The Unlikely Mid Lane Menace: AP Ezreal with Smite
In League of Legends, few champions have stood the test of time quite like Ezreal. Often recognized as a staple marksman in the bottom lane, his unique skill set allows players to experiment with different builds. One such experiment, the AP Ezreal mid lane build with Smite, emerged as a powerful option around 2015. This build turned heads in both solo queue and professional play, showcasing the versatility of Ezreal and the creativity of the community. Let’s dive into the history of this remarkable build and explore how it shaped the game during its peak.
The Early Days of AP Ezreal
AP Ezreal has always been a part of League of Legends, dating back to his release. While he is primarily played as an AD carry, players discovered that his abilities could work well with Ability Power (AP) builds. This idea gained traction in the community, especially after his ultimate, True Shot Barrage, became known for its strong AP ratios. Early on, his skills allowed him to clear waves efficiently, poke enemies, and provide utility in team fights. However, despite these strengths, the AP build never truly dominated the meta.
The turning point came when players began experimenting with different rune setups and items, pushing the boundaries of what Ezreal could achieve. While the traditional AD build became the norm, AP Ezreal remained a fun, niche pick. It showcased his versatility and provided a unique playstyle that appealed to creative players looking to stand out.
The Rise of Smite in Other Roles
During Season 5, a significant shift occurred in the game, as players discovered the effectiveness of Smite outside the jungle. Top laners began to take Smite alongside Teleport, utilizing tanky champions and the Cinderhulk item to dominate their lanes. This innovation prompted players to explore Smite’s potential in other roles, leading to the resurgence of AP Ezreal in mid lane. As more champions adopted Smite, it opened the door for Ezreal’s AP build to shine in competitive play.
This trend also highlighted a larger issue within the game: the dominance of tanky champions in the meta. Riot Games recognized the need to balance the game and introduced new jungle items, paving the way for AP junglers to find their place in the metagame. This shift created a unique environment where Ezreal could thrive, combining AP damage with the utility of Smite.
The Impact of Runeglaive
With the introduction of Runeglaive, everything changed for AP Ezreal. This item transformed the way players approached his build, offering a powerful passive that converted physical damage into magic damage. This was a game-changer, as Ezreal’s Q, Mystic Shot, would now deal magic damage, allowing players to take advantage of AP scaling. Suddenly, players could maximize Ezreal’s damage output while utilizing Smite effectively.
Runeglaive also provided significant wave clear, making AP Ezreal even more potent in mid lane. The combination of a low-cost item and high burst potential allowed players to snowball their lead early in the game. This transformation made AP Ezreal a viable pick not only in solo queue but also in professional matches, sparking interest from both players and spectators alike.
The Community’s Response
As news of the AP Ezreal mid lane build spread, the League community took notice. Popular content creators and streamers began to showcase this unique playstyle, encouraging players to experiment with it in their own games. The excitement surrounding AP Ezreal reached a fever pitch, leading to increased ban rates and popularity in ranked matches.
The ability to play Ezreal in a different role captivated many players, as it provided a refreshing alternative to traditional ADC gameplay. This shift demonstrated the importance of community engagement in shaping the game, as players embraced creative strategies and pushed the limits of champion potential.
Competitive Play and AP Ezreal
With the rise of AP Ezreal, professional leagues began to take notice. Teams started experimenting with him in mid lane, and the results were impressive. His mobility, damage output, and ability to poke enemies made him a valuable asset in team compositions. Professional players quickly recognized the strengths of this build, leading to its inclusion in high-stakes matches.
As a mid lane champion, AP Ezreal proved to be a formidable opponent. His strong laning phase allowed him to secure kills and control the map. Teams leveraged his utility to create opportunities for team fights and objectives, further solidifying his place in the competitive scene. This period marked a significant shift in how players viewed Ezreal and opened the door for other unconventional picks to emerge.
The Downfall of AP Ezreal
Despite the initial success of AP Ezreal, the build began to fade as Riot Games made adjustments to balance the game. The introduction of new items and changes to existing ones impacted the viability of AP Ezreal. While players continued to experiment, the effectiveness of the build diminished, and it slowly fell out of favor.
The nerfs to Ezreal’s abilities and the introduction of new champions contributed to this decline. As the game evolved, players shifted their focus to other champions and strategies that offered more consistent damage output. AP Ezreal became a nostalgic memory for many players who fondly recalled the excitement of his mid lane dominance.
AP Ezreal Today
In the current meta, AP Ezreal is still a viable option, albeit a niche one. Players can still enjoy the unique playstyle and creativity that comes with this build, but it no longer dominates the game as it once did. The introduction of new champions and items has shifted the focus toward more conventional ADCs, leaving AP Ezreal as a fun alternative rather than a competitive choice.
Today, players can experiment with Ezreal in casual matches, revisiting the glory days of his mid lane reign. The nostalgia surrounding this build keeps it alive in the community, as players continue to share their experiences and strategies. It serves as a reminder of the creativity and innovation that League of Legends fosters.
Conclusion
The tale of AP Ezreal with Smite is a fascinating chapter in League of Legends history. From its early days to its brief resurgence in competitive play, this build showcased the community’s creativity and passion for the game. While he may no longer dominate the meta, its legacy lives on in the hearts of players who experienced its glory. As League of Legends continues to evolve, the story of AP Ezreal serves as a reminder that innovation and experimentation can lead to exciting new strategies and unforgettable moments in the game.
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