The Mind of a Champion: Solo Lanes

Before we get started, I've stated in my previous articles that this would be a 5-part series. However, after giving it much thought, I have come to the conclusion that while top and mid lane have different roles and champion pools, the way of thinking is similar. Thus, this is going to be the last part.

If you have the time, please check the ones I've done on Supports, AD Carries, and Junglers. Comments and suggestions appreciated!

 

In this final installment of our "The Mind of a Champion..." series, let us discuss solo lanes. Unlike the tag team dynamic of the bot lane and the cat-and-mouse feel of junglers, solo lanes are a more intimate affair. Even with the presence of ganks, playing in this lane boils down into a battle of wits. It is a sliding scale that shifts left and right, with every action making a huge difference in the long run. As mechanical ability is constantly tested, other, equally important traits are developed, or should be developed, in the process.

Resource management is a vital skill to have, and could easy cost you the lane if you do not put much attention to it. Without a Support to aid you, your performance can be easily determined by simply looking at how much health and mana/rage/energy you have compared to your opponent. Keeping tabs on your resources allows you to manage your options, as well as determine suitable plans of action.

The other aspect of getting better in this lane is matchups. While it is applicable in a general sense, solo lanes have the most variety. From mages, tanks, bruisers, and assassins, there is a whole lot to knowledge to consume and understand. Having a general idea of what each champion type does and how to deal with them (playing more passive or aggressive), will reward you with a good laning phase, and possibly a win.

As for how a solo laner should think and act during the main teamfighting phase, I have thought about it longer than all the previous articles combined. It was quite difficult to strip down the lanes to two basic, opposing mindsets, champion diversity being a key factor in this. Still, these are my conclusions:

The Vanguard

He is the rampaging bowling ball, rolling towards the enemy team like there’s no tomorrow. He dives in recklessly and creates a huge impact to everyone, with escaping the battle an uncertainty. Not that he cares about surviving. To him, it is all about bringing the pain, be it with an intense amount of crowd control or pure, unadulterated damage.

A player with this kind of mindset would tend to lean on champions such as Karthus, Malphite, or Ryze, all of which revel in close-quarter combat. They play in such a manner that they either relentlessly lock down on a single target, typically the carry, or attempt to affect as many targets as possible. Suicidal attacks are common to this kind of player, and they would be at peace in death as long as they burned all their cooldowns and had taken down at least one or two opponents.

Going all-in has its disadvantages though, one of which is monumental to the team’s success: miscommunication. Wanting to kill the enemy team to the point of desperation might result in overextension and an early grave, which leads to a disastrous teamfight if it continues. Your thinking might not sync with theirs, and as such could possibly end up with bickering and negativity.

The General

When he fights, he does it from the back lines, for he knows that a dead champion is a useless one. While he can still deal tons of damage, he’d rather miss one or two targets than trying to catch them all. He likes to look at the battlefield from a wider perspective. He sees the area as a set of points and maneuvers rather than targets waiting to be killed. He uses his abilities for set-ups and zoning to help his teammates win.

These players have an affinity for precise playmakers like Lux, Orianna, and Yorick. While they can dive in as well, they do so strategically. These players know that teamfights are a meticulous affair, and that capitalizing on opponents’ habits and mistakes would lead to success. Slow and steady is their pace, preferring to intensify their efforts once they are sure of their victory.

League of Legends is a dynamic game, however, and sometimes being too careful is a bad thing. As said before, miscommunication is a big deterrent in achieving your goal. If you can’t explain to them your plans, they might dive in without regard and blame you if you didn’t follow. Also, because of your distance from the fight, you could easily get zoned out, thus unable to cast your abilities.

Final Words

Solo lanes are more difficult than one expects, primarily because most of the time you will be relying only on yourself to survive and get ahead. Thus, it is important to develop techniques to keep constant communication with your teammates, and learn how to adapt mentally across all types of situations.

With that said, I sincerely thank you for taking time to read these articles. They might be just random ramblings of a LoL player, but I hope I helped you in becoming a better player mentally, something that is often overlooked. I look forward to seeing you all in the Fields of Justice soon!