In League of Legends, item builds are just as important as mechanics. You can dodge every skillshot and land every combo, but without the right items, you’ll fall behind fast. Building items correctly isn’t just about power—it’s about adapting to the game you’re in. Here’s how to do it right.
Understand Your Champion’s Needs
Every champion has a core identity. Some rely on raw ability power (AP), others on attack damage (AD), and some scale best with health, armor, or utility stats. To build properly, you need to understand what your champion scales with. A mage like Syndra needs AP and mana regen. An assassin like Zed thrives on AD, lethality, and cooldown reduction. A tank like Ornn benefits from armor, magic resist, and health.
Once you know what your champion needs, you’ll understand which stats to prioritize and which items fit best.
Use Recommended Builds (But Think for Yourself)
League’s in-game shop offers a recommended build path for every champion. These are good starting points, especially for new players. But they’re not always the best choice for every match. Instead of blindly following the suggestions, ask yourself:
- What are the enemies building?
- Who is the biggest threat on their team?
- Do I need damage, sustain, or defense right now?
Adapting your build to the game can be the difference between winning and losing.
Learn the Mythic System
Since the item overhaul, mythic items are central to every build. You can only buy one per game, so it should match your champion’s role and playstyle. Examples include:
- Kraken Slayer for DPS-heavy marksmen
- Crown of the Shattered Queen for squishy mages who need extra protection
- Eclipse for AD assassins who want burst and sustain
Choosing the right mythic item sets the tone for the rest of your build.
Build Based on the Game, Not Just the Guide
Online guides are great resources—but they assume an average situation. In reality, no two games are alike. Maybe the enemy Kai’Sa is fed, and you need armor early. Maybe the enemy team has three tanks, and you need penetration. Build items that help right now, not just what’s popular.
Some adaptive choices include:
- buying Executioner’s Calling or Morellonomicon early if enemies have heavy healing
- rushing Zhonya’s Hourglass against dive threats like Zed or Rengar
- stacking armor or magic resist based on enemy damage sources
Use Your Gold Wisely
A smart build isn’t just about choosing the right items—it’s also about buying them at the right time. Avoid holding onto gold for too long. Spending gold efficiently keeps you strong in lane and in teamfights. If you can’t finish a full item, buy impactful components like Long Sword, Blasting Wand, or Cloth Armor that give immediate stat boosts.
Final Thoughts
Item builds aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re flexible, strategic, and reactive. The best players know how to read a game and build accordingly. Learn your champion, understand the items, and adapt to the situation.
In League of Legends, your decisions matter. And few matter more than what you choose to build.
Written by:
Christian