Mastering Challenger Builds in League of Legends

Detailed view of a champion's build showing optimal items.

Intro

When it comes to League of Legends, achieving mastery in the game isn’t just about precise clicks or quick reflexes. The journey towards becoming a challenger player requires an in-depth understanding of various mechanics, champion builds, and strategies. Every player stands at the doorstep of a grand strategy game where minute decisions can lead to significant outcomes. Knowing the right builds and adapting them appropriately can elevate your gameplay from mediocrity to excellence.

In this article, we aim to dissect the fundamental components of formulating an effective challenger build. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who thrives in competitive play, the insights provided here will help navigate the intricate landscape of itemization, runes, and tailored strategies. All these factors contribute to enhancing champion performance, leveling up your game, and responding dynamically to the ever-evolving meta.

The understanding that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is crucial. Each champion serves as a piece on the chessboard, requiring unique strategies tailored to individual play styles. Through collecting strategies and examining current trends, this guide promises an approach that is detailed, practical, and essential for your League of Legends journey.

As we embark on this exploration of challenger builds, let’s dig deeper into the specifics where we spotlight champions, dissect gameplay tactics, analyze important patch updates, and get a glimpse into the community that brings it all together.

Understanding Challenger Builds

Challenger builds are crucial for anyone looking to dominate the Rift in League of Legends. They provide a framework for optimizing champion performance, linking decisions made during champion select with the execution of strategies in-game. A robust understanding of these builds allows players to harness their champions' potential fully, ensuring they’re not just going through the motions but playing to win.

Defining the Challenger Build

The concept of a challenger build revolves around customizing a champion’s abilities, items, and runes to fit a specific play style and counter the competition. It’s about making informed choices based on both personal preferences and the game's ongoing developments. To put it simply, a challenger build is more than just a collection of items; it's a calculated assembly that matches the champion’s strengths to the gameplay dynamic at hand.

For instance, if you’re playing as Jinx, crafting a build heavy on attack damage, crit chance, and mobility items makes more sense than a tank approach. This is not just theory; it’s about precision during gameplay, where split-second decisions can turn the tide.

Historical Context

Over the years, the meta—the prevailing styles of play—has shifted dramatically in League of Legends. When the game first launched, it was simpler, with fewer champions and items. As new champs and strategies were introduced, players began to experiment on their own terms. The rise of innovator players, those who delved into unfamiliar territories of champion builds and tactics, led to the constant evolution of what we now define as challenger builds. Each season carries its narrative; the relentless push toward redefining optimal strategies is part of what keeps the game fresh.

For example, the introduction of lethality mechanics distinctly altered how assassins approached their builds. Champions like Zed and Kha’Zix saw significant build shifts as players adapted to new item releases and patch notes, showing that historical awareness is essential in crafting a successful challenger build.

The Role of Meta in Build Creation

The ever-changing meta plays an instrumental role in how builds are created. Updates to champions, items, and even gameplay mechanics can render previous strategies obsolete. Players must stay aware of these changes to adjust their builds and strategies accordingly.

Timing is everything. If a new patch gives a particular item better stats, recognizing its value can elevate a build significantly.
Flexibility is another crucial aspect. A player’s ability to pivot their item choices based on enemy composition or team needs can often mean the difference between victory and defeat.

The constant juggling act of adapting to the meta is what separates average players from exceptional ones. It’s about knowing when to stick to the tried-and-true methods and when to pilot something experimental that might throw the enemy off-balance.

"The key to success lies in understanding not just your champion, but the meta that influences every match."

By grasping these elements, players are better positioned to craft their strategies and Challenger builds in a way that speaks to both personal play style and reactive needs during any game.

Core Components of a Challenger Build

When you dive into League of Legends, understanding the core components of a Challenger Build is like having a map in a labyrinth. Not only does it illuminate the path to victory, but it also helps players align their strategies with the nuances of their chosen champions. Getting this right can make all the difference between a mediocre performance and a stellar game. Let's break down the three central elements: Champion Selection, Itemization Strategies, and Runes and Masteries.

Champion Selection

Choosing the right champion sets the foundation for an effective build. This decision is not just about personal preference; it encompasses understanding the champion's strengths, weaknesses, and role within the team. For instance, picking a tanky champion like Malphite in a solo queue might be the trick to soaking up damage, but in a coordinated team setup, a high burst damage dealer like Zed could reshape the game.

