Skarner, the Crystal Vanguard, has long been a stalwart presence on the Fields of Justice. However, with the recent rework, he has emerged with a refreshed kit and renewed potential to dominate the game. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the reworked Skarner, exploring his abilities, optimal build paths, gameplay strategies, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned Skarner main or a newcomer looking to harness the power of the Crystal Scarab, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to thrive on the Summoner’s Rift.
Before diving into gameplay strategies, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Skarner’s revamped abilities:
Passive – Crystal Spires: Crystal Spires periodically spawn in the jungle and around objectives. When controlled by Skarner’s team, they grant bonus stats and empower his abilities.
Q – Crystal Slash: Skarner lashes out with his claws, dealing damage to all nearby enemies. If cast while standing on a Crystal Spire, Crystal Slash gains bonus damage and attack speed.
W – Crystalline Exoskeleton: Skarner gains a shield and increased movement speed for a short duration. When cast on a Crystal Spire, the shield is increased and grants bonus attack speed.
E – Fracture: Skarner launches a projectile that damages and slows the first enemy hit. If the projectile passes through a Crystal Spire, it explodes upon hitting an enemy, dealing bonus damage and stunning them.
R – Impale: Skarner impales an enemy champion with his stinger, suppressing and dragging them towards his location. If cast while standing on a Crystal Spire, Impale’s cooldown is significantly reduced.
When building Skarner, prioritizing items that enhance his durability, crowd control, and damage output is key. Here’s a suggested build path:
1. Starter Items: Begin with Mosstomper Seedling and Refillable Potion for sustain in the jungle.
2. Core Items: Build Sunfire Cape and Iceborn for increased tankiness and target access. Follow up with Plated Steelcaps or Mercury’s Treads depending on the enemy team composition.
3. Situational Items: Adapt your build based on the game’s progression and enemy composition. Consider items like Dead Man’s Plate for additional mobility or Thornmail for anti-healing against high sustain champions.
Gameplay Strategies:
Now that you understand Skarner’s abilities and optimal build paths, let’s explore some gameplay strategies to maximize his effectiveness on the Rift:
1. Control Crystal Spires: Skarner’s kit revolves around controlling Crystal Spires to empower his abilities. Prioritize securing these objectives to gain a strategic advantage over the enemy team.
2. Coordinate with Your Team: Communication is key when playing Skarner. Coordinate with your team to execute well-timed engages and capitalize on your crowd control abilities.
3. Prioritize Objectives: Skarner excels at securing objectives like Dragon and Baron Nashor. Use your ability to control the map and secure these objectives to propel your team to victory.
4. Peel for Your Carries: As a frontline tank with crowd control abilities, Skarner excels at protecting his team’s carries. Position yourself between your carries and the enemy team to disrupt their engages and peel for your allies.
5. Capitalize on Picks: Skarner’s ultimate, Impale, is a powerful tool for picking off priority targets. Look for opportunities to catch out enemy champions and secure kills for your team.
Conclusion:
With his reworked kit, Skarner has emerged as a formidable force on the Summoner’s Rift. By understanding his abilities, optimal build paths, and gameplay strategies, you can harness the power of the Crystal Vanguard to dominate your opponents. Whether you’re locking in Skarner for the first time or refining your skills as a seasoned main, remember to control the map, coordinate with your team, and capitalize on opportunities to secure victory for your team.
