Ryze Support. The words themselves conjure images of arcane power, strategic depth, and a dash of the unexpected. Forget the traditional tanks and healers; we’re diving headfirst into a world where a powerful mage steps into the role of protector, offering a unique blend of utility and damage. This isn’t just about throwing spells; it’s about understanding how each rune, each item, and each teammate can amplify Ryze’s impact on the battlefield.
We’ll explore the core abilities, dissect the perfect builds, and uncover the strategic advantages that make Ryze a surprisingly effective, and often overlooked, support champion.
Prepare to unravel the mysteries of Ryze’s abilities, discovering how his skills can be strategically deployed to shield allies, control the flow of battle, and ultimately, secure victory. We’ll delve into the optimal rune setups, essential item builds, and champion pairings that maximize his effectiveness in the bot lane. Furthermore, we will also explore how Ryze can influence team fights, control objectives, and make game-changing plays.
Get ready to witness a champion redefined, a support role revolutionized, and a whole new way to experience the thrill of League of Legends.
Exploring the unusual role of Ryze as a support champion demands a nuanced understanding of his abilities and their impact on the team composition.: Ryze Support
Ryze, the Rune Mage, is an unconventional choice for the support role. His kit, typically associated with damage and wave clear, requires a shift in perspective to maximize his utility in assisting allies. This adaptation involves understanding how his abilities can be re-purposed to protect, enable, and disrupt the enemy team.
Ryze’s Core Abilities and Support Applications
Ryze’s abilities, when applied strategically, offer a unique form of support. They provide utility that can be leveraged to assist the team. Here’s a breakdown of his core abilities, how they can be used for support, and their potential synergies.
| Ability | Support Application | Synergy with Other Supports |
|---|---|---|
| Passive: Arcane Mastery | Provides bonus mana, scaling with ability power. While not directly a support ability, it increases his sustain in lane and allows him to take more damage, acting as a pseudo-tank. | Synergizes with supports that provide shielding or healing, such as Soraka or Janna, as the additional mana can increase Ryze’s ability to survive engagements and provide more utility. |
| Q: Overload | Used for poke, wave clear (to prevent enemy pushes), and movement speed boost after using a spell. The speed boost can be used to peel for allies or engage. | Works well with engage supports like Leona or Nautilus. Ryze can use his speed boost to follow up on their engages, or he can use it to peel for them if they get caught out. |
| W: Rune Prison | This is Ryze’s primary crowd control ability. It roots the target, providing lockdown for allies to land skill shots or secure kills. | Exceptional synergy with champions that have strong follow-up damage or crowd control, such as Ashe (Arrow) or Morgana (Dark Binding). A well-timed Rune Prison can set up easy kills. |
| E: Spell Flux | Damages and bounces to nearby enemies. Applying this to an enemy champion can be useful for reducing their magic resistance and allowing your allies to deal more damage. | Supports with follow-up area-of-effect damage, like Zyra or Brand, benefit greatly from Spell Flux, as it amplifies their damage output. |
| R: Realm Warp | Teleports a short distance after a delay. Can be used to reposition allies during a teamfight, or to create surprise engagements. | Realm Warp can be used to escape or engage. Synergizes well with champions like Sivir (Spell Shield) or Tahm Kench (Devour), who can use their abilities to protect allies during the teleport. |
Illustration of Ryze in a Team Fight
The illustration depicts a chaotic team fight erupting in the mid lane. Ryze, positioned slightly behind his ADC (Ashe), is actively supporting his team.Ryze’s stance is assertive, with his arms raised, channeling his power. His eyes are focused, showing concentration as he prepares to use Rune Prison (W). An enemy champion, (Fizz) is aggressively diving towards Ashe. Ryze’s W is in mid-cast towards Fizz.
This action is the visual cue demonstrating Ryze’s primary support function: crowd control.Around Ryze, the battlefield is a flurry of activity. Ashe is firing arrows, while a nearby ally, (Gragas), is preparing to throw his barrel. The visual representation of these abilities emphasizes the coordinated effort of the team. Spell Flux (E) is cast towards the enemies. The color palette emphasizes the magical nature of Ryze’s abilities, with blue and purple hues dominating.
The overall effect is a clear illustration of Ryze utilizing his kit to protect and enable his team, showcasing his unusual but effective support capabilities.
Analyzing rune and item builds tailored for Ryze support requires an understanding of how to maximize his utility and survivability in the bot lane.
Navigating the bot lane as Ryze support necessitates a strategic approach to rune and itemization, focusing on bolstering his strengths and mitigating his weaknesses. This involves carefully selecting runes that synergize with his kit to enhance his ability to protect his marksman, control the lane, and contribute to team fights. Simultaneously, item choices must prioritize both survivability and utility, ensuring he can survive the lane phase and provide consistent support throughout the game.
Optimal Rune Setups for Ryze Support
Choosing the right runes is critical for a Ryze support, as it directly impacts his early-game effectiveness and scaling potential. Here are three distinct rune pages, each designed to cater to different playstyles and team compositions:
- The “Guardian Angel” Setup: This setup prioritizes protection and peel for the marksman, making it ideal against aggressive lane opponents.
- Primary Rune (Resolve):
- Guardian: Provides a shield for Ryze and his ally when they are near each other and taking damage, significantly increasing their survivability.
- Font of Life: Marks enemy champions with a debuff that grants healing to allies when they attack them, further bolstering sustain in lane.
- Second Wind: Provides health regeneration after taking damage from enemy champions, helping Ryze survive poke and all-in attempts.
- Revitalize: Enhances the effectiveness of healing and shielding, making Guardian and Font of Life even more impactful.
- Secondary Rune (Sorcery):
- Manaflow Band: Restores mana every time Ryze hits an enemy champion with an ability, addressing his mana-hungry nature.
- Transcendence: Grants ability haste and reduces cooldowns, allowing Ryze to cast spells more frequently and provide more consistent support.
- Primary Rune (Resolve):
- The “Arcane Comet” Setup: This setup focuses on poke and lane dominance, suited for matchups where Ryze can safely harass enemies.
- Primary Rune (Sorcery):
- Arcane Comet: Deals additional damage to enemies hit by Ryze’s abilities, increasing his poke potential.
- Manaflow Band: Restores mana every time Ryze hits an enemy champion with an ability, addressing his mana-hungry nature.
- Transcendence: Grants ability haste and reduces cooldowns, allowing Ryze to cast spells more frequently and provide more consistent support.
- Scorch: Burns enemies hit by abilities, dealing bonus damage, increasing the poke pressure.
- Secondary Rune (Inspiration):
- Biscuit Delivery: Provides biscuits that restore health and mana, helping Ryze survive the laning phase.
- Cosmic Insight: Grants ability haste and reduces cooldowns, allowing Ryze to cast spells more frequently and provide more consistent support.
- Primary Rune (Sorcery):
- The “Phase Rush” Setup: This setup is designed for mobility and kiting, making it ideal for Ryze to avoid enemy engagements and reposition.
- Primary Rune (Sorcery):
- Phase Rush: Grants bonus movement speed after hitting enemies with three separate abilities, increasing his mobility.
- Manaflow Band: Restores mana every time Ryze hits an enemy champion with an ability, addressing his mana-hungry nature.
- Transcendence: Grants ability haste and reduces cooldowns, allowing Ryze to cast spells more frequently and provide more consistent support.
- Scorch: Burns enemies hit by abilities, dealing bonus damage, increasing the poke pressure.
- Secondary Rune (Inspiration):
- Biscuit Delivery: Provides biscuits that restore health and mana, helping Ryze survive the laning phase.
- Cosmic Insight: Grants ability haste and reduces cooldowns, allowing Ryze to cast spells more frequently and provide more consistent support.
- Primary Rune (Sorcery):
Essential Item Builds for Ryze Support
Ryze support requires a specific item build to maximize his impact on the game, focusing on a balance of mana, cooldown reduction, and utility.
- Starting Items:
- Spellthief’s Edge: Provides mana regeneration, ability power, and gold generation through the “Tribute” passive, allowing Ryze to consistently poke enemies and generate income.
- Health Potion: Provides immediate health regeneration to sustain in lane.
- Core Items:
- Shurelya’s Battlesong: Grants movement speed and ability haste, and when activated, it provides a burst of movement speed to Ryze and nearby allies, enabling engage or disengage. This item also grants additional ability power.
- Boots of Lucidity: Provides ability haste and reduced cooldowns, allowing Ryze to cast spells more frequently.
- Zeke’s Convergence: Increases armor and mana, and when Ryze immobilizes an enemy, the target and nearby allies take bonus damage.
- Situational Items:
- Staff of Flowing Water: Grants ability power and mana regeneration, and when Ryze heals or shields an ally, they gain bonus ability power and movement speed.
- Ardent Censer: Grants attack speed and on-hit magic damage to an ally after Ryze heals or shields them, enhancing the marksman’s damage output.
- Frozen Heart: Provides armor and mana, and reduces the attack speed of nearby enemies, improving Ryze’s survivability against physical damage and helping to protect his marksman.
- Locket of the Iron Solari: Provides a shield to nearby allies, increasing their survivability in team fights.
Hypothetical Game Scenario: Ryze Support in Action
Imagine a game where a Ryze support, using the “Guardian Angel” rune setup and building Shurelya’s Battlesong, Boots of Lucidity, and Zeke’s Convergence, is paired with a Jinx marksman.The game starts with a tough lane matchup against a Caitlyn and Lux duo. Ryze, utilizing Guardian, Font of Life, and Second Wind, constantly positions himself between Jinx and the enemy champions, ready to absorb damage and provide a shield.
Every time Caitlyn attempts to harass Jinx, Ryze uses his abilities to poke back and keep the lane balanced.Mid-game, team fights erupt. Ryze, equipped with Shurelya’s Battlesong, activates it to initiate the fight, providing a speed boost to Jinx and the team, allowing them to engage. He then uses his abilities to peel for Jinx, shielding her with Guardian and slowing enemies with his abilities.
The enemy team focuses their attacks on Jinx, but Ryze’s positioning and his protective abilities allow her to survive. Zeke’s Convergence is activated, increasing the damage output of Jinx.By prioritizing utility and protection, Ryze support successfully enables his marksman, securing kills and objectives, leading to a victory for the team. This highlights the effectiveness of the chosen runes and item build in a practical game scenario, emphasizing the potential of Ryze support.
Examining the optimal lane partners for Ryze support illuminates the champions that best complement his strengths and mitigate his weaknesses in the duo lane.
Finding the perfect partner for Ryze support is like finding the perfect spice to complement a dish; it elevates the whole experience. Understanding which marksmen truly shine alongside the Rune Mage is crucial for dominating the bot lane and translating that advantage into a victory. The right pairing can transform Ryze from a quirky pick into a lane bully, turning the tide of the game.
Identifying Marksman Champions That Synergize Well With Ryze Support
Choosing the right marksman is paramount. Ryze’s strengths lie in his ability to provide consistent damage, engage, and peel. A marksman who can capitalize on these strengths will thrive.
- Caitlyn: Caitlyn’s long range and ability to zone enemies perfectly complement Ryze’s short-range engage. Ryze can root enemies with his W (Rune Prison), setting up easy headshots for Caitlyn. Her traps further enhance their zoning capabilities, creating a highly oppressive lane presence. Imagine a scenario where Caitlyn’s traps and Ryze’s root force the enemy to choose between getting caught or being denied farm – a constant threat.
- Jinx: Jinx’s hyper-carry potential is amplified by Ryze’s utility. Ryze can peel for Jinx, keeping her safe while she decimates the enemy team with her rockets. His ability to provide a shield and root enemies gives Jinx the time and space she needs to deal massive damage. Think of Ryze as the bodyguard, allowing Jinx to unleash her chaotic arsenal.
- Ezreal: Ezreal’s mobility and poke synergize well with Ryze’s ability to engage and provide follow-up damage. Ryze can root enemies, allowing Ezreal to land his Q (Mystic Shot) and E (Arcane Shift) for safe repositioning. Their combined poke can wear down the enemy laners, making them vulnerable to all-ins. Consider a coordinated engage where Ryze roots, Ezreal hits a Q, and Ryze follows up with his abilities, leading to a swift takedown.
- Sivir: Sivir’s spell shield (E – Spell Shield) and wave clear are invaluable in a lane where Ryze can be vulnerable to poke. Sivir can negate key enemy spells, providing a buffer for Ryze. Additionally, Sivir’s ultimate (R – On The Hunt) allows for swift engages or disengages, enabling Ryze to set up plays or escape sticky situations. This combination provides both safety and engage potential.
- Twitch: Twitch and Ryze make for a formidable lane-bullying duo. Twitch’s stealth and Ryze’s root create devastating gank setups. Twitch can sneak up on enemies, and Ryze can lock them down, allowing Twitch to unleash his poison and ultimate. This lane is all about surprise and overwhelming burst damage. Picture the enemy bot lane confidently pushing, only to be ambushed by Twitch and Ryze, quickly turning the tide in their favor.
Comparing and Contrasting Strengths and Weaknesses of Ryze Support with Different Marksman Pairings
The effectiveness of Ryze support drastically changes depending on his marksman partner. Understanding the nuances of each pairing allows for strategic decision-making in the draft and in-game.
| Pairing | Strengths | Weaknesses | Suggested Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryze & Caitlyn |
|
|
Focus on controlling the lane, setting up traps, and denying farm. Look for opportunities to root and follow up with Caitlyn’s damage. Prioritize vision control to prevent ganks. |
| Ryze & Jinx |
|
|
Play defensively early, focus on farming and scaling. Look for opportunities to punish mistakes with Ryze’s root. Protect Jinx in teamfights and allow her to deal consistent damage. |
| Ryze & Ezreal |
|
|
Poke the enemy down in the early game. Look for opportunities to root and follow up with Ezreal’s Q. Prioritize safe positioning and disengage when necessary. Coordinate with the jungler to secure objectives. |
| Ryze & Sivir |
|
|
Focus on wave clear to control the lane. Use Ryze’s root to set up ganks. Utilize Sivir’s ultimate to engage or disengage teamfights. Prioritize vision control and objective control. |
| Ryze & Twitch |
|
|
Focus on controlling vision. Look for opportunities to gank with Twitch’s stealth. Use Ryze’s root to lock down targets. Prioritize burst damage and snowball the lane advantage. |
Providing a Descriptive Example of a Champion That Is Difficult to Lane With as Ryze Support
Some pairings are simply a recipe for disaster. Champions whose weaknesses amplify Ryze’s or whose strengths don’t align with his are a challenge.
- Draven: Draven, despite his high damage output, presents a difficult match-up for Ryze. Draven’s aggressive playstyle and reliance on catching his axes make him vulnerable to ganks and crowd control. Ryze’s short range and lack of consistent peel can make it difficult to protect Draven from engages. If Draven drops his axes while trying to engage, Ryze can’t always guarantee a root in time to prevent the enemy from punishing Draven.
This pairing struggles to find reliable engage and can quickly fall behind if the enemy jungler focuses on the bot lane. Imagine Draven trying to chase a kill, dropping his axes, and then being caught out by a quick engage from the enemy, leaving Ryze to scramble for a root that might be too late.
Unveiling the strategic advantages of Ryze support necessitates an exploration of how he can be used to control objectives and impact the flow of the game.
Ryze, in the support role, isn’t just about throwing spells; he’s a strategic playmaker capable of shifting the tides of battle. His ability to manipulate space and time, combined with his crowd control, makes him a force for objective control and team fight dominance. Understanding how to leverage these strengths is key to unlocking his true potential.
Objective Control with Realm Warp
Ryze’s ultimate, Realm Warp, is his most potent tool for objective control, turning him into a teleporting tactical nuke. It’s not just about getting your team
- to* an objective; it’s about getting them there
- first*, or escaping a sticky situation. The strategic application of Realm Warp demands foresight and precise timing.
Realm Warp is best utilized when:* Securing Dragon or Baron: Teleporting your team directly into the pit, or escaping a contested objective, can be a game-changer. The element of surprise, the ability to quickly burst down the objective, or to escape with the bounty after a successful steal can change the course of the game. For example, imagine your team is behind, and the enemy is taking Baron.
Ryze can quickly assess the situation and, if the conditions are right, Realm Warp his team over the Baron pit wall, engaging the enemy and potentially stealing the objective. Or, if the enemy has a clear advantage, a well-timed Realm Warp can provide a safe escape for the team, preserving their gold advantage.
Split-Pushing and Counter-Pushing
Ryze can teleport a team member, or even the entire team, to a side lane to quickly push a tower or counter an enemy split-push. This allows for rapid map control and pressure on multiple fronts.
Ganking and Counter-Ganking
Ryze can be a powerful force in ganking or counter-ganking. He can warp his team behind an unsuspecting enemy, turning a seemingly safe situation into a devastating ambush. For example, consider a situation where the enemy jungler is ganking top lane. Ryze can Realm Warp his team behind the enemy, cutting off their escape and securing kills.
Influencing Team Fights through Zoning and Crowd Control
Ryze’s kit, with his Root and AoE damage, allows him to dictate the flow of team fights. He excels at zoning enemies, controlling key areas, and providing crowd control to set up plays for his team. His ability to weave spells, constantly damaging enemies, and locking them down, makes him a threat that must be addressed.Ryze’s contributions to team fights involve:* Zoning with Overload (Q) and Rune Prison (W): Ryze can use his abilities to force enemies into unfavorable positions, preventing them from engaging or controlling key areas.
His Q is a powerful poke and a way to quickly trigger his passive, while his W can lock down key targets.
Crowd Control for Engaging and Disengaging
Rune Prison (W) is a crucial tool for both initiating fights and providing an escape route. It can be used to lock down high-priority targets, such as the enemy carry, or to create space for your team to disengage.
AoE Damage and Burst Potential
Ryze’s damage output, especially when combined with his passive, can be significant in team fights. He can quickly burst down squishy targets and contribute to sustained damage over time. Consider a scenario where the enemy team is grouped around the mid lane tower. Ryze can position himself to zone the enemy team, preventing them from pushing further.
He can then use his W to lock down an enemy carry, allowing his team to focus fire and potentially eliminate them.
Significant Impact Scenarios, Ryze support
Ryze support can dramatically shift the game’s outcome in various situations. Here are three specific examples:
Securing a Baron Steal: The enemy team is taking Baron, and your team is behind. Ryze, anticipating the objective’s completion, Realm Warps his team over the pit wall. The element of surprise and burst damage allows your team to steal Baron, securing a crucial buff and potentially turning the game around.
Countering a Gank: The enemy jungler is ganking your mid laner. Ryze, seeing the opportunity, Realm Warps behind the enemy, creating a pincer movement. This forces the enemy to choose between retreating or fighting a losing battle, often resulting in kills and map control for your team.
Rapid Tower Defense: The enemy team is pushing down mid lane. Ryze, with Realm Warp ready, quickly teleports his team to the tower, creating a defensive perimeter. The sudden arrival of Ryze and his team catches the enemy off guard, allowing them to defend the tower and potentially secure kills in the process.
Understanding the challenges and limitations of playing Ryze support allows players to navigate his weaknesses and maximize his strengths for optimal performance.
Ryze, the Rune Mage, presents a unique and challenging proposition in the support role. While his kit offers potential for crowd control and damage, his vulnerabilities are significant and require careful consideration. Understanding these weaknesses is crucial for success, enabling players to adapt their playstyle and make informed decisions that leverage his strengths while minimizing risk.
Potential Vulnerabilities of Ryze Support
Ryze support faces several inherent weaknesses that can be exploited by opponents. These vulnerabilities, if not addressed, can lead to a difficult lane phase and ultimately hinder team effectiveness.Ryze’s vulnerability stems from several key factors:* Short Range: Ryze’s primary damage and crowd control abilities have a relatively short range, making him susceptible to poke and harass from longer-range champions.
This forces him to play aggressively to be effective, putting him at risk.* Mana Dependency: Ryze is highly reliant on mana for his abilities. Running out of mana during crucial moments can render him ineffective in team fights or during lane skirmishes. Managing mana efficiently is a constant concern.* Squishiness: Ryze is inherently squishy, meaning he is easily targeted and eliminated by burst damage.