Here are some key considerations:

Meta Relevance: Stay updated with the evolving meta. For example, if early-game aggression is rampant, choosing champions with strong early game might be beneficial.
Team Composition: Analyze your team's lineup. A balanced composition that follows synergy—that is, champions whose strengths complement each other—can wreak havoc on the enemy team.
Comfort Level: While it’s tempting to play what's trending, comfort cannot be undermined. Play styles can significantly affect decision-making and overall impact on the game.

In summary, picking the right champion pulls the entire build together, priming you for success as you navigate through the game.

Itemization Strategies

Once you've locked in your champion, itemization strategies come into play. Recognizing which items to purchase can sometimes feel akin to solving a puzzle. The goal is to enhance the strengths of your champion while countering the enemy's lineup.

Here, several aspects merit close attention:

Core Items: Identify items that significantly amplify your champion's abilities. For example, Rod of Ages on champions who scale well into late game is often non-negotiable.
Situational Items: Flexibility is key. Opting for Zhonya's Hourglass against heavy damage threats can swing the tides. Building an understanding of situational items will enhance your adaptability during the game.
Gold Efficiency: Analyzing the item cost versus the stats provided can be pivotal. Every gold point spent should strive to yield the maximum possible benefit.

Mastering itemization strategies gets you one step closer to reducing the distance from being a challenger-level player to achieving a prominent rank.

Runes and Masteries

Runes setup tailored for competitive League of Legends gameplay.

In the intricate tapestry of champion builds, runes and masteries serve as the threads that bind everything together. These mechanics empower players to tailor their champions to fit unique styles, and they can be game-changing if utilized correctly.

Consider the following:

Primary and Secondary Trees: Understanding the strengths of each tree can yield rich dividends. For instance, taking Triumph from the Precision tree can turn the tables in skirmishes, enhancing survivability post-kills.
Keystones: Choose keystone runes that align with your gameplay strategy. Electrocute for burst damage champions can amplify your lethality, while Aftershock strengthens tanks when initiating a fight.
Game Progression: Keep an eye on the game flow. If you're falling behind, adapt runes accordingly; adjusting for defensive bonuses can shift the tides.

Incorporating finely-tuned runes and masteries can significantly enhance your game's outcome, bridging the gap between tactical execution and strategic gameplay.

Remember, success in crafting a Challenger Build hinges on understanding how these components interact and how to tailor them to your game situation. Convenience comes from combining learned experience with adaptability—essential traits for any aspiring top-tier player.

Specialized Builds for Different Roles

In the complex world of League of Legends, understanding specialized builds for different roles is not just beneficial; it is essential. Each role serves a distinct purpose, influencing the overall strategy, team composition, and gameplay. By customizing champion builds based on these roles, players can maximize their effectiveness in matches.

When discussing specialized builds, it’s important to consider unique champion abilities, play styles, and even the individual strengths and weaknesses of a player. For instance, what works for a top laner might not translate to a mid laner. This tailored approach allows players to adapt their tactics to benefit from synergies and counter any threats posed by opposing champions.

Top Lane Builds

Top lane champions often face off against formidable opponents in a solo lane, which means having the right build is crucial for sustaining during the laning phase. Champions in this role are often tanks or bruisers, relying on durability and the ability to soak up damage. Item choices such as Goredrinker for survivability or Black Cleaver for damage output can establish dominance in fights. Bulking up with items that grant health and resistances ensures a top lane champion can withstand the pressure.

Thinking beyond items, runes here play a pivotal role too. Opting for the Grasp of the Undying keystone can boost sustained fights by enhancing auto-attack effectiveness, thus contributing to health recovery and overall lane presence.

Jungle Strategies

In the jungle, versatility is key. A jungler's build can make or break the game’s pace, so it’s vital to select items that accentuate roaming potential and impact in skirmishes. Divine Sunderer or Kraken Slayer might be favored depending on the champion. Think of champions like Lee Sin or Kha'Zix; they thrive with precise damage output and mobility.

Additionally, the choice of Boots of Mobility or Plated Steelcaps can significantly affect how effectively a jungler can control objectives and apply pressure. All said, it’s about reading the flow of the game and adjusting build paths correspondingly.

