The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Best League of Legends Champion
Champion Spotlights
Selecting a champion in League of Legends is not just about choosing a character. It is about understanding their unique mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses. In this section, we will spotlight champions, dissecting their playstyles and offering strategic insights. This is crucial for making informed decisions during champion selection.
New Champion Spotlight
When new champions are released, they often shake up the existing meta. Each champion comes with fresh abilities and interactions, which can provide significant advantages or challenges. Understanding these new champions quickly can give players a leg-up. Recent examples include champions like Nilah or K'Sante, who each introduce new mechanics to the game. Knowing how they function in both solo lanes and team fights is vital.
Champion Builds and Strategies
Each champion has a preferred build that enhances their abilities and overall impact in a game. Certain items synergize better with specific champions, maximizing their effectiveness. For example, tank champions benefit from items like Thornmail or Sunfire Aegis, while assassins often favor items like Duskblade of Draktharr or Youmuu's Ghostblade.
Players must not only know the items but also understand the situations in which to use them. Knowing to adapt your build based on the enemy team composition can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Gameplay Tips and Strategies
Detailed strategy guides can help players refine their gameplay, making them formidable opponents.
Early Game Tactics
The early game lays the foundation for the rest of the match. Securing advantages in these initial minutes can snowball into a significant lead. Effective tactics include proper wave management, jungle control, and securing early objectives like dragons or Rift Heralds. Understanding the power spikes of your champion in relation to your opponent can help you know when to trade aggressively or play defensively.
Team Fighting Strategies
Once champions hit the mid and late game phases, team fights become crucial. Knowing when to initiate fights and how to position yourself can change the tide of battle. Coordinating with your team is essential; communicating effectively regarding who engages first or what targets to focus on can help ensure victory. Pay attention to your champion's role in team fights. For example, tanks typically go in first, absorbing damage, while damage dealers wait to unleash their abilities when it’s safe.
"Successful team fighting relies on communication and understanding each champion's role."
Patch Updates
Keeping abreast of patch notes is essential for any League of Legends player. Changes to champion abilities, item stats, or even jungle camps can dramatically influence gameplay.
Patch Notes Analysis
After each patch, it is advisable to review changes thoroughly. Understanding what has been nerfed or buffed helps you adapt your strategies and champion selections effectively.
Meta Shifts
Metas can evolve rapidly based on patch updates. Adaptation is key. If a champion is suddenly strong due to buffs, they might become a priority pick. Conversely, if they receive nerfs, players might switch to alternative champions, altering team compositions. Monitoring these shifts will keep your gameplay relevant and competitive.
Community News
Engagement with the League of Legends community can also enhance your understanding. Esports narratives and community events offer insight into champion tactics and trends.
Esports Coverage
Esports events provide a platform to observe top players' champion picks and tactics in high-pressure situations. Watching tournaments showcases meta strategies and can inspire different champion ideas for your own gaming.
Community Spotlight
Events and initiatives within the League of Legends community can be great resources for information and inspiration. Community discussions often highlight effective builds, strategies, and the latest trends.
Bonus Content
Exploring the lore behind champions and their regions adds depth to the overall experience of League of Legends.
Lore Exploration
Understanding a champion's backstory can offer perspective into their abilities and motivations. It also enhances connection to the character when playing. For example, knowing the history of champions like Jinx or Ekko can inform your gameplay choices and draw you deeper into the narrative.
Fan Creations
The League of Legends community is rich with creativity. From fan art to gameplay videos, many players contribute to the artistic landscape of the game. Engaging with these creations can provide new insights and even strategies that might not be immediately obvious in standard gameplay.
Understanding League of Legends Champions
In League of Legends, champions serve as the backbone of gameplay strategy. Understanding the different types of champions and their roles is essential for both individual performance and team success. Every champion has unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses that contribute to how they function in matches. This comprehension not only aids a player in personal champion selection but also in navigating across various team compositions. Players need to grasp the nuances of each champion's role to respond effectively to critical in-game situations.
