Welcome, summoners, to the arcane depths where we dissect the enigmatic Ryze Kit. Prepare to journey through the very essence of the Rune Mage, a champion whose power is as vast and unpredictable as the magical energies he commands. This isn’t just a guide; it’s an invitation to unlock the secrets held within Ryze’s spellbook, from the foundational runes that ignite his power to the intricate dance of spell rotations that define his prowess.
We’ll delve into the very fabric of his abilities, understanding how they intertwine and amplify, painting a vibrant picture of a champion whose potential is limited only by your imagination and strategic acumen.
Our exploration begins with the core components of Ryze’s kit, examining his passive ability, runes, and how they synergize to create a powerhouse. We’ll then journey through the optimal spell rotations, navigating the complexities of combat scenarios. Next, we will discuss the champions that can pose a challenge, and the itemization strategies that can maximize his potential in any match.
Finally, we’ll examine how Ryze’s kit interacts with team compositions, highlighting his strengths, and weaknesses. From the earliest levels to the heart of the late game, we will explore the nuances of the Rune Mage.
Exploring the foundational abilities of Ryze’s skill set is crucial for understanding his impact on the game.
Understanding Ryze’s kit is like deciphering an ancient scroll – a key to unlocking his immense power. His seemingly simple abilities intertwine to create a complex web of spellcasting that rewards mastery. To truly appreciate Ryze’s potential, we must delve into the fundamental components that define his identity on the battlefield. This exploration goes beyond just listing skills; it’s about grasping the core mechanics that dictate his playstyle, damage output, and strategic significance.
Core Components of Ryze’s Kit
Ryze’s kit revolves around mana, cooldown reduction, and weaving spells to maximize damage and utility. His passive,Arcane Mastery*, grants him bonus maximum mana based on his ability power, and increases his ability power based on his bonus mana. This creates a synergistic loop, where building mana boosts AP, and AP boosts mana. This fundamental relationship is key to Ryze’s scaling throughout the game.
His abilities are designed to be cast in a specific order to maximize damage output. The core of Ryze’s gameplay lies in the intelligent execution of this spell rotation, requiring precision and a good understanding of the flow of battle.Ryze’s rune choices greatly influence his early, mid, and late game performance. Choosing the right runes can transform him from a fragile mage to a powerhouse.
The synergy between runes and items can define how Ryze will be played in the match. Let’s examine some of the common rune combinations and their impact:
- Phase Rush: This rune is popular for its mobility. It provides a burst of movement speed after hitting an enemy champion with three separate attacks or spells. This allows Ryze to reposition effectively in teamfights, dodge skillshots, and kite enemies.
- Early Game: Phase Rush provides safety and allows Ryze to trade effectively with opponents by weaving in and out of combat.
- Mid Game: This rune is valuable for split-pushing and teamfight mobility, allowing Ryze to quickly reposition to provide assistance or escape.
- Late Game: Phase Rush helps Ryze to maintain distance and kite in teamfights.
- Arcane Comet: Arcane Comet is a rune for maximizing damage output, providing additional burst damage. It synergizes with Ryze’s spell rotations.
- Early Game: Comet gives Ryze extra poke and harass potential in lane, making it difficult for enemies to farm safely.
- Mid Game: Comet continues to provide significant burst damage in skirmishes and teamfights, amplifying Ryze’s ability to take down key targets.
- Late Game: Comet maintains relevance, helping Ryze to quickly eliminate squishy targets.
- Summon Aery: Aery offers consistent damage and utility. It can be used for poke or to shield allies.
- Early Game: Aery provides additional poke damage in lane and can be used to shield allies.
- Mid Game: Aery helps Ryze to maintain pressure and provides additional damage.
- Late Game: Aery is valuable for poke damage and providing shields to allies.
Ryze’s Skill Shots and Damage Output
Ryze’s skills are designed to interact with each other, creating a specific damage output. Understanding the damage and effects of each spell is essential to playing Ryze effectively. The core of Ryze’s damage comes from a cycle of spellcasting. Ryze’s skills have specific damage outputs, and understanding these outputs in various situations is key to maximizing his effectiveness.* Q – Overload: This is Ryze’s primary damage ability.
Casting it after using E (Spell Flux) deals bonus damage and resets the cooldown of Overload.
Base Damage
65 / 90 / 115 / 140 / 165 (+ 45% AP)
Bonus Damage (after E)
60 / 80 / 100 / 120 / 140 (+ 60% AP)
W – Rune Prison
Ryze’s crowd control ability, it roots and deals damage to a single target. It can be used to set up kills or to peel for himself.
Base Damage
80 / 100 / 120 / 140 / 160 (+ 60% AP)
E – Spell Flux
This ability is key to Ryze’s damage output. It bounces to nearby enemies and increases the damage of the next Overload.
Base Damage
60 / 80 / 100 / 120 / 140 (+ 30% AP)
R – Realm Warp
This ultimate ability teleports Ryze and nearby allies a short distance. It is a powerful tool for engaging, disengaging, and split-pushing.
The teleport range is fixed.
Ryze’s damage output is not solely determined by these base values. Factors like magic penetration from items and runes, the target’s magic resistance, and the number of targets hit by Spell Flux all contribute to the final damage dealt. For instance, an enemy with high magic resistance will take significantly less damage than an enemy with low resistance. The order of spells and the correct application of these skills is what makes Ryze a formidable champion.
The intricate mechanics of Ryze’s spell weaving demand mastery for optimal gameplay execution.: Ryze Kit
Mastering Ryze isn’t just about clicking buttons; it’s about understanding the symphony of his spells and conducting them in perfect harmony. Every ability, from the Arcane Flux to the Realm Warp, has a role to play, and knowing when and how to deploy them is the key to unlocking his true potential. This intricate dance requires practice, precision, and a deep understanding of the game’s flow.Understanding Ryze’s spell combinations is akin to learning a complex musical score.
Each note, or spell, must be played at the right time and in the correct sequence to create the desired effect. In essence, Ryze’s gameplay revolves around manipulating his abilities in rapid succession, aiming to maximize damage output and control the battlefield. This approach transforms Ryze from a simple mage into a versatile powerhouse capable of dominating any engagement.
Optimal Spell Rotation Strategies
Ryze’s spell rotations are not set in stone; they are fluid and adapt to the situation. Different scenarios, such as laning, team fights, and skirmishes, demand unique approaches. The goal is always to maximize damage output while maintaining mana efficiency and ensuring survivability.In the laning phase, the primary focus is on farming, harassing the enemy, and controlling the minion wave.
A standard rotation would be to use
Q -> E -> Q
to clear waves effectively. When trading with the enemy laner, a quick combo of
E -> Q -> W -> Q
is effective. This sequence maximizes damage and provides a root to secure the trade. Remember to always keep an eye on your mana bar, as Ryze can quickly deplete it if you’re not careful.During skirmishes, Ryze needs to be more adaptable. The ability to quickly burst down a target or peel for your allies becomes crucial. For quick burst damage, the rotation is
E -> Q -> W -> Q -> E -> Q
. For extended fights or when facing multiple enemies, you might use
W -> Q -> E -> Q
to chain crowd control and apply damage over time.Team fights require a more strategic approach. Ryze excels at providing consistent damage and crowd control. The ideal rotation here often involves using
W on a key target, followed by Q -> E -> Q
. Positioning is critical; you need to stay safe while still being able to deal damage. Using your Realm Warp strategically can change the course of a team fight, allowing your team to engage or disengage effectively. Remember, using Realm Warp offensively can be risky but can result in massive gains.Here is a table demonstrating the advantages and disadvantages of each spell order sequence:
| Spell Order Sequence | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Q -> E -> Q (Laning – Wave Clear) | Fast wave clear, safe farming, applies Flux to multiple targets. | Less effective for trading damage, relies on hitting multiple targets. |
| E -> Q -> W -> Q (Laning – Trading) | High burst damage, root for secure trades, applies Flux for additional damage. | Mana intensive, requires precise timing, vulnerable after using W. |
| E -> Q -> W -> Q -> E -> Q (Skirmishes – Burst) | Maximum burst damage, quickly eliminates priority targets, can apply multiple Flux stacks. | Mana intensive, requires fast execution, leaves Ryze vulnerable if the initial burst fails. |
| W -> Q -> E -> Q (Skirmishes/Teamfights – Extended) | Sustained damage, reliable crowd control, can chain abilities for continuous damage. | Lower initial burst damage, requires more time to execute, positioning is critical. |
| W on key target, followed by Q -> E -> Q (Teamfights) | High single-target damage, provides crowd control, can quickly eliminate key targets. | Requires good target selection, relies on team coordination, can be interrupted. |
Mana Management and Spell Combinations
Managing mana is paramount when playing Ryze. His abilities are mana-hungry, and running out of mana mid-fight can be disastrous. The core of effective mana management lies in understanding the passive ability, which grants mana refunds and cooldown reduction.The key is to weave auto-attacks between spells whenever possible. This helps to conserve mana and maintain a constant flow of damage.
The runes and items you choose should also focus on mana regeneration or mana-related stats. Using
Archangel’s Staff
or
Manamune
can provide significant mana pools and additional damage.Furthermore, consider the situation before committing to a full combo. Sometimes, a simple
Q -> E -> Q
to poke or apply Flux is enough. Conserving mana for crucial moments, such as a gank or a team fight, can make a huge difference.Finally, always be aware of the enemy’s mana. If you can force them to burn their mana, you gain a significant advantage in trades. Knowing your own mana levels and your opponent’s allows you to make informed decisions and dictate the pace of the game.
Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of Ryze’s capabilities is essential for adapting to diverse match-ups.
Understanding Ryze’s strengths and weaknesses is like having a secret map in a treasure hunt; it allows you to navigate the battlefield with confidence, knowing where to strike and where to retreat. By meticulously examining his capabilities, we can tailor our approach to various opponents, turning potentially disastrous encounters into opportunities for victory. This knowledge empowers players to make informed decisions, maximizing Ryze’s impact and minimizing vulnerabilities.
Champions That Pose Significant Challenges to Ryze
Some champions present particularly tough match-ups for Ryze, forcing him to play cautiously and adapt his strategy. These adversaries often possess abilities that directly counter his spell weaving or exploit his weaknesses. Recognizing these threats is the first step toward overcoming them.Ryze struggles against champions with high mobility, range, and burst damage. Here are a few notable examples:* Fizz: This agile assassin can easily dodge Ryze’s skillshots with his playful kit.
Fizz’s E, Playful/Trickster, allows him to become untargetable, negating Ryze’s combo. His ultimate, Chum the Waters, can quickly burst down Ryze, making him a difficult lane opponent.* LeBlanc: LeBlanc’s burst damage and mobility make her a nightmare for Ryze. Her W, Distortion, provides significant mobility for dodging spells and closing the gap. LeBlanc can also quickly chain her abilities, like Q (Sigil of Malice) and W (Distortion), to eliminate Ryze before he can react.* Cassiopeia: Cassiopeia’s sustained damage and ability to kite make her a strong counter.
Her Q, Noxious Blast, can be spammed, forcing Ryze to constantly dodge. Cassiopeia’s ultimate, Petrifying Gaze, can stun Ryze, disrupting his combo and allowing her to unleash her full damage.* Ahri: Ahri’s mobility and charm ability pose a threat to Ryze. Her E, Charm, can interrupt his combos, and her ultimate, Spirit Rush, provides multiple dashes for dodging spells and engaging or disengaging.
Ahri can quickly burst down Ryze with her combo.* Malzahar: Malzahar’s ultimate, Nether Grasp, suppresses Ryze, preventing him from casting spells and allowing Malzahar to deal significant damage. Malzahar’s voidlings also apply pressure to Ryze during the laning phase.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ryze Against Different Champion Classes
Ryze’s effectiveness varies significantly depending on the class of champion he faces. This is because of Ryze’s strengths and weaknesses.Ryze’s matchup against different champion classes:* Tanks:
Advantages
Ryze’s sustained damage output and ability to kite can be effective against tanks. Ryze can build items like Liandry’s Torment to deal damage over time.
Disadvantages
Tanks can absorb a lot of damage, making it difficult for Ryze to burst them down. Tank’s crowd control can also disrupt Ryze’s combos.
Mages
Advantages
Ryze’s ability to quickly cast spells can allow him to trade effectively with other mages. His ultimate can provide an advantage in team fights.
Disadvantages
Mages with longer range or burst damage can be difficult to deal with. Ryze needs to be careful about mana management.
Assassins
Advantages
Ryze can use his crowd control to interrupt assassins’ combos. His ultimate can provide an escape.
Disadvantages
Assassins can quickly burst down Ryze if they can get close. Ryze’s low mobility makes him vulnerable to ganks.
Strategies for Playing Against Ryze
Exploiting Ryze’s vulnerabilities is key to winning against him. By understanding his weaknesses, you can effectively counter his gameplay.Strategies to use against Ryze:* Exploiting Vulnerabilities in Team Fights: Ryze is vulnerable to crowd control and burst damage. Focus him down in team fights, preventing him from casting spells.
Exploiting Vulnerabilities in Lane Phase
Gank Ryze early and often, as he is vulnerable to ganks. Zone him away from farm and harass him with range.
Utilizing Counter-Pick Champions
Select champions that can effectively counter Ryze’s kit, such as those with high mobility, burst damage, or crowd control.
Counter-Building
Build items that counter Ryze’s strengths, such as magic resistance and mobility items.
Focus on Avoiding his Skillshots
Ryze’s effectiveness depends on landing his skillshots. Dodge his Q (Overload) and E (Spell Flux) to reduce his damage output.
Interrupting his Combo
Disrupt Ryze’s ability to cast spells by using crowd control or silencing him.
Remember, success against Ryze hinges on understanding his limitations and capitalizing on his vulnerabilities.
Building a suitable itemization strategy for Ryze is key to maximizing his potential in any match.
Crafting the perfect item build for Ryze isn’t just about clicking the recommended items; it’s a dynamic process that adapts to the ebb and flow of each game. Understanding the nuances of itemization can transform Ryze from a competent mage into a dominant force, capable of carrying games and outplaying opponents. This requires a flexible approach, considering both the enemy team composition and your own playstyle.Understanding the principles behind Ryze’s itemization is akin to learning a secret language.
Each item choice unlocks a new level of power, allowing you to manipulate the battlefield with greater precision and devastating efficiency. Let’s delve into the core item paths that will empower your Ryze gameplay.
Ideal Item Build Paths for Ryze
Ryze thrives on a combination of mana, ability power, cooldown reduction, and magic penetration. This combination enables him to constantly cast spells, deal significant damage, and break through enemy defenses. The core build typically revolves around maximizing these stats.For the core build, consider starting with the Tear of the Goddess. This item is essential for mana sustain and scales into Archangel’s Staff, providing a significant boost to both mana and ability power.
The next crucial item is Rod of Ages, offering a blend of health, mana, and ability power, while also providing scaling stats over time. After completing the core, you should consider Seraph’s Embrace, which offers a shield and further ability power scaling, or Rabadon’s Deathcap, which is the ultimate ability power amplifier. Finally, for boots, Sorcerer’s Shoes are the go-to choice, but you can consider Mercury’s Treads if the enemy team has a lot of crowd control.For boots, consider the following choices:
- Sorcerer’s Shoes: For magic penetration, increasing damage output.
- Mercury’s Treads: Against heavy crowd control compositions.
Item Builds Tailored to Various Game Situations
Ryze’s item build should always be tailored to the specific game. Here’s a breakdown of different builds:
| Scaling Build | Burst Damage Build | Sustained Damage Build | Situational Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
Situational Items for Ryze
Adapting your build is crucial. Here’s a list of situational items:
- Banshee’s Veil: This item provides a magic damage shield and a health boost. It’s a lifesaver against champions with targeted crowd control, like Blitzcrank’s hook, or high burst magic damage.
- Zhonya’s Hourglass: This item offers armor and the active ability to become invulnerable for a short duration. Use it to survive burst damage or stall while your cooldowns reset.
- Morellonomicon: A must-have against teams with significant healing, like Soraka, Vladimir, or Dr. Mundo. It applies grievous wounds, significantly reducing their healing effectiveness.
- Void Staff: Essential when the enemy team stacks magic resistance. It provides a percentage of magic penetration, allowing you to deal more damage to tanks and bruisers.
- Horizon Focus: This item amplifies your damage against enemies that are slowed or at a distance. Consider this when you can consistently hit your abilities from a safe range.
- Mejai’s Soulstealer: A high-risk, high-reward item. It offers immense ability power, but the stacks are lost upon death. Only buy it if you’re confident in your ability to survive and snowball.
Understanding the synergies between Ryze and his team is paramount for achieving victory in coordinated play.
Ryze, the Rune Mage, isn’t just a powerhouse in the mid lane; he’s a catalyst. His potential to control fights and provide immense damage makes him a valuable asset to any team, but his effectiveness truly shines when paired with champions whose abilities complement his own. Understanding these synergies transforms Ryze from a strong pick into a strategic force, capable of dictating the pace and outcome of a game.
Let’s delve into the champions that elevate Ryze to his full potential.
Champions that Synergize Well with Ryze
Ryze’s effectiveness is amplified when paired with champions who can either set up his combos, protect him from harm, or amplify his damage output. These partnerships create a synergistic web, weaving together different abilities to overwhelm the enemy team.First, champions with crowd control are Ryze’s best friends. Abilities that lock down enemies, such as Leona’s Zenith Blade or Amumu’s Curse of the Sad Mummy, allow Ryze to unleash his full combo without interruption.
These champions create opportunities for Ryze to deal sustained damage and often secure early kills. Second, champions with strong engage potential can facilitate Ryze’s ability to teleport into the fight with his ultimate, Realm Warp. A well-timed Realm Warp followed by a powerful engage from a champion like Malphite can devastate the enemy team. Third, enchanters who can shield or heal Ryze, like Janna or Lulu, help him survive the initial burst and allow him to continue dealing damage.
They can also peel for him, keeping him safe from assassins. Finally, champions that can amplify Ryze’s damage, like Orianna, are invaluable. Orianna’s Command: Attack can be used to deal massive damage to the enemy team, especially when paired with Ryze’s combos.Here are some examples of champions that work well with Ryze:* Leona: Leona’s crowd control, particularly her Zenith Blade and ultimate, Solar Flare, provide perfect setups for Ryze’s combos.
Leona can initiate fights, allowing Ryze to follow up with his damage.
Amumu
Amumu’s Bandage Toss and Curse of the Sad Mummy offer excellent engage potential and lock down enemies for Ryze. The area-of-effect crowd control from Amumu’s ultimate also creates opportunities for Ryze to deal massive damage.
Malphite
Malphite’s Unstoppable Force provides a powerful engage tool that allows Ryze to use Realm Warp effectively. Malphite can also absorb a lot of damage, protecting Ryze.
Janna
Janna’s shielding and peeling abilities, like Monsoon, protect Ryze from assassins and help him survive team fights. Her ability to knock enemies away can also create space for Ryze to reposition.
Orianna
Orianna’s Command: Attack can be used to deal massive damage to the enemy team, especially when paired with Ryze’s combos.
Lulu
Lulu provides Ryze with shielding, crowd control, and attack speed buffs, allowing him to survive longer and deal more damage.
Successful Team Compositions Featuring Ryze
Team compositions built around Ryze leverage his strengths to control the battlefield, create advantageous engagements, and secure objectives.Here are some examples of successful team compositions:* “The Dive Comp”: This composition focuses on aggressive engagements and overwhelming the enemy with crowd control and damage.
Top: Malphite; Jungle: Amumu; Mid: Ryze; ADC: Miss Fortune; Support: Leona
The strategic advantage here lies in the synergy of crowd control. Malphite and Amumu initiate with their ultimates, followed by Leona’s crowd control. Ryze then teleports in with Realm Warp, followed by Miss Fortune’s ultimate, unleashing devastating area-of-effect damage. This composition aims to quickly eliminate the enemy carries.
“The Poke and Engage Comp”
This composition focuses on poking the enemy down and then engaging when they are vulnerable.
Top: Jayce; Jungle: Jarvan IV; Mid: Ryze; ADC: Caitlyn; Support: Lulu
The strategic advantage of this team is the ability to poke the enemy team with Jayce and Caitlyn while Ryze and Jarvan IV look for engage opportunities. Ryze can teleport in with Realm Warp after Jarvan IV initiates, allowing him to deal massive damage to the trapped enemies. Lulu provides shielding and utility.
“The Protect the Carry Comp”
This composition revolves around protecting Ryze while he deals damage.
Top: Garen; Jungle: Xin Zhao; Mid: Ryze; ADC: Sivir; Support: Janna
The strategic advantage here is the synergy of protection and damage. Garen and Xin Zhao provide frontline protection, while Janna shields and peels for Ryze and Sivir. Sivir’s spell shield protects the carries, and her ultimate provides mobility. Ryze and Sivir provide consistent damage.
Communication Tips to Maximize Ryze’s Impact
Effective communication is critical for maximizing Ryze’s impact in team fights and objective control. A well-coordinated team can capitalize on Ryze’s strengths and turn the tide of battle.Here’s a list of communication tips to enhance Ryze’s effectiveness:* Coordinate Realm Warps: Before using Realm Warp, clearly communicate the destination and timing. Inform your team of your plans and ensure everyone is ready to follow up.
A successful teleport can turn the tide of the battle, but a poorly timed one can lead to disaster.
Call Out Enemy Cooldowns
Keep track of enemy cooldowns, especially crowd control abilities. Inform your team when key abilities are down, allowing Ryze to safely engage or avoid being locked down.
Communicate Target Focus
Clearly identify the target priorities during team fights. Communicate who Ryze is focusing on and who the team should focus on. Focusing fire is essential for eliminating key threats.
Objective Control Planning
Discuss objective control strategies. Communicate when you intend to contest objectives like Baron or Dragon, and plan your approach with the team. Ryze’s ability to deal damage can make him a strong asset in objective fights.
Ping Frequently
Use pings to communicate enemy positions, potential ganks, and warnings. Pinging can quickly convey vital information to your team.
Use Voice Communication
If possible, use voice communication to facilitate quicker and more effective communication. This allows for a better understanding of each other’s plans and intentions.
Keep Calm and Encourage
Maintain a positive and supportive attitude, even during challenging moments. Encourage your teammates and avoid negativity, as a positive environment fosters better teamwork and decision-making.
Examining the historical evolution of Ryze’s kit reveals insights into the character’s design philosophy.
Ryze, the Rune Mage, has undergone more transformations than a shapeshifting dragon. His kit, a constantly evolving tapestry of arcane power, has seen numerous overhauls and adjustments throughout League of Legends’ history. Each iteration reflects Riot Games’ shifting design philosophies and attempts to balance Ryze’s potential for both overwhelming power and frustrating limitations. Let’s delve into the chronicles of Ryze, witnessing the ebb and flow of his power and popularity.
Major Changes in Ryze’s Kit
Ryze’s journey has been marked by several significant reworks, each aiming to address specific problems with his kit. These changes have drastically altered his playstyle, transforming him from a simple spell-caster to a complex, combo-oriented mage. These adjustments were not merely aesthetic; they fundamentally redefined how players approached the character.
- Original Ryze (Pre-Season 1): The OG Ryze was a straightforward mana-based mage. His abilities scaled primarily with mana, making items like Rod of Ages and Archangel’s Staff core. He was known for his raw damage output and relative simplicity.
- Season 2 & 3 Ryze: This era saw a refinement of his core mechanics. He gained a shield on his Q, and his ultimate, Desperate Power, offered a significant boost to his spell casting speed and ability to spam abilities. This iteration made Ryze a potent hyper-carry, especially in the hands of skilled players.
- Season 6 Rework: This was a major overhaul, introducing the Rune system and the ability to chain spells together for maximum efficiency. Ryze’s Q became a key ability for dealing damage, and his W and E provided utility and setup. This rework aimed to increase the skill ceiling, making Ryze a more rewarding character to master. This rework introduced the concept of “Fluxing” targets with E before unleashing a barrage of spells.
- Season 7 & 8 Adjustments: These patches saw tweaks to Ryze’s numbers and some adjustments to his Rune system. These changes were aimed at balancing his power in professional play and solo queue, addressing concerns about his oppressive lane presence and late-game scaling.
- Season 9 Rework: Riot introduced a new ultimate, Realm Warp, which allowed Ryze to teleport himself and nearby allies a short distance. This added a new dimension to his gameplay, offering strategic opportunities for map control and teamfights. This ability was powerful but also came with the risk of misplays, making Ryze a high-risk, high-reward pick.
- Subsequent Patches: Ryze has continued to receive minor adjustments in subsequent patches, focusing on balancing his damage output, mana costs, and cooldowns. These changes aimed to keep him viable in the ever-evolving meta.
Detailed Illustration of Ryze’s Kit Across Different Patches, Ryze kit
Ryze’s abilities have morphed over time, each change impacting his effectiveness and playstyle. The following table provides a glimpse into these transformations. Note that exact damage numbers and scaling values will vary depending on the patch, but the general functionality remains.
| Ability | Original (Pre-Season 1) | Season 6 Rework | Season 9 (Realm Warp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q – Overload | Deals magic damage. Scales with mana. | Deals magic damage, grants a shield if used after two other spells. Scales with AP and mana. | Deals magic damage, grants a shield if used after two other spells. Scales with AP and mana. Reduced cooldown if cast on a Fluxed target. |
| W – Rune Prison | Roots an enemy target. | Roots an enemy target. | Roots an enemy target. |
| E – Spell Flux | Bounces to nearby enemies, dealing magic damage. | Deals magic damage to a target, and then bounces to nearby enemies. | Deals magic damage to a target, and then bounces to nearby enemies. |
| R – Desperate Power / Realm Warp | Increases spell casting speed and damage. | N/A | Teleports Ryze and nearby allies a short distance. |
“The constant evolution of Ryze’s kit highlights the dynamic nature of League of Legends’ balancing process.”
Effects of Changes on Ryze’s Popularity and Effectiveness
Ryze’s popularity and effectiveness have fluctuated dramatically depending on his current iteration. His high skill ceiling and potential for immense damage have made him a favorite in professional play, but his complexity has often made him less accessible to casual players.
- Professional Play: Ryze has frequently appeared in professional play, often prioritized in draft phases. His ability to control teamfights, his scaling potential, and his ability to quickly clear waves have made him a valuable asset for coordinated teams. The introduction of Realm Warp significantly increased his pick/ban rate, as it allowed for strategic plays and split-pushing strategies.
- Solo Queue: In solo queue, Ryze’s success has been more variable. His complex combos and reliance on team coordination can be challenging in a less structured environment. However, when mastered, Ryze can be a powerful force, capable of carrying games with his damage output and mobility.
These changes, along with the constant meta shifts, have shaped Ryze’s journey in the game, turning him into a character that requires constant adaptation.