Mid Lane Specializations

Mid lane is often considered the game’s center. Champions here are usually high-damage dealers, such as mages or assassins, focusing on burst damage and ability power. Think of picking items like Luden’s Tempest or Riftmaker; these augment damage and provide crucial effects, allowing for quick eliminations of squishy targets.

Also, runes like Electrocute are essential here, lending to powerful trades and enabling mid lane champions to maximize kill potential. Combining proper itemization with an aggressive approach can lead to turning the tides of the game in favor of your team.

ADC Focused Builds

The ADC role demands precision, positioning and efficiency in damage output. Here, items such as Infinity Edge or The Collector define build paths. These enhance critical strike potential and overall effectiveness against enemy champions. Mix in runes like Conqueror or Fleet Footwork, which boost sustain and synergize with attack patterns, and you’ve a recipe for success.

On top of that, lane positioning and awareness are crucial for an ADC. Understanding when to trade and when to play safe adds layers to the gameplay and it can be emphasized greatly through item choices that reflect positioning needs.

Support Tactical Approaches

Finally, the support role plays a delicate dance between protecting teammates and engaging enemies. Here, items like Locket of the Iron Solari or Redemption are often key. They enhance survivability for the team and can provide crucial shields in tense moments. The selection of runes can range from Guardian for enhanced shielding for allies to Aftershock for survivability after engaging.

Moreover, effective communication with the ADC and other teammates creates opportunities to turn the tide of a skirmish. Understanding when to initiate or peel back is essential, underpinning the tactical gameplay inherent in executing a viable support strategy.

Analyzing Champion Synergies

In the ever-evolving battleground of League of Legends, understanding champion synergies can elevate a player's strategy enormously. Knowing how champions work together is just as crucial as mastering individual skills. When you pair champions with the right complements, you enhance effectiveness, increase survivability, and create opportunities that can turn the tide of battle. This section digs into how to identify those complementary champions and how to effectively counter those who stand against you.

Identifying Complementary Champions

When it comes to team dynamics, not every champion is created equal. Recognizing which champions mesh well can set a winning team apart from a mediocre one. A classic example is pairing a strong engage champion like Leona with a high-damage carry, such as Jhin. Leona’s ability to lock down enemies allows Jhin to unleash his damage without fear of being interrupted.

Some key factors in identifying champions that work well together include:

Ability Matching: Look for champions whose skills harmonize well. Consider champions like Orianna with her ultimate, Command: Shockwave, which can catch multiple enemies, perfectly setting up a follow-up from a burst damage dealer like Zed.
Area of Effect Synergy: Champions like Malphite can create opportunities by initiating fights with Unstoppable Force. This is great when followed by champions that deal damage over an area.
Complementary Roles: Support champions that can heal or shield tanks will allow front liners to dive into the fray with less risk, effectively broadening the team's potential further.

Understanding these nuances not only helps in champion selection but also elevates gameplay by emphasizing the importance of team compositions. In situations where multiple players are committed to individual performance, identifying synergy provides room for better communication and strategy.

Countering Opponents Effectively

It’s not just about who you bring on your side. An equally vital component is understanding the enemy’s lineup. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents lets you adapt your strategies, leading to victories where others might falter.

Strategic map overview highlighting key objectives and paths.

Consider these approaches to countering opponents effectively:

Identify Key Threats: Recognize which champions can deal significant damage or control the fight. If an enemy picks a strong assassin like Kha’Zix, consider champions that can provide vision and counteract his burst damage.
Draft Counter Picks: Some champions are explicitly designed to counter others. For instance, using Malphite against physical damage dealers such as Tryndamere can tip the scales significantly as Malphite’s passive can mitigate a lot of incoming damage.
Adapt Builds Based on Opposition: If enemies are heavy on crowd control, building tenacity items such as Mercury's Treads or Quicksilver makes substantial sense and significantly improves survivability in fights.

By mastering how to read both your champions and your opponents, you become adept at leveraging every match situation. Every choice you make ripples through the battlefield, affecting not only your game but your team's entire strategy. Knowing how to partner with champions and counter threats gives players a notable edge in navigating the intricacies of League of Legends.

"The best players aren’t just good at their champion; they are excellent at weaving together the strengths of their entire team."

