In the complex world of League of Legends, where strategy meets fast-paced action, one aspect separates good players from great ones: itemization. Whether you’re a new summoner still learning the ropes or a seasoned veteran aiming to optimize your play, understanding how to build items in League is crucial for climbing the ranks.
What Is Itemization?
Itemization refers to the process of purchasing and building items during a match to enhance your champion’s performance. Items grant stats such as damage, defense, healing, cooldown reduction, and unique effects that can completely alter the outcome of fights. Since each game is different, optimal item builds vary depending on your champion, the enemy team composition, and the state of the game.
The Basics: Components, Legendary, and Mythic Items
At the core of League’s item system are three tiers:
- Basic items: Cheap components (e.g., Long Sword, Dagger) that provide modest stat boosts.
- Legendary items: More powerful items (e.g., Kraken Slayer, Zhonya’s Hourglass) built from basic components, often defining a champion’s mid-game power.
- Mythic items: Introduced in Season 11, these are the foundation of any full build. Players can only have one mythic item at a time. Each mythic item provides a passive bonus to other Legendary items, shaping your build direction.
Understanding how these items interact is key. For example, buying Goredrinker on a bruiser like Aatrox adds sustain and cooldown reduction, while Eclipse fits assassins who rely on burst damage and mobility.
Adapting to the Game: Reading the Enemy
Great players adapt their item builds based on enemy threats. Facing a heavy AP composition? Magic Resist items like Spirit Visage or Maw of Malmortius are must-haves. Getting shredded by an ADC? Consider Frozen Heart or Randuin’s Omen to slow their attacks.
This flexibility is where itemization truly shines. For instance:
- Tank facing poke mages: Go Force of Nature instead of Thornmail.
- ADC versus heavy armor: Pick up Lord Dominik’s Regards.
- Support trying to protect carries: Build Mikael’s Blessing or Redemption.
The key is to constantly ask: What is my role in this game, and what do I need to survive or carry fights?
Power Spikes and Timing
Timing is everything. Knowing when your champion hits a power spike can make or break your laning phase and teamfight effectiveness. For example:
- Jhin hits hard after Galeforce + Collector.
- Ekko becomes a true threat after Hextech Rocketbelt + Lich Bane.
- Malphite turns from passive to deadly with a completed Sunfire Aegis.
Buying items when you recall with enough gold is not just efficient—it’s strategic. A bad recall with 600 gold may leave you short of your next component, while waiting a wave or two could enable a much stronger buy.
Popular Item Build Tools
If you’re unsure where to start, several tools can help you learn optimal builds:
- In-game recommendations from Riot’s own system have also improved and often adjust dynamically to your champion and matchup.
But while these tools are great for inspiration, the best players tweak builds based on in-game circumstances, not just meta trends.
Building for the Endgame
In the late game, consider situational items:
- Stopwatch for critical teamfights.
- Elixirs for a last-minute boost.
- Control Wards to maintain map control.
Many matches are won not by having the flashiest build but by making one clutch purchase that turns the tide—a timely Guardian Angel, an Executioner’s Calling against healing, or Quicksilver Sash versus crowd control.
Final Thoughts
Itemization in League of Legends is a blend of art and science. While it’s tempting to follow cookie-cutter builds, the real magic happens when you understand why certain items work—and when you need to break the mold. With a strong foundation in item theory, adaptability in practice, and an e
Written by:
Christian