Ever thought Zac, our favorite stretchy blob, was just meant to tank hits? Think again! There’s a seismic shift in the rift, and it’s all about building Zac with a burst of magic – introducing AP Zac.
TL;DR:
- AP Zac turns our beloved tank into a formidable burst mage.
- Players are increasingly experimenting with unconventional champion builds.
- There’s a unique strategy, gameplay, and rune path for AP Zac.
- AP Zac is especially strong in the Jungle role.
- “Surprise factor” is the key element of this build, catching enemies off-guard.
What’s the Hype About AP Zac?
For those still scratching their heads, AP Zac, or Ability Power Zac, is an inventive way to play the champion. Traditionally built as a tank, constructing him with Ability Power dramatically elevates the damage of his abilities, turning him into a burst mage. This isn’t just a quirky off-meta choice. It’s a game-changing strategy that’s making waves in ranked queues!
The Unexpected Damage Boost
Imagine the shock when Zac, usually at the forefront soaking damage, suddenly jumps and takes out a chunk of your ADC’s health. That’s the power of AP Zac. As one player quipped:
“AP Zac is all about the surprise factor. Enemies often underestimate the damage you can do, which can lead to some unexpected kills.“
Why is Everyone Trying This?
League’s landscape has always thrived on innovation. The past years have shown a definitive trend: more players are embracing unconventional builds. Not just for the sake of fun but to discover new strategies and gameplay styles. And guess what? AP Zac is the glowing poster child of this movement.
Building the Perfect AP Zac
You’ve heard the buzz, now let’s get to the meat: How do you build this powerhouse? Drawing from both pro-level plays and grassroots experimentation, here’s the inside scoop:
- Core Items: Cosmic Drive, Void Staff, Horizon Focus, Riftmaker, and Rabadon’s Deathcap.
- Situational Items: Shadowflame, Zhonya’s Hourglass, Morellonomicon, and Mejai’s Soulstealer.
- Mythic Options: Riftmaker and Night Harvester are the top picks.
- Recommended Runes: The Domination tree with Dark Harvest, Sudden Impact, Eyeball Collection, and Ultimate Hunter. Pair this with the Sorcery tree’s Transcendence and Gathering Storm.
- Ability Order: Max Zac’s E (Elastic Slingshot) followed by W (Unstable Matter), then Q (Stretching Strikes). Of course, upgrade his R (Let’s Bounce!) whenever possible.
Why the Jungle?
It’s all about optimizing AP Zac’s damage potential. The jungle offers Zac numerous gank opportunities. With his E, the element of surprise is always on his side. By building him AP, his surprise Elastic Slingshots become devastating sneak attacks on unsuspecting lanes.
Digging Deeper: Why AP Over Tank?
For most of Zac’s history in the League, he’s been recognized as a tank – a champion who’s in the middle of the fray, causing disruption and setting up plays. So, why the sudden shift to AP?
The Element of Unpredictability
It’s a psychological game. In the early stages, the enemy team expects Zac to be tanky but not deal tons of damage. When the enemy mid-laner or ADC suddenly gets half their health taken out by a Zac gank, it’s a mental blow as much as a strategic one.
Changes in Game Meta
With evolving champion releases and item changes, the rift’s meta is always in flux. Some champions that were primarily AD are now also viable as AP or even as hybrids. Similarly, Zac’s AP potential has been unlocked thanks to some of these dynamic changes.