Ever felt like you’re missing out on something so obvious? Like everyone’s chasing after the same meta and you’re just trying to spice things up?
Enter: AP Varus in ARAM.
TL;DR
- AP Varus is an underpicked gem in ARAM, with only a 1.5% pick rate.
- The champ’s W, Blighted Quiver, becomes a damage monster with AP.
- League enthusiasts swear by AP Varus as a game-changer, if built right.
Why AP Varus is Underestimated in ARAM
Here’s the deal. According to League of Graphs, AP Varus boasts a mere 1.5% pick rate in ARAM. But is rarity always a sign of weakness? Oh, the irony!
AP Scaling and the Power of Blighted Quiver
Take a seat and pay attention. AP Varus isn’t about flashy new moves. He capitalizes on the power of his existing ones. Blighted Quiver (W), for instance, deals magic damage that scales insanely with AP. AA wise player once stated:
“AP Varus in ARAM is a hidden gem. His burst damage can be surprising if you build him right.”
Do you think they were just flexing?
Optimal Builds and Runes for AP Varus
Let’s get geeky! For all those tech lovers out there, here’s the cheat sheet based on stats from U.GG:
Runes: Dominate with Domination. Opt for Electrocute or Dark Harvest for that burst. Spice it up with Sorcery—maybe Manaflow Band for sustenance or Transcendence for cooldown relief.
Skills Priority: Start with Piercing Arrow (Q), but don’t sleep on Blighted Quiver (W). And always remember to rank up Chain of Corruption (R) whenever you can. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Is It Just An ARAM Thing?
While the ARAM environment certainly plays to AP Varus’s strengths, achieving similar dominance in Summoner’s Rift could be a taller order.
ARAM’s pace and multipliers make AP Varus a king. On the Rift? Not so much. Yet, the key takeaway is understanding and leveraging champion flexibility.
The Hidden Strategy: When and How to Play AP Varus
Early Game Tactics
Start by understanding the ARAM tempo. The constant skirmishing in ARAM can be a blessing and a curse. Early on, AP Varus doesn’t have the raw power, but don’t be discouraged!
Farm: Prioritize minions. They’re your gold ticket for that juicy AP build.
Poke: While your Piercing Arrow (Q) doesn’t have its full burst yet, it’s an excellent poking tool.
Watch Your Mana: Going all out with your abilities will dry up your mana pool quickly. So, it’s essential to strike a balance.
Mid-Game Power Spikes
Here’s where things get spicy!
Blighted Quiver (W): At this point, with a couple of AP items under your belt, this ability becomes lethal. Remember to stack it up!
Team Combos: Varus’s Chain of Corruption (R) is a game-changer in ARAM. Combo with area-of-effect abilities from your allies and watch enemies disintegrate.
Engage or Not to Engage?
AP Varus, despite his potential, isn’t your traditional front-line initiator. Stick with your team, ensure they’re initiating the fights, and follow up with your powerful combo.
The Downside: The Weak Points of AP Varus
Like every hero with a surprise element, AP Varus isn’t without weaknesses:
Squishy: Yes, you can dish out damage, but remember, you can also be taken down quickly.
Crowd Control: Your worst enemy. Getting CC’d can be a swift end for our bow-wielding champ.
High Expectations: Due to its rarity, some teammates might doubt your pick. Don’t get discouraged; let the results do the talking!
Insights & Tips
Use the Environment: ARAM’s tight quarters mean grouped enemies. That’s a dream for Varus’s Chain of Corruption (R).
Positioning is Key: Keep a safe distance and use Piercing Arrow (Q) to poke and prod, making foes cry for their mommies.
Blight is Right: Rack up those Blight stacks and unleash the fury with your abilities.
FAQs
Q: How do I best utilize Varus’s Blighted Quiver in ARAM? A: Focus on stacking Blight with auto attacks and detonate with abilities, especially Q for maximum damage.
Q: Why isn’t AP Varus more popular? A: He’s a sleeper pick! Many players often stick to the meta, leaving gems like AP Varus underexplored.
Q: Is AP Varus viable outside of ARAM? A: It’s trickier in Summoner’s Rift but not impossible. Adapt and overcome!
Q: Which champions pair well with AP Varus in ARAM? A: Champions with CC or peel capabilities like Leona or Maokai can enhance AP Varus’s potential.
Q: Do I always go AP on Varus in ARAM? A: It’s situational! While AP Varus is strong, always assess team compositions and adjust builds accordingly.
Q: What are AP Varus’s counters in ARAM? A: Champions with hard engage, like Malphite or Alistar, can pose a threat. High mobility assassins can also be problematic if they reach Varus.
Q: What items should I prioritize? A: Nashor’s Tooth is a great first item. It provides AP, attack speed, and its passive synergizes well with Varus’s kit. Consider following with Rabaddon’s Deathcap for a massive AP boost.
Q: If my team lacks AD, should I still go AP Varus? A: Flexibility is crucial. If your team heavily lacks AD, it might be better to build AD or Lethality Varus to balance the damage output.
Conclusion
The best part about games like League of Legends is the ever-evolving meta and the endless potential for surprise strategies. AP Varus in ARAM is one of those beautiful surprises. So, the next time you’re looking to break the mold, pick up that bow, stack up the AP, and let the arrows fly! Spezzy’s insider tip? Always keep them guessing and never reveal your ace until it’s time.
In the grand arena of ARAM, AP Varus is your wild card. It’s about challenging the norms, taking risks, and embracing the unexpected power of a champion. So, the next time you dive into the Howling Abyss, remember: to win, sometimes you gotta think outside the meta box!
Sources:
- League of Graphs U.GG
- League of Legends Official Forum
- Personal experience and insights from Spezzy.
