably squishy I like to go with 9/21/0. This helps the early game go that little bit easier.

    *I've tried a few games with a 21/9/0 build and they've gone pretty well. I suggest you try both and see what you like the best. Either is viable imo.

    Runes
    My rune setup is fairly simple, it focuses on HP, cooldowns, Magic or Armour penetration.

    Depending on the build i'm following my marks would be:
    Greater Mark of Desolation for DPS or
    Greater Mark of Insight for AP

    For Seals either:
    Greater Seal of Vitality or
    Greater Seal of Evasion

    Glyphs:
    Greater Glyph of Celerity Cooldown reduction is nice on any hero.

    Quints:
    Greater Quintessence of Fortitude 97 hp at lvl is an amazing help.

    Summoner Spells

    For summoner spells there's really only a few that I would take on Akali. They're always based on personal preference.


    Most times I find myself taking:
    IgniteGreat for making sure you get that kill when your enemy decides to taunt you by surviving with 10 hp. Brilliant skill.

    and

    ExhaustGreat for making sure you and your teamates get that kill, while also almost ensuring a win against a hard carry. Always use in the enemies carry in team fights.

    Other skill worth a mention:

    FlashGreat for escaping, surprising enemies and catching those who are just out of range of your ulti.
    CleanseAkali is very squishy and she is limited in her ability to escape. This helps ensure you don't get stunlocked.
    TeleportGreat for better map control and early game trips back to the shop without losing too much experience.
    GhostAmazing skill for catching a fleeing enemy and also to escape ganks effectively.
  •   5. AP Item Build
    This build focuses on maxing out your ability damage and insane damage with Lich Bane procs with Mark of the Assassin.

    For ap I start with Amplifying Tome and a Health Potion.
    This may not give a big boost early, but I like to get to building my next item fast. If you prefer that little bit extra health and regen early then you can substitute Amplifying Tome for a Doran's Shield.


    First trip back get Sheen and Boots of Speed.
    With her Q and Sheen, you'll notice some very nice burst damage.


    Now to finish your boots. Your boots are based on personal preference and the enemy team.
    Sorcerer's Shoes Magic penetration for a nice damage boost.
    Mercury's Treads for anti crowd control goodness.
    Boots of Swiftness I find myself getting these a lot. Gives more map control and good for escaping and chasing by being that little bit faster.


    Now get Pickaxe and then upgrade to Guinsoo's Rageblade.
    This will activate both parts of your passive and give a nice boost to attack speed and AP when it's procs are full.


    Next trip back get Giant's Belt and then build it into Rylai's Scepter.
    Rylai's Scepter is a great item for Akali. Health for her squishiness, AP for damage and slows to keep them in melee range.




    If you are having problems with survivability after Sheen then get Giant's Belt before you build Guinsoo's Rageblade and build Rylai's Scepter afterwards.


    Now upgrade Sheen into Lich Bane.
    This gives even more boost to your burst damage than Sheen and also boosts the damage of your abilities themselvs. Add in a movement speed boost and a little magic resist and it's party time.

    Complete Build:
    ? ?
    Click here to view more detail
    Possible items if the game goes on longer than my build:
    Zhonya's Ring A huge boost to AP and an active for survival. Expensive item.

    Banshee's Veil For against caster heavy teams.

    Guardian Angel Omg omg omg I'm gonna die!!! Oh wait, I came back like a fat kid to a candy store.

    The Bloodthirster Even in an AP build, this gives your attacks a nice boost, while alsogiving you life steal and more Spell Vamp from your passive.

    Deathfire Grasp Amazing anti-tank item. Use it's active BEFORE your combo.

    Void Staff For teams that stack magic resist. Nice Magic Pen and AP.

    Haunting Guise More HP, Spell Vamp to stack with your passive, AP and Magic Pen. All in one very affordable item. Great for a small boost.



    Food for thought:
    If you are confident you can keep the stacks then you could get a Mejai's Soulstealer before your Guinsoo's Rageblade. Remember though that she IS a squishy melee and losing stacks is a very real danger.
  •   6. DPS Item Build
    This build focuses on attack damage and very nice aoe damage from Crescent Slash.

    For starting items get Long Sword and a Health Potion.
    This gives a little extra damage on regular attacks, while also activating the Spell Vamp part of your passive. As with the Ap build feel free to substitute Long Sword for a Doran's Shield.


    First trip home try to get Phage and Boots of Speed.
    Phage gives that boost to your health pool, plus damage and a slow. Good times.


    Now to finish your boots. Your boots are based on personal preference and the enemy team.
    Berserker's Greaves Against croud control heavy teams.
    Mercury's Treads 25% attack speed speaks for itself.
    Boots of Swiftness Lvl3 move speed. Good for chasing and fleeing.


    Now get Blasting Wand and then upgrade to Guinsoo's Rageblade.
    With both parts of your passive activated, you'll get a nice damage boost and spell vamp.


    Now choose between 1 of the next two items:
    Sheen.
    Add nice burst to your dps with you spamming of abilities. Stacks well with Mark of the Assassin
    Frozen Mallet.
    Slow on your regular attacks, a small damage boost and nice hp.


    If you got Sheen last then get Frozen Mallet and vice versa.