Role Distinctions
- Top Lane Champions
Top lane champions are typically durable and can sustain damage. They are often Tanks or Fighters, which makes them useful for controlling areas on the map and initiating powerful team fights. The key characteristic of top lane champions is their ability to absorb damage and create space for their teammates. They excel in solo play but require good map awareness to influence team skirmishes. Players might find champions like Renekton or Malphite beneficial choices due to their versatility in both defense and offense. Yet, this lane can be isolated, sometimes leaving champions vulnerable to ganks if not played carefully. - Mid Lane Champions
Mid lane champions generally focus on high damage output and burst potential. They often play the role of Mages or Assassins, leveraging their skills to eliminate enemy champions quickly. The distinct advantage of mid lane champions is their ability to impact the entire map through roaming. Champions like Zed and Ahri are popular picks due to their mobility and lethal potential. However, these champions can be frail, making positioning critically important to avoid early deaths, which could swing the game in favor of the opponent. - Bottom Lane Champions
The bottom lane is crucial for having both damage and support. This lane typically consists of Marksmen and Supports. Marksmen, like Jhin or Kai'Sa, provide sustained damage and are key in late-game scenarios. Their primary function is to deal damage from a distance, staying safe while ensuring they contribute to team fights. On the other hand, Supports, such as Lulu or Thresh, enhance the survivability of their carries and provide crowd control or heals. The synergy between these champions is vital for establishing dominance in both laning and team fight scenarios. - Jungle Champions
Jungle champions thrive on map control and strategic ganking. They are responsible for clearing camps and providing added pressure to the lanes. The central role of jungle champions is to maintain vision and secure objectives such as the Dragon or Baron Nashor. Champions like Lee Sin or Elise are often favored for their mobility and effectiveness in creating opportunities for their teammates. However, effective jungle play requires a deep understanding of timing and map awareness to capitalize on the movement of opposing champions. - Support Champions
Support champions are pivotal for team synergy and are designed to aid allies in transitioning team fights. They often focus on protecting the marksman or providing essential heals. The unique advantage of support champions is their ability to influence matches without directly dealing damage. Champions like Soraka or Leona exemplify this role by offering utility through healing or crowd control. Their effectiveness often relies on coordination with teammates, making communication and understanding roles crucial in advancing team strategies.
Champion Categories
- Assassins
Assassins are champions highly skilled in burst damage, focusing on eliminating key enemy targets quickly. They typically possess mobility that allows them to engage and disengage swiftly. Their ability to secure kills makes them popular in high-stake situations. A champion like Katarina exemplifies this class, as her damage output can turn fights dramatically. However, their fragility requires calculated positioning and timing to maximize potential without unnecessary risk. - Tanks
Tanks are the backbone of team composition, absorbing damage and disrupting enemy attacks. Their primary role is to create space for damage dealers. Champions like Thick or Sejuani often have skills that enable crowd control, crucial for frontline engagements. However, tanks might lack in damage output, which can make them less effective against a well-coordinated enemy. - Marksmen
Marksmen are ranged champions that excel in dealing consistent damage over time. They usually require protection from their team as they deal damage from a distance. Champions such as Caitlyn or Vayne offer high critical damage potential. The primary downside is their dependence on positioning, as they can be vulnerable in close combat situations. - Mages
Mages are typically spellcasters who can dish out significant area damage. Their playstyle usually revolves around zoning enemies and controlling fights with high burst and area-of-effect abilities. Champions like Lux or Brand can control team fights through their powerful spells. However, they often lack natural mobility, making them susceptible to ganks and focused enemy attacks. - Fighters
Fighters are melee champions that blend damage and resilience, acting as versatile options in combat. They aim to deal damage while withstanding engagements, making them effective in both team fights and duels. Darius or Jax are examples, known for their balance of offense and defense. The main drawback might be their vulnerability to crowd control effects, which can limit their effectiveness in tightly contested skirmishes.
Key Attributes of Champions
Understanding the key attributes of champions in League of Legends is essential for both new and experienced players. These attributes contribute to how effective a champion can be in various gameplay scenarios. By examining abilities, skills, and stat influences, players can make informed choices that significantly impact their overall performance and success in matches.
Abilities and Skills
Abilities define how a champion interacts with the game world and their enemies. A thorough understanding of champion abilities is critical for maintaining an advantageous position during gameplay.
Basic Attacks
Basic attacks serve as the fundamental means of dealing damage. They are often the first interaction players have with their champions. The key characteristic of basic attacks lies in their simplicity and reliability. They are beneficial for consistent damage output and can be executed with minimal resource management.