In closing, understanding synergies at a deeper level goes beyond champion selection; it's about envisioning plays and tactics that weave together the very fabric of successful gameplay. From dodging crowd control abilities to setting up devastating combo attacks, optimizing team synergy can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Adaptability in Challenger Builds

In the dynamic world of League of Legends, adaptability can make or break a challenger build. A successful player is not one who merely sticks to a set strategy but one who can deftly shift tactics in response to an ever-changing arena. This adaptability is tied to understanding your opponent's moves, anticipating their strategies, and counteracting effectively. Notable players often rise through the ranks not only because of their mechanical skills but due to their agile thinking and adaptability during the game.

Adjusting to Opponent Strategies

To truly master adaptability, it’s crucial to focus on how to adjust to your opponent’s strategies. This could mean shifting item builds based on the champion you’re facing. For instance, if you’re an AD carry and you're up against a heavy crowd control opponent, selecting items such as the QSS (Quicksilver) can be a lifesaver.

Another key aspect is observing your enemy's itemization. If they’re buying defensive items, adjusting your playstyle to maximize damage output—perhaps by incorporating armor penetration items—might be the key. It’s equally important to pick up on their champion's strengths and weaknesses; for example, if an enemy jungler is playing a tanky champion, you might need to be more cautious about overextending.

Keeping your ears open for chatter, whether that’s through pings or voice chat, can provide crucial intel on enemy movements. This knowledge can turn the tide of battle, allowing you to anticipate ganks or team rotations. Being adaptable here means not just adjusting items but also shifting your mindset.

In-Game Adaptation Techniques

In-game adaptability techniques often incorporate a blend of knowledge and instinct. Firstly, it’s about maintaining awareness; a lookout for enemy summoner spell cooldowns can make a significant difference. For instance, if you spot that an opponent has just burned their Flash cooldown, pressuring them during the next encounter can lead to advantageous exchanges.

Utilizing the map is also crucial. Tracking the enemy jungler or noting ward placements can help in formulating a counter-strategy. Regularly scanning the map for potential ambushes or advantageous lanes allows you to adapt your approach seamlessly.

Additionally, communication with your team cannot be overlooked. Informing your teammates about enemy movements or recommended strategies helps create a unified front.

"The essence of good gameplay often lies not in the plan you begin with, but the agility to pivot when the game unfolds."

Taking the time to review your past games with tools like replays can enhance your adaptive skills. Observing where you could’ve adjusted strategies, whether it be in champion picks or in reaction to your opponent's gameplay, offers valuable lessons for future matches.

Incorporating adaptable strategies into your gameplay isn't merely suggestion; it’s a proven method for gaining leverage in league matches. Whether against high-level competitors or players just starting, being nimble with your tactics will forge a winning path, allowing for victory where others might falter.

The Importance of Practice and Review

In the competitive arena of League of Legends, raw talent can only take you so far. The difference between a good player and a great one often boils down to how effectively they practice and review their gameplay. This section dives into why practice and review are not just beneficial but essential components for any player aiming to master challenger builds.

The backbone of any successful League of Legends career is practice. This hinges on more than just grinding games; it’s about targeted practice focused on specific skills, champions, or strategies. Without a structured approach, time spent playing can easily become a fruitless endeavor. More than just honing reflexes, effective practice also informs a player's tactical awareness and decision-making prowess during real matches.

Reviewing gameplay serves as the mirror through which players can evaluate their decisions and outcomes. Every match carries lessons, some more subtle than others. By analyzing replays—either alone or with peers—players can pinpoint their shortcomings, understand enemy movements, and recognize the most favorable conditions for various strategies.

Practice Tools and Resources

Success in League of Legends isn't just about the hours clocked in a game; it involves using the right tools and resources to sharpen skills effectively. Here are some essential tools that can elevate your practice sessions:

Custom Games: These allow players to test champion mechanics in a controlled environment without the pressure of a live match. Practicing last hits or combo execution in a solo setup helps build confidence.
Practice Tool: Within the League client, this feature serves as a playground for learning champion abilities, item interactions, and skill timings. It’s essential for mastering intricate champions or combos.
Coaching Services: Both online and in-person coaching can provide tailored feedback based on your gameplay. Coaches can highlight blind spots that might be hindering your progress.
Replay Analysis: Websites like op.gg allow players to analyze their match history and view metrics in-depth. Understand where your strengths lie and what to work on.

