Blitzcrank, the “Great Steam Golem”, is a champion known for his devastating hooks and his ability to control the flow of combat. His “Rocket Grab!” is a hallmark of his playstyle, allowing him to pull enemies into danger or secure crucial kills. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, understanding how to maximize Blitzcrank’s potential in the right moments is crucial to victory. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Blitzcrank’s gameplay, exploring his strengths, weaknesses, and strategies for success in various scenarios.
Understanding Blitzcrank’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Powerful Engage: Blitzcrank’s “Rocket Grab!” is a game-changing ability. A well-timed hook can turn the tide of a teamfight, allowing your team to initiate, secure kills, or create crucial space for your carries.
- Reliable CC: Blitzcrank possesses a variety of crowd control abilities that can lock down targets and disrupt enemy team compositions.
- High Damage Potential: Blitzcrank’s ultimate, “Static Field,” delivers a significant burst of damage while also providing a powerful area-of-effect stun, further reinforcing his engage potential.
Weaknesses:
- Reliance on Hooks: Blitzcrank’s success heavily depends on his ability to land “Rocket Grab!” accurately. Missing hooks can put him in vulnerable positions, leaving him open to enemy attacks.
- Susceptible to Ganks: Due to his reliance on landing hooks, Blitzcrank can be easily ganked when positioned poorly.
- Short Range: Blitzcrank’s skills have relatively short ranges, limiting his ability to engage from a distance and requiring him to be aggressive.
Mastering Blitzcrank’s Abilities
Rocket Grab! (Q): This is Blitzcrank’s signature ability, allowing him to pull an enemy champion towards him. To maximize its effectiveness, consider these factors:
- Target Selection: Prioritize targets with low mobility, those with poor survivability, or those who pose the biggest threat to your team.
- Timing: Use “Rocket Grab!” to initiate fights, secure kills, or prevent enemies from escaping.
- Positioning: Position yourself to maximize the impact of the hook and minimize your own vulnerability.
Power Fist (W): Blitzcrank’s primary damage source, “Power Fist,” empowers his auto attacks and provides a burst of damage. Use it to follow up on a successful hook or to clear waves quickly.
Overdrive (E): “Overdrive” increases Blitzcrank’s movement speed and grants him a burst of additional damage. This is crucial for chasing down enemies or escaping sticky situations.
Static Field (R): Blitzcrank’s ultimate, “Static Field,” is a powerful area-of-effect stun that can be used to initiate fights, secure kills, or disrupt enemy plays. It’s vital to use this ability strategically and maximize its impact.
Building the Optimal Blitzcrank Build
Runes:
- Domination
- Electrocute: For burst damage and early game aggression.
- Sudden Impact: Increases the damage of your hooks.
- Eyeball Collection: Provides additional adaptive force and magic resistance.
- Ravenous Hunter: Grants additional healing from your abilities.
- Resolve
- Demolish: For pushing turrets faster.
- Conditioning: Provides bonus armor and magic resistance.
- Inspiration
- Biscuit Delivery: Grants additional healing and mana regeneration.
- Cosmic Insight: Reduces cooldown timers and summoner spell casting time.
Items:
- Early Game:
- Refillable Potion: Provides sustained healing.
- Dark Seal: Grants bonus adaptive force and gold on takedowns.
- Ancient Coin: Generates gold for every minion killed.
- Core Items:
- Sunfire Aegis: Provides tankiness, damage, and a powerful aura that burns enemies.
- Dead Man’s Plate: Offers survivability, mobility, and a powerful slow.
- Zeke’s Convergence: Provides additional tankiness and an aura that empowers your team’s auto attacks.
- Late Game:
- Thornmail: Provides additional armor and reflects damage back to enemies.
- Randuin’s Omen: Grants bonus armor and reduces enemy critical strike damage.
- Gargoyle’s Stoneplate: Provides additional tankiness and increases your damage when you’re targeted by multiple enemies.
Mastering Blitzcrank’s Gameplay
Laning Phase:
- Early Aggression: Blitzcrank can be very aggressive in the early game. Use your “Rocket Grab!” to secure kills, push the lane, or harass the enemy laner.
- Roaming Potential: Blitzcrank’s hooks and mobility allow him to roam effectively, potentially ganking other lanes and creating opportunities for your team.
- Ward Placement: Place wards to ensure you’re aware of enemy jungler movements and avoid being ganked.
Teamfights:
- Engage First: Blitzcrank is a natural initiator. Use your “Rocket Grab!” and “Static Field” to initiate fights and disrupt enemy positions.
- Protect your Carries: Focus on peeling for your carries by engaging enemy threats and protecting them from harm.
- Prioritize High-Value Targets: Target the enemy carry or support first to secure a kill and tilt the fight in your team’s favor.
Tips for Success:
- Master the Hook: Practice landing “Rocket Grab!” on dummies or in custom games to improve your accuracy.
- Utilize your Mobility: Blitzcrank’s “Overdrive” is crucial for chasing down enemies or escaping danger.
- Know Your Limits: Don’t overextend or take unnecessary risks. Blitzcrank’s success depends on his hooks, and a missed hook can put you in a vulnerable position.
- Communication is Key: Communicate with your team to coordinate engagements and maximize your impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some good support champions to synergize with Blitzcrank?
A: Blitzcrank works well with champions who can follow up on his hooks, such as highlight leona 9.10, highlight thresh 9.10, or highlight nautlius 9.10.
Q: How can I improve my “Rocket Grab!” accuracy?
A: Practice landing hooks in practice mode or custom games. Consider using a macro to help improve your aim.
Q: How do I play against Blitzcrank?
A: As a player facing Blitzcrank, be aware of his hook range and try to position yourself outside of it. Utilize mobility skills or dash to avoid his hook. If you’re caught in his “Static Field,” focus on bursting him down as quickly as possible.
Q: Is Blitzcrank a good pick in the current meta?
A: Blitzcrank remains a viable pick in the current meta. His hooks and CC provide valuable teamfight utility, making him a valuable asset in many compositions. However, his success depends heavily on his ability to land hooks consistently.
Q: What are some other tips for playing Blitzcrank?
A: Remember to use “Power Fist” to clear waves and follow up on your hooks. Use “Overdrive” to close the gap or escape danger. Utilize your “Static Field” strategically to initiate fights or secure kills.
Q: How do I unlock Blitzcrank?
A: You can unlock Blitzcrank using Blue Essence or Riot Points in the in-game store.
Q: Can I use Blitzcrank in other game modes?
A: Absolutely! Blitzcrank is a powerful champion in various game modes, including ARAM, Howling Abyss, and Nexus Blitz.
Conclusion:
Blitzcrank, the “Great Steam Golem”, is a potent champion whose gameplay revolves around his powerful hooks and crowd control abilities. Mastering his strengths and weaknesses, optimizing his build, and understanding his role in teamfights can lead to significant success. Remember to practice, communicate with your team, and most importantly, enjoy the thrilling experience of playing this iconic champion!