A unique feature of basic attacks is the ability to trigger effects from items or abilities of champions. For example, an Attack Damage-based champion can amplify their damage through critical hits. However, reliance solely on basic attacks can be a disadvantage if opponents possess strong crowd control abilities, limiting the effectiveness of sustained damage in crucial moments.
Passive Abilities
Passive abilities provide additional effects that are always active, enhancing a champion’s capacity in various situations. These skills can range from simple damage boosts to more complex mechanics that alter gameplay strategically. The key characteristic of passive abilities is their ability to influence gameplay without consuming resources.
The uniqueness of passive abilities is their capacity to synergize well with other abilities, enhancing overall effectiveness. For example, champions like Jhin use their passive to amplify the damage of their fourth shot. However, passive abilities may not always provide immediate results, which can leave players vulnerable if they depend too heavily on them without understanding the larger strategy.
Ultimate Abilities
Ultimate abilities play a crucial role in defining a champion's impact during the game. These skills typically have powerful effects and require charging or specific conditions to activate. The key characteristic of ultimate abilities is their game-changing potential, which can turn the tide of battle when used strategically.
One unique feature of ultimate abilities is their cooldown duration, which often leads to the critical decision-making process in combat situations. For instance, Zed's Death Mark allows for rapid assassination but requires precise timing. The disadvantage is that poor execution can lead to significant setbacks, making it essential for players to familiarize themselves with their champion’s ultimate capabilities and optimal use cases.
Stat Influence
Champion statistics play a pivotal role in determining their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these influences can greatly improve a player's ability to select the right champion for their play style.
Health Pool
The health pool represents a champion's durability during fights. A larger health pool allows champions to sustain damage longer in battles, making it crucial for tankier champions like Malphite. The key characteristic of the health pool is its direct impact on survivability.
A unique feature is the interplay between health pool and healing mechanics, such as lifesteal. Champions with substantial health pools can effectively utilize healing to regain lost health, providing a tactical advantage in extended engagements. However, a high health pool may lead to less damage output, which can limit a champion's effectiveness in a damage-heavy meta.
Armor and Magic Resist
Armor and magic resist are defensive statistics that reduce incoming damage, providing champions with much-needed protection. The key characteristic of these stats is their ability to mitigate different types of damage effectively. Champions can tailor their build according to the threats they face in-game.
A unique aspect is the concept of building effective resistances to counter specific enemy compositions. For example, if facing heavy physical damage champions, building armor becomes crucial for survival. The drawback is that focusing too much on resistances can lead to lower overall damage output, making it vital to find the right balance in builds.
Ability Power and Attack Damage
Ability power and attack damage are crucial stats that dictate a champion’s offensive capability. The key characteristic of ability power is its enhancement of spell damage, making it essential for mages like Lux, while attack damage is critical for marksmen like Kai’Sa.
A unique feature of these stats is their compatibility with different builds and itemization. Ability power can greatly amplify a champion's area of effect damage, while high attack damage can allow fast takedowns. However, the challenge lies in adapting builds to changing game dynamics, where players must prioritize stats that counter the evolving enemy threats and playstyles.
Understanding the key attributes of champions lays the groundwork for successful gameplay and champion selection, enabling players to adapt to various scenarios and outperform their opponents.
Evaluating Champion Synergy
Evaluating champion synergy is a crucial factor in enhancing the effectiveness of a team's composition in League of Legends. The relationships between champions, often referred to as synergy, can determine the success of a game. Players must understand how different champions interact with each other, as this can influence strategy, gameplay, and ultimately the outcome of a match. A well-synergized team can capitalize on each champion’s strengths while compensating for their weaknesses. This section delves into the fundamental aspects of synergy, including team composition, situational champions, and effective adaptations to both current metas and enemy selections.
Team Composition
Balancing Roles
Balancing roles within a team is essential for creating a well-rounded composition. Each role, whether it be tank, damage dealer, or support, brings a unique function to the team. Balancing roles ensures that the team can adapt to various game scenarios effectively. For instance, having too many damage-dealing champions might lead to vulnerabilities against stronger front lines. Conversely, focusing heavily on tanks may result in a lack of offensive pressure. Therefore, a balanced approach allows for better adaptability and strategy implementation during the match.