Reviewing Game Performance

To truly grow, players need to critique their gameplay with honesty and openness. Here's where reviewing game performance comes into play. Watching your own replays might feel uncomfortable, but this offers a wealth of insights.

When reviewing, focus on several key areas:

Decision Making: Consider the choices made in pivotal moments of the match. Were aggressive plays justified? Did you retreat at the right time? Learning from these instances contributes to quick thinking in future games.
Positioning and Movement: Analyze your character’s placement during skirmishes. Were you where you needed to be, or out of position? Understanding movement leads to better survivability in fights.
Itemization Choices: Reflect on the items purchased throughout the game. Did the items suit the situation? Knowing when to pivot from a standard build to cater to the enemies can dictate the outcome of a match.

"Mistakes are the portal of discovery."
This quote resonates in the context of League gameplay. Each error illuminated during a review can guide future practice sessions, ensuring that every match counts.

Evaluating your gameplay isn't just a one-time event. Like the game itself, this should be an ongoing process. Players must stay committed to practicing intentionally and reviewing continuously, whether in victory or defeat, to keep their skills sharp and knowledge relevant. Mastery isn't a destination; it’s a journey through self-improvement and reflection.

Community Insights and Trends

Comparison chart of different champions and their build efficiency.

Understanding the community insights surrounding Challenger builds is vital. This segment delves into the nuances that shape player preferences and gameplay strategies. The exchange of ideas, strategies, and critiques within the community often guides players towards optimized builds. Moreover, recognizing prevailing trends helps players stay ahead of the curve and adapt their strategies effectively.

Analyzing Challenger Player Trends

In the competitive realm of League of Legends, players frequently look to one another for inspiration and guidance. Analyzing Challenger player trends can reveal shifts in build preferences, champion viability, and overall gameplay strategies. For instance, at times, specific champions may experience a surge in popularity due to strengthening their abilities or receiving buffs, thus becoming a staple in many builds.

Usage Rates: Keep an eye on champions’ pick rates in Challenger games to gauge their effectiveness.
Kayle Example: Take Kayle, for instance. As her play style and abilities evolved, her frequency in top-tier play increased, suggesting that players have found innovative ways to exploit her potential.
Situational Awareness: Being aware of such trends enables players to tailor their choices. Notably, professional players often set trends that trickle down to the average gamer.

As these trends arise, they offer real opportunities for players to reevaluate their approaches. Whether it’s through champion selection or itemization strategies, observing these shifts can make a significant difference.

Incorporating Community Builds

Incorporating community builds into one’s gameplay is an effective way to refine strategies and enhance performance. These builds often evolve from collective testing and experimentation, providing invaluable insights into what works best for different champions and roles. Here are several benefits of engaging with community-built resources:

Diverse Strategies: Access to a variety of builds that cater to differing play styles or counter strategies.
Adaptability: Players can adapt these community builds to fit their personal style while experimenting with what others have found successful.
Continued Learning: The community often shares invaluable tips on optimizing gameplay, helping players learn from both victories and losses.

To find these community insights, websites like Reddit or the League of Legends official forums can serve as rich veins of information. Players should not shy away from discussing their own builds and strategies to contribute to this ongoing interchange. Engaging with and integrating community trends encourages an atmosphere where all players can evolve together.

Future Directions for Challenger Builds

The landscape of League of Legends is anything but static, and that’s precisely why understanding the future directions for challenger builds is imperative for any player keen on climbing the ranks. The game continues to evolve, and so do the strategies that create impactful changes in gameplay. By analyzing the trajectory of builds, gamers can stay one step ahead, tweaking their approaches to maintain a competitive edge.

The Evolving Nature of Builds

Challenger builds are not set in stone. As the game updates roll out, champions receive balance changes, item adjustments, and new mechanics that drastically affect gameplay. For instance, a champion who once thrived on lethality may find themselves needing to adapt to build more sustain if the meta favors tankier compositions. This evolution is a dance of adaptability. Players must cultivate a mindset ready to innovate based on both the game patches and the ever-changing playstyle of opponents.

