In the vast universe of League of Legends, few champions capture attention quite like Aphelios, the enigmatic marksman wielding an arsenal of celestial weaponry. Picture this: a character who swaps guns faster than a caffeinated squirrel, all while delivering devastating damage from a distance. Whether you’re a seasoned summoner or a newbie trying to decipher his multi-faceted playstyle, understanding Aphelios is essential for victory. Buckle up as we dive deep into his lore and mechanics, because when it comes to this lunar warrior, knowledge truly is power.
Character Overview
Lore And Background
Aphelios hails from the mystical realm of the Lunari, a faction that reveres the moon and its guiding light. Raised in the shadowy sanctuary of the Lunari, Aphelios was trained to harness celestial energies, both beautiful and deadly. Gifted with a unique condition known only to him, he can wield several weapons that represent different phases of the moon. This unique twist on the marksman archetype gives players a deep connection to Aphelios and his quest against the oppressive Solari. His ever-present companion, Alune, adds an extra layer of complexity. Though seen only in spirit form, she empowers him, guiding his shots and enhancing his gameplay whenever he draws a weapon from his arsenal. This intimate bond between Aphelios and Alune embodies the essence of his character, loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggles against forces seeking to extinguish the light of the moon.
Gameplay Mechanics
Abilities Breakdown
Aphelios boasts an intricate kit that may leave some players scratching their heads. He utilizes a unique mechanic involving five different weapons that rotate every few seconds: the Calibrum, the Gravitum, the Infernum, the Severum, and the Crescendo. Each weapon comes with its own distinct abilities:
- Calibrum, the rifle, allows for long-range precision shots, marking enemies and enhancing his next attack.
- Gravitum, the cannon, slows targets and unleashes a massive area attack.
- Infernum, the flamethrower, deals area damage and ignites foes.
- Severum, the scythe, provides lifesteal, crucial for survival in dire situations.
- Crescendo, the pistol, creates a wall of moonlight, aiding in vision control.
Understanding how to switch between these weapons forms the crux of mastering Aphelios.
Playstyle And Strategies
Typically, Aphelios excels in team fights and skirmishes, but knowing where to position himself can be tricky. He thrives when played at a distance, raining down havoc while staying safe. As he gains experience, players should adapt to his ever-changing weapon-based gameplay and apply the appropriate strategies for each situation. In solo queue, emphasizing synergy with your support is key. Pairing with champions who can provide crowd control, like Leona or Thresh, amplifies Aphelios’s damage output exponentially. Use abilities to poke the enemy and then activate the ultimate, Call of the Forge God, to finish them off.
Itemization And Builds
Recommended Items
To unlock Aphelios’s true potential, players must choose the right items. Starting with Galeforce stands out, offering mobility and damage, a solid pick for dodging enemy abilities. Kraken Slayer adds significant burst potential, ideal for shredding through tanky opponents. Rounding out the core items, Infinity Edge and Bloodthirster provide a lethal mix of critical strike chance and sustain.
Runes To Consider
Turning to the runes, Conqueror consistently shines as the primary keystone. It scales perfectly with Aphelios’s aggressive playstyle, allowing him to build up damage over time. Also, Triumph and Legend: Bloodline are excellent choices, ensuring he remains alive in extended fights and deals substantial damage at critical moments.
Counters And Synergies
Best Counter Champions
Every champion has their weaknesses, and Aphelios is no exception. Champions like Zed and Evelynn can leap upon him with little warning, exploiting his lack of mobility. Their ability to burst him down quickly and isolate him in fights makes them formidable foes. Also, if a team drafts several high CC champions such as Malphite, Aphelios struggles to reposition and disengage.
Ideal Team Compositions
But, when paired with the right teammates, Aphelios can become a game-changing asset. Building around him with champions that can offer crowd control, think Nami, who can heal and disrupt enemies, along with tanky front-liners allows Aphelios to shine. A composition featuring bruisers like Alistar or Leona increases his chances of survival while maximizing damage output in fights.
