Smolder ADC Build Guides, Runes, Items, and Abilities

Smolder, the fiery dragon in League of Legends, brings a unique set of abilities and a playful demeanor to the battlefield. His kit is a blend of charming interactions and devastating firepower, making him a versatile pick for players who enjoy high burst damage and mobility. With abilities that scale through Dragon Practice, Smolder thrives on skillful execution and positioning. Let’s dive into his strengths, weaknesses, and some tips to master this adorable yet deadly champion.

1. Strengths:

• High Damage Output: Smolder's Dragon Practice passive enhances his abilities over time, allowing him to deal significant damage as he gains stacks. This makes him a scaling threat in prolonged battles.
• Burst Potential: Abilities like Super Scorcher Breath (Q) and Achooo! (W) pack a punch, providing strong burst damage, especially against squishy targets.
• Mobility: With Flap, Flap, Flap (E), Smolder can navigate terrain effortlessly, making him hard to pin down and giving him access to unexpected angles of attack.
• Teamfight Utility: MMOOOMMMM! (R) is a powerful ultimate that deals area-of-effect damage and applies a slow, making it a game-changer in teamfights.

2. Weaknesses:

• Fragility: Smolder can be relatively squishy, especially in the early game, making him vulnerable to burst damage or hard crowd control.
• Stack Dependency: His power relies heavily on Dragon Practice stacks. Falling behind can significantly diminish his effectiveness.
• Skill-Dependent: Smolder requires precise aiming and timing with his abilities, making him less forgiving for new players.
• Limited Sustain: Without inherent healing or shielding, Smolder may struggle in extended skirmishes without backup or lifesteal items.

• Maximize Dragon Practice Stacks: Always look for opportunities to poke enemies and secure minion kills with Super Scorcher Breath (Q) to build stacks early.
• Combine Abilities for Burst: Engage with Flap, Flap, Flap (E) to position yourself, then chain Achooo! (W) and Super Scorcher Breath (Q) for maximum burst damage.
• Optimal Ultimate Usage: Use MMOOOMMMM! (R) in tight spaces or teamfights where enemies are grouped to maximize its damage and crowd control effects.
• Positioning is Key: Utilize Flap, Flap, Flap (E) to dodge skillshots and reposition during fights, making it harder for enemies to retaliate.
• Focus Priority Targets: Smolder excels at taking down low-health enemies. Use Flap, Flap, Flap (E) to close gaps and pick off vulnerable targets.
• Manage Mana Wisely: Avoid spamming abilities unnecessarily early on to ensure you have enough mana for crucial engagements.

• AA + W + AA + Q + AA: Lead with AA, then W, AA, Q and AA to finish.
• Q + AA + W + AA + E + AA + AA + Q + AA: Start with your Q, then AA, W, AA, and E to fly in! THen AA, AA, Q and AA again to finish.
• Q + AA + W + R + AA + E + AA + Q + AA: Lead with Q then AA. Pop your W and R combo, then AA, E, AA, Q and AA again to take them down.
• R + W + FLASH + AA + Q + AA + E: Use your R then W and instantly Flash. Then AA, Q, AA and E to finish.
• R + E + W + Q + AA: Use your R and then E, W, Q and AA.
• Q + W + R + AA + AA + AA + Q + AA: Pop your Q then W, R, AA, AA, AA, Q again and AA to finish.

1. Early game

• Get level 2 first and look for a favourable trade with the enemy. Gaining an early health advantage will help you out.
• Focus on farming and looking for aggressive plays once the enemy uses an ability. Play around their abilities and look to abuse their cooldowns with your early game damage.
• After destroying the bottom lane tower, rotate to the mid lane and try to take that tower. This will open up the map and give your team a gold lead.

2. Mid game

• Stay with your Support throughout the mid-game. If you move away from them, you will be an easy target for the enemy. Make sure you’re always near at least 1 ally.
• Group and stay with your team at all times. Do not split push or avoid grouping unless you have a good reason to be away from them.
• Look for picks with your Support/Jungler to get kills and increase your lead. If you kill a key target, you could make the call for Baron.

3. Late game

• Stick with your team in the later parts of the game. If you walk away from them and die, it will be 4v5 and the enemy may be able to force a fight or end the game.
• Focus the nearest enemy champion in team fights and watch your positioning. Hold on to your for the right opportunity. Do not use it recklessly.
• Stick towards the back of your team near the Support so they can peel and protect you.

Smolder’s playful yet fiery nature makes him a delightful addition to the League of Legends roster. His kit rewards players who can effectively manage Dragon Practice stacks and execute combos with precision. While his fragility and stack dependency present challenges, mastering Smolder’s mobility and burst potential can turn him into a formidable force on the Rift. Whether you’re sneezing flames or calling on his mom for help, Smolder promises an engaging and explosive gameplay experience.

Thanks for Reading! If you want to gain more in-depth knowledge about LOL, check out many helpful articles here!

Good luck to you! – Cheng