Data Analysis: Continuous monitoring of patch notes and professional play can help in identifying what builds work and what doesn’t. Websites that track win rates and pick rates for every champion can provide insight into optimal item choices reflecting the current state of the game.
Community Feedback: Engaging with fellow players on platforms like Reddit or gaming forums can illuminate fresh strategies. Sometimes the best ideas come from grassroots engagements posed by players at all levels.

Ultimately, the evolution of builds hinges on one’s ability to interpret the currents of change and respond effectively - it’s about turning the tide before it overcomes you.

Anticipating Meta Shifts

The meta in League of Legends acts like a living organism, adapting and shifting based on various external factors including champion durability, item availability, and champion strengths. As players dive deeper into competitive play, understanding how to forecast these shifts becomes a game-changer.

Monitoring Trends: Keep an eagle eye on major tournaments and professional play. Often trends emerge during these broadcasts that can signal what meta changes are on the horizon.
Test Various Builds: Implementing alternative builds during casual matches can shed light on possibilities that counters the current meta. A champion that traditionally built attack damage can might suddenly shine with an AP based build depending on the current game circumstances.

"Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative." - H.G. Wells

In the end, every player should arm themselves with the knowledge of anticipating these changes. Whether through the use of tools or keeping up with community discussions, mastery over one’s champion coupled with a perspective on evolving builds can pave the way for significant triumphs in the rift.

Closure and Key Takeaways

Wrapping up our exploration, it's essential to grasp the importance of the Conclusion and Key Takeaways section. This part acts like the cherry on top, pulling together all the threads into a cohesive summary. It not only reinforces what we discussed about challenger builds in League of Legends but also serves as a handy guide for players looking to refine their strategies moving forward.

Players ought to reflect on the main insights offered throughout the article. The core components of a challenger build stretch beyond mere statistics; they wrap around the nuances of play style, champion selection, and itemization strategies that can tip the scales of victory. Each player is unique, so understanding how to adapt these insights into your own gameplay can significantly elevate your impact in matches.

This section highlights several key elements:

Individual Play Style: Tailoring builds according to one’s unique style can make a world of difference. Just as no two players share identical traits, no two builds should mirror each other.
Responsive Adaptation: Being flexible and adjusting your strategies based on opponents and the evolving game state is crucial. A rigid approach can quickly spell doom, while a nimble strategy can lead to triumph.
Meta Awareness: Keeping an eye on the shifting meta allows for informed decision-making. It’s about more than just current trends; it's about anticipating what will fall in and out of favor when the next patch drops.

Moreover, this final segment emphasizes the benefits of external resources such as community forums, content creators, or pro player streams, which can provide fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Keeping their ear to the ground regarding emerging trends and strategies can better inform player choices and might even uncover unique champion builds waiting to be tested.

"Success in League of Legends is not just about individual skill, but about how well players can adapt to changes, both in their gameplay and the game itself."

In short, the conclusion provides not only a wrap-up of the article but serves as a roadmap for the reader. It urges players to think critically about their journey in League of Legends, encouraging them to synthesize the knowledge acquired and apply it with purposeful intent. Having this reflective moment is crucial for anyone serious about climbing the ranks in League.

Summarizing Key Insights

In this segment, we distill the most significant insights into digestible points:

Master the core components of a challenger build: champion choice, itemization, and runes.
Adaptability is paramount; being able to pivot during a match can lead to advantageous positions.
Meta-tracking is essential for staying competitive; embrace change and observe how others play in your position.
Community engagement can lead to discovering unique strategies and builds; don't shy away from sharing and learning.

The Path Forward

As we peer ahead, it becomes clear that the landscape of League of Legends will continue to evolve. To stay ahead of the game, consider these aspects:

Regularly assess your own game play. What patterns emerge? What kills your momentum? This practice can shine a light on necessary adjustments.
Stay in touch with current meta shifts. Read patch notes diligently and follow competitive matches to grasp how top players adjust their builds.
Engage in discussions on platforms like Reddit or Facebook to bounce ideas off your peers and get insights on effective builds and strategies.

Ultimately, players should remain dedicated to continuous improvement. Embrace the challenge; each match is an opportunity to learn and strive for greatness in the Summoner's Rift.

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An overview of the League of Legends login screen

Mastering Challenger Builds in League of Legends

Intro