    Next is The Bloodthirster.
    More attack damage, higher damage from Sheen procs, amazing life steal and a boost to your Spell Vamp passive.

    If you wish to skip Sheen and go straight for The Bloodthirster feel free to do so. I just love the extra burst from Sheen.

    Final Build:
    ?
    Click here to view more detail
    Other Possible Items:
    Infinity Edge Amazing damage boost. This will give more damage and spell vamp, but misses out on the life steal of The Bloodthirster. Also is very expensive.

    Last Whisper Extra attack speed, damage and amazing armour penetration.

    Madred's Bloodrazor For high hp target shredding. Very good item but also very expensive.

    The Black CleaverNice damage boost plus a passive to tear away armour.
  •   7. Skill Orders
    I find that for the highest burst damage Q is your main skill with AP. For farming the skill we use is E. Since AP focuses on burst damage and DPS is better for farming and a nice aoe, there is a seperate skill order I use for each build.

    Preferred AP skill order
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
    x

    x x
    x
    x









    x










    x x
    x x


    x



    x
    x
    x x









    x



    x



    x


    This build focuses on Mark of the Assassin (Q) for great burst damage with Sheen and eventually Lich Bane

    Preferred DPS skill order
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
    x


    x



    x
    x x





    x










    x x
    x x


    x x

    x x x













    x



    x



    x


    This build focuses on increasing Crescent Slash (E) for faster farming and DPS burst. Crecent slash hits a lot harder with a DPS build.
  •   8. Tips and Tricks
    This section contains basic tips on playing Akali, along with some nice uses for her stealth ability Twilight Shroud.

    Firstly I would like to say that Akali is NOT a tank. Don't rush into the enemy team and die within two seconds. Stick behind your tank and if an enemy over extends make them pay with a Kami to the FACE!


    Mark of the Assassin This is her only ranged damage skill. Use this to chip away peoples HP in the laning phase if you think the risk of going into melee is too high. If you rush Sheen then this move (along with 1 regular attack afterwards) will do some scary burst early.



    Crescent Slash This move is pretty basic. Use is to farm minions and deal nice damage enemy champions while in melee range. Use right Shadow Dance to hit fleeing enemies with it.

    Another use for crescent slash is for taking down buildings. The extra damage from the items Sheen, Lich Bane and Trinity Force not only affect minions and enemy heroes, but buildings as well. While attack buildings, spam Crescent Slash whenever it is available to proc Sheen and take down those buildings that little bit faster.



    Shadow Dance Her ultimate. Use this to catch up to enemies who are fleeing and deal some damage in the process. :)

    If you're wanting to play like the real ninja assassin like she is you can hide in the brush and Shadow Dance to an unsuspecting enemy. Then on my signal, unleash hell (poor attempt at a Gladiator reference).

    You can also target enemy minions or neutral creeps with this ability. Although situational, you could use this to escape from ganks by dashing away from your enemies by hitting an enemy creep with it.



    Twilight Shroud I waited to mention this skill after her ultimate because this sectionwill be the longest.

    You can use this for controlling your opponents in the laning phase. If you're in the brush and pop this just outside it, there is a huge area where you could possibly be to your enemies. This gives a much bigger area that you control.

    Just before a gank, pop this on the enemy and use Shadow Dance to dash to your target. Not only will your target be slowed, but you'll also stealth when you reach them and get a bonus to armour.

    Pop this on the area where your creeps are fighting. Enemies will be wary of entering the area and you can control their farm while allowing still you to last hit.

    When your team is retreating put this down between you and your enemies. The enemy team will be slowed if they pass through it, allowing you and your teamates to escape. Also works for solo fights.

    Use it to check the brush. Pop this down half in the brush and go in stealthed to scout on the other team in safety.

    Use it in the middle of team fight to slow the entire enemy team, give yourself more survivability with intermitant stealth and armour boost.
    Hope this Build have helped some of u and i wont be seeing any more of the 'noobish-retarded akali on my team' 

    Also i did not created the whole build and i take little credit for this.

15 comments:

  1. Guardian angel on Akali??????
    for the love of god WHY?
    but great overall, helped me kil them noobs

    21/3/5 :)

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  2. In the late game u will have enough DPS and u will need more survival

    Thx for the comment ;)

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  3. Ive been hoping to get ibto this game, Ive heard good things.

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  4. Never play'd akali before, but i'll try her as soon she's free to play. :D

    Very detailed Build dude !
    Keep it up !

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  5. thats very indepth, thanks for the useful info.

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  6. Nice post dude, looks interesting

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  7. I've herd lots of good things about lol

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  8. Finally a full guide, although you didnt make it

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  9. very in-depth. you must enjoy akali a lot.

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  10. Ahh this character is such a beast, quite tricky to use though.

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  11. I ALWAYS get f*cked by her, I'm a level 14 Garren so thanks for the great guide !

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  12. Very nice guide for Akali! AP akali is awesome fun and rips people.

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  13. amazingly detailed blog post - thank you so much! :D

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  14. Great guide, and wonderful to see a fellow league of legends blogger!

    Akali is also one of my favorite champions, her chasing ability is just OP.

    The build is similar to what I use on her too.

    Followed, check my blog out sometime at:
    http://riotoflegends.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete