Why Support Is So Broken That It Makes ADC Look Weak
Bot Lane has been the strongest part of the Summoner's Rift for quite a while now. But ADC Mains are not happy with their situation.
Everybody hates the bot lane. Everyone is used to ADC Mains complaining about the strength of their role now. After all they have been doing so for the past 5 years. This time they might actually be correct, but it's not for the reason you think they are.
The problem with ADC's is not the champions, it's the entire bot lane.
Champions like Vayne, Tristana and Smolder are doing amazing in other lanes and even in the bot lane.
What Is The Actual Problem In The Bot Lane?
Support is broken.
The reason ADC players think that they are weak is because support champions are way overtuned. But how did we come here?
In Season 14 Riot has completely revamped the support item system. Every support now starts with a World Atlas. This item gives you a few HP and some regeneration as well as gold. It evolves the same way the old items did, but after you upgrade it to the Runic Compass you can choose the next item.
- Bloodsong
- Celestial Opposition
- Solstice Sleigh
- Dream Maker
- Zaz'Zak's Realmspike
All of these have already been nerfed, but they are so incredibly strong that it is completely unbalanced. Supports are basically getting a super strong first item for 400 Gold.
All of these items have special effects depending on what you want to do in the game. Realmspike is good for support mages and champions that like to autoattack a lot, want to buy Bloodsong.
Every game the support gets to decide between those items and can easily adapt to the game or just use the best one for their class. They are specialized for engage supports, poke supports and enchanters.
So while everyone needs to farm up and save gold to get their first item, Supports are already well on their way to their second item as the first one evolves over time after a 400 gold purchase. Did I forget to mention that these evolved items are almost 300% cost-efficient?
Champions like Maokai can easily build a Frozen Heart second and be done with it faster than the enemy ADC has their first item, which actually leads to instances where the support can solo kill the enemy ADC.
Does that mean that ADC is balanced? No. Vayne will still annihilate you in the late game. Varus can still be played 4 different ways including AP Bruiser top lane and Tristana is still technically a mid laner.
They are definitely at the mercy of their supports though and while I personally am fine with that I think we should take some more agency away from the bot lane. After all does it really matter how weak ADC is when Smolder turns into the Elder Drake at Minute 25?
What do you think? Should we buff some outlier ADC's? Should we also forget about AD TF being the best champion in different roles?
At least Riot is still adjusting the strength of support as the items keep getting nerfed. One day you will get it right.
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