He lacks reliable escape mechanisms, making him vulnerable to ganks and all-ins.* Skillshot Reliance: Success with Ryze relies on hitting his skillshots. Missing his Rune Prison (W) can leave him and his ADC vulnerable, and missing his Overload (Q) can diminish his damage output.* Waveclear Weakness: While Ryze can clear waves with his abilities, it can be costly in terms of mana and cooldowns.
This weakness can leave him and his ADC vulnerable to aggressive pushes.To mitigate these vulnerabilities, Ryze support players must prioritize positioning, mana management, and itemization choices that enhance survivability and utility. Understanding these weaknesses and adapting to them is crucial for mastering Ryze in the support role.
Tips and Tricks for Playing Ryze Support
Mastering Ryze support requires a strategic approach. Employing these tips and tricks can help players navigate his limitations and maximize his impact.* Positioning is Paramount: Maintain a safe distance from opponents, especially during the early game. Use bushes to your advantage for vision control and surprise engagements.* Mana Management is Key: Conserve mana during the laning phase. Prioritize last-hitting minions and only use abilities when necessary for trades or securing kills.
Consider starting with a mana-focused item like Faerie Charm.* Ability Usage:
Use Rune Prison (W) to lock down enemies for your ADC to follow up.
Use Overload (Q) for poke and wave clear.
Prioritize hitting your skillshots; missed abilities can be costly.
Use Spell Flux (E) to spread damage and amplify the effects of your other abilities.
* Itemization: Build items that provide both utility and survivability. Items like Shard of True Ice or Zeke’s Convergence can offer excellent support value.* Communication: Coordinate with your ADC and team. Communicate your intentions, such as when you plan to engage or when you need assistance.* Warding: Invest in vision control to prevent ganks and track the enemy jungler’s movements.
Place wards in strategic locations to protect your ADC and provide vision for objectives.* Team Fight Strategy: During team fights, prioritize peeling for your ADC and locking down key targets. Use your abilities to control the battlefield and disrupt the enemy’s formation.* Early Game Focus: During the laning phase, focus on farming and scaling. Avoid unnecessary engagements, and prioritize assisting your ADC in securing last hits.* Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt your playstyle based on the matchup.
If facing aggressive opponents, prioritize defensive items and play passively. If your ADC is strong, play more aggressively to create opportunities for kills.These tips and tricks are essential for navigating the challenges of playing Ryze support. By implementing these strategies, players can minimize their vulnerabilities and maximize their effectiveness in the bot lane.
High-Risk, High-Reward Playstyle of Ryze Support
The illustration depicts a scenario showcasing Ryze support’s high-risk, high-reward playstyle. This scenario emphasizes the potential for game-changing plays while highlighting the inherent risks involved.The illustration depicts a scene during the mid-game, showcasing Ryze support positioned aggressively in the enemy’s jungle. He’s standing near the Blue Buff camp, a crucial objective. His ADC, a marksman champion, is visible further back, providing support.
Two enemy champions, a jungler and a mid-laner, are attempting to secure the Blue Buff.Ryze, in this illustration, has just landed a Rune Prison (W) on the enemy jungler, immobilizing him. He is followed by his ADC who is engaging the enemy jungler and mid laner. The illustration captures the moment just before the initiation of the fight. Potential Outcomes:* High Reward: If Ryze and his ADC successfully eliminate both enemy champions, they can secure the Blue Buff for their jungler, gain a significant gold advantage, and potentially push the mid lane.
They would gain map control and momentum.* High Risk: If Ryze is caught out of position or his ADC cannot follow up, the enemy jungler and mid-laner can quickly focus and eliminate Ryze. This would result in a significant gold loss, a potential loss of the Blue Buff, and a disadvantage for Ryze’s team.This illustration showcases the inherent risk of Ryze support’s playstyle.
Aggressive positioning and high-risk plays can lead to significant rewards, but failure can be devastating. This highlights the importance of good decision-making, team communication, and accurate execution. This scenario demonstrates how Ryze support can make impactful plays, but only when executed with precision and awareness.
