Op.gg Skarner: A Comprehensive Guide
Skarner, the fearsome Kraken, has been a staple in the mid-lane meta for several seasons. Known for his tanky build and powerful ultimate, he has been a favorite among competitive players. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of playing Skarner on Op.gg, covering his strengths, weaknesses, and optimal strategies.
Build and Itemization
When building Skarner, the primary goal is to maximize his tankiness and damage output. Here’s a typical build path:
Item | Role |
---|---|
Phantom Dancer | Early Game Mobility |
Boots of Speed | Early Game Mobility |
Guardian Angel | Early/Mid Game Tankiness |
Thornmail | Mid Game Tankiness |
Force of Nature | Mid Game Tankiness and CC |
Blade of the Ruined King | Mid/Late Game Damage |
Guardian Angel | Mid/Late Game Tankiness |
Thornmail | Mid/Late Game Tankiness |
Force of Nature | Mid/Late Game Tankiness and CC |
Blade of the Ruined King | Mid/Late Game Damage |
As you can see, the build focuses on tankiness and damage, with a few items to enhance Skarner’s mobility and crowd control. The Guardian Angel is a must-have item, as it provides a crucial escape mechanism and can turn the tide of a losing fight.
Skills and Abilities
Skarner’s skills are designed to be both tanky and damaging. Here’s a breakdown of each skill:
- Q – Kraken’s Rage: This passive ability grants Skarner increased armor and magic resistance when he’s below 50% health. It’s crucial for staying alive in the mid-lane.
- W – Kraken’s Claws: This skill allows Skarner to leap to a target enemy, dealing damage and applying a debuff that reduces their movement speed. It’s a great tool for engaging and disengaging from fights.
- E – Kraken’s Scream: This skill creates a barrier around Skarner, reducing incoming damage from enemy spells and abilities. It’s a valuable tool for tanking and surviving in the mid-lane.
- R – Kraken’s Wrath: Skarner’s ultimate ability, which deals massive damage to all enemies in the target area. It’s a powerful tool for finishing off enemies and turning the tide of a team fight.
When using Skarner, it’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each skill. For example, Kraken’s Claws is a great tool for engaging and disengaging from fights, but it can be easily interrupted by enemy crowd control. Kraken’s Scream is a valuable tool for tanking and surviving in the mid-lane, but it can be easily dispelled by enemy spells.
Playstyle and Strategy
When playing Skarner, the key is to balance his tankiness and damage output. Here are some tips for playing Skarner effectively:
- Focus on farming: Skarner is a great laner who can farm efficiently. Focus on farming minions and last-hitting enemy champions to build your gold and level up quickly.
- Use your ultimate wisely: Kraken’s Wrath is a powerful tool for finishing off enemies and turning the tide of a team fight. Use it to target key