Key characteristics of balancing roles include:
- Versatility: A balanced team can respond to various threats, making it more resilient.
- Coverage of Axes: Different roles manage different aspects of the game such as damage absorption, burst damage, healing, and crowd control.
Yet, one can argue that too much balance might limit creativity in strategies. Variations within roles and styles can often lead to innovative plays that disrupt the opponents.
Complementary Playstyles
Complementary playstyles focus on how different champion abilities and playstyles mesh together. For successful synergy, players should choose champions that not only excel but also enhance the strengths of other champions on the team. For example, a champion that requires heavy crowd control could work well with a champion capable of executing an area-of-effect damage burst. The effectiveness of one champion can leverage the strengths of another, creating a more formidable force on the battlefield.
The key characteristic of complementary playstyles is:
- Increased Efficiency: When champions can play off each other’s strengths, it allows for faster objectives and better map control.
However, one must consider that focusing too much on complementary styles could limit the diversity within a team comp.
Countering Opponents
Countering opponents is about choosing champions that actively mitigate or neutralize the threats posed by enemy champions. This aspect of synergy helps in matchups by allocating specific roles to champion selections. For instance, a champion with mobility might counter a champion reliant on skill shots. Choosing champions that respond effectively to strong enemy picks can give a team a strategic advantage.
Key characteristics include:
- Strategic Prowess: It allows for a tactical layer to champion selection, enabling players to anticipate enemy strategies.
However, a heavy focus on countering might lead to suboptimal picks that compromise overall team synergies. An overly reactive strategy can prevent a team from forming a cohesive unit.
Situational Champions
Situational champions adapt to the dynamic landscape of a game, especially in response to shifts in meta or prevailing enemy selections. Their primary strength lies in their versatility and ability to find opportunities where they thrive even amid diverse match conditions.
Adaptation to Meta Changes
Adaptation to meta changes involves selecting champions based on the evolving competitive landscape. The meta frequently shifts due to champion buffs, nerfs, or new strategies that emerge from the competitive scene. Understanding these changes allows players to select champions that align with the current state of play, maximizing their effectiveness.
The unique feature of adaptation is its relevance to overall gameplay success. Teams can capitalize on lesser-used champions that might suddenly rise in power due to subtle changes made in patches.
On the downside, a focus solely on powerful meta picks may overlook the importance of comfort and familiarity with specific champions.
Responding to Enemy Picks
Responding to enemy picks requires a deep understanding of their champion roster and the skills they bring. Smart players can adjust their champion selections based on what the opposing team has chosen, allowing them to create a counteraction that strengthens their own team’s synergy. This tactic can confuse enemies and encourage them into difficult matchups.
Key characteristics include:
- Dynamic Strategy: This skill emphasizes the ability to think on one's feet, reacting to the unfolding game with precision.
Nonetheless, a strict focus on counter picks might leave certain team compositions lacking in versatility. Players should maintain a balance between countering and ensuring a powerful overall composition.
Meta Considerations
Meta considerations refer to the current trends, strategies, and champion selections deemed effective in League of Legends. Understanding the meta is essential for players seeking to optimize their champion selection. Each patch introduces changes that can influence the viability of champions, thus directly impacting gameplay strategies and decision-making.
By analyzing the meta, players can identify which champions are performing well and adapt their strategies accordingly. This process includes observing which champions are favored in professional play, as well as considering buffs and nerfs to certain champions. Staying informed about the meta allows players to make data-driven decisions that lead to improved performance in games.
Current Patch Trends
Champion Buffs and Nerfs
Champion buffs and nerfs are adjustments made by Riot Games in response to the champion's performance. Buffs enhance a champion's abilities or stats to make them stronger, while nerfs reduce their effectiveness. This is a critical aspect of balancing the game. For example, if a champion like Aatrox receives a buff, it may lead to increased play rates as players look to exploit the improved mechanics and damage output.
The unique feature of buffs and nerfs is their timing; they coincide with patches. Players who monitor these changes can quickly adapt their champion pools to include newly buffed champions. Conversely, if a champion they frequently play receives a nerf, they must assess whether to continue using them or switch to an alternative.
Shifts in Popular Picks
Shifts in popular picks are another significant aspect to observe within the meta. These shifts can be influenced by factors such as patch changes, player innovation, or strategic adaptations. When a champion like Kai'Sa rises in popularity, it indicates that she has become a strong choice due to her versatility and damage potential.
The key characteristic of these shifts is their dynamic nature. Trends can change rapidly from patch to patch. This requires players to stay alert and continuously educate themselves about optimal picks. Although it can be advantageous to follow the trends, it also carries the risk of over-saturation of particular champions in games, creating counter-play opportunities for opponents.
Professional Insights
Esports Team Compositions
Esports team compositions provide valuable insights into the meta. By observing how professional teams assemble their lineups, players can gauge champion synergy and effectiveness. For instance, if team compositions frequently include champions like Thresh and Jhin, it suggests a successful synergy that other players may also want to adopt.
The unique feature of professional compositions is their strategic depth. They often reflect not just individual champion abilities but also overall team strategy. Understanding these compositions can help amateur players grasp advanced tactics and adjust their selections based on what works at the highest levels of play.
Player Preferences and Trends
Finally, player preferences and trends shed light on the evolving landscape of champion choices in League of Legends. Every player has unique preferences that affect their gameplay experience. Observing these trends can help players discover effective strategies or champions that suit their playstyle.
The key characteristic here is that preferences are not static. They can shift based on new champion releases or changes in game dynamics. This adaptability is crucial, as players must always be willing to explore new options. Recognizing these trends helps players remain competitive by matching their picks with contemporary preferences in the community.
Strategic Champion Selection
Selecting a champion is not just a mechanical choice; it is a strategic decision that shapes the dynamics of the game. The complexity lies not only in the champion's skills but also in how they complement the player's own style and the team composition. Strategic champion selection is essential for maximizing effectiveness in any match. This section delves into the critical aspects of understanding personal playstyle and practical tips to enhance decision-making in champion selection.
Personal Playstyle Assessment
Assessing personal playstyle is the first step in selecting the right champion. Every player has unique strengths and weaknesses that manifest in gameplay. Recognizing these traits allows players to choose champions that align with how they prefer to engage in combat, support teammates, or control objectives.
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Identifying strengths and weaknesses is a foundational aspect of understanding one's playstyle. It includes self-evaluation of mechanical skills, game sense, and decision-making under pressure. For instance, a player may have exceptional reflexes but struggle with map awareness. This awareness can significantly shape the type of champions one may excel with.
This method is beneficial as it promotes personal growth and helps players focus on improving weaker areas while leveraging their strengths. A unique feature of this identification process is its adaptability; a player may realize their proficiency in aggressive play, making champions like Zed or Riven appealing choices. However, being overly focused on strengths might limit exposure to other playstyles. Therefore, it’s crucial for players to accept their shortcomings and seek out champions that can help cover those gaps.
Choosing Champions that Fit Your Style
Choosing champions that fit your playstyle further enhances performance. This involves selecting characters whose abilities and roles align with skills and preferences. A player who enjoys engaging in team fights may prefer tank or fighter champions like Malphite or Darius. This strategic fit can lead to more consistent and satisfying gameplay.
The key characteristic of this selection is its focus on enjoyment and effectiveness; playing champions that resonate with one’s style often leads to better performance and a more enjoyable gaming experience. A unique aspect of this approach is the psychological benefit that comes from playing favored champions. However, one must remain vigilant about overcommitting to a narrow champion pool, as it can hinder adaptability over time.
Practical Tips for Selection
Practicing selection strategies is vital. Points to consider in practice enhance player abilities and decision-making.
Practice Makes Perfect
The concept of "practice makes perfect" emphasizes the importance of regular gameplay to master a champion. Repetitive exposure allows players to grasp the mechanics, strategies, and nuances of their chosen champions. This experience can significantly impact decision-making in critical game moments.
This principle is popular among players as it not only improves individual skills but also builds confidence. One unique feature of this practice is the learning curve that accompanies it. While initial matches might be challenging, consistent practice facilitates learning from mistakes and improves gameplay significantly.
However, a potential disadvantage could be the risk of burnout. Thus, maintaining a balance between practice and refreshing breaks is crucial for sustained improvement.
Analyzing Matchups
Analyzing matchups is a key component of strategic champion selection. Understanding how a selected champion performs against others in the game can determine victory or defeat. Factors include champion abilities, playstyles, and even item builds.
This analysis is beneficial because it enables players to prepare for and exploit weaknesses in opponents. The unique aspect of matchup analysis lies in its dynamic nature; every game and patch can shift how champions interact. However, one must remember that matchup analysis should not overshadow personal skill levels and adaptability, as they are vital to overcoming superior matchup scenarios.
Utilizing Champion Guides
Utilizing champion guides plays an integral role in improving understanding of specific champions. These guides often provide in-depth statistical data, optimal build paths, and strategic tips tailored for various champions. This information supports players in making educated decisions when they select champions.
Champion guides are popular because they condense vast amounts of knowledge into digestible information. This can lead to quicker adjustments and strategies based on recent patches or trends. Their unique feature includes community contributions; insights from experienced players can enhance the guide's credibility. However, reliance on guides can sometimes overshadow personal creativity and fluid adaptations in gameplay, so players should treat guidelines as suggestions rather than strict rules.
Effective champion selection can significantly alter the outcome of a match. Understanding personal playstyle and applying strategic thinking leads to better team compositions and improved outcomes.
By taking into account these detailed aspects of strategic champion selection, players can navigate the complexities of League of Legends equipped with the tools necessary for informed decisions and enhanced gameplay.
Improving Champion Performance
Improving champion performance is crucial to achieving success in League of Legends. The effectiveness of a champion can make the difference between victory and defeat. Understanding how to enhance your performance with any selected champion allows players to maximize their contributions to the team. The focus here is on two main aspects: mastering the champion and adapting to the current game state. By honing skills in these areas, players can improve their impact in matches and elevate their overall gameplay.
Mastering Champions
Combos and Skill Usage
Mastering a champion involves knowing their abilities and how to optimally use them in various situations. Combos refer to the sequence of abilities players execute in quick succession. This is essential for maximizing damage output and crowd control. Each champion has their unique set of skills that can be combined for devastating effects.
A key characteristic of combos is their timing. Perfect timing in execution can result in catching opponents off-guard. This aspect makes it a beneficial choice for many players looking to perform better.
For example, a champion like Zed can deal lethal damage if players know the right combination of abilities. The unique feature of combos is their ability to change the tide of a fight, but there can be disadvantages too. If a combo is executed poorly, it can leave the player vulnerable, particularly in team fights.
Item Builds and Scaling
Item builds are another essential component of mastering a champion. The right items enhance the champion’s abilities and improve their overall power. Each champion benefits from specific items that reinforce their strengths and address weaknesses. Selecting the best item builds allows champions to scale effectively throughout the game.
A significant characteristic of item builds is their adaptability. Players can adjust builds depending on the game's progression and the opponent's composition. This flexibility is why focusing on item builds is popular in enhancing performance.
The unique aspect of item scaling is that it can significantly impact mid to late-game team fights. However, there are disadvantages too. Incorrect item choices can lead to ineffective plays and ultimately hinder performance.
Adapting to Game State
Objective Control
Objective control refers to managing in-game objectives such as dragons, barons, and turrets. Effective objective control can lead teams to victory, making it a core focus of any match. Champions that can secure these objectives tend to shift the momentum in their favor.
The important characteristic of objective control is its timing and awareness. Being able to recognize when to engage or retreat from these objectives can be the deciding factor in a match. This focus on objectives is essential for any player aiming to improve their champion performance.
The unique feature of maintaining objective control is its game-altering potential. Successful execution can swing the game for your team, but poor execution can lead to significant disadvantages.
Map Awareness and Positioning
Map awareness refers to the player's understanding of the game environment and the locations of allies and enemies. Effective positioning allows players to avoid dangerous situations and capitalize on opportunities for engaging the enemy. Furthermore, it involves knowing when to go for a kill or retreat to safety.
A key characteristic of map awareness and positioning is vigilance. Keeping an eye on the minimap helps maintain an edge over opponents. This is why it is essential for players seeking to improve their champion performance.
The unique aspect of this skill is that it can prevent unnecessary deaths while creating chances for kills. However, neglecting this aspect can lead to misplays and miscommunication within the team.
In summary, mastering these elements and adapting to the game state are vital steps for players looking to enhance their champion performance in League of Legends.
By focusing on such strategies, players can make more informed decisions during matches, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
