The Sustain Start: Flask and Pots Opener

It is becoming more common to see players start with only pots, flasks, and wards. This allows for complete sustain in lane, and it makes it almost impossible to kill the champion. But why does this new “Sustain Start” work? Let’s find out:

Most players using this start will get 1 Crystalline Flask, 5 health pots, and 2 mana pots. This allows the player to sustain in lane and not have to back early, allowing them to keep up with CS or even get ahead in lane. Not having to leave lane is important, it allows you get all possible XP and gold from the lane. While your opponent has to leave lane because he is too low, this start allow you to get ahead. When you are ahead in lane with the level, XP, and gold advantage, play it smart and write the “GG!” early. The Sustain Start is a very powerful start, but whether or not to choose it depends on the situation.

So when do you use the Sustain Start? It is actually very useful in most situations. If you are playing in a non-favorable match up, this is the best start for it. This will allow you to sustain the poke that the dominate opponent while being able to farm. This will even out the disadvantage from your champion selection. The Sustain Start also works if you are on the other side of the situation.

If you have the advantage in lane, you can use this to compete with his sustain. Your poke will be weaker, but the opponent will use pots faster. Use this to push the wave under his tower, forcing him to farm under it. You then never have to leave the lane as well, and eventually the weaker opponent will run out and back to base. Either way the sustain start works well for both sides. The only times I do not suggest this start are on any jungler ( you need the Hunter’s Machete ), or mobile Mids (like TF or Kat) who need the mobility. Anyone else is fair game for this very useful start.

 

SUMMARY: The Sustain Start is useful because…..
1. It allows you to Sustain in lane
2. Keeps your mana and health bars high
3. Allows you to stay in lane longer, and accumulate gold and a level advantage
4. More mana allows you to poke more often, forcing your opponent to back.
5. Makes it almost impossible to kill you, too much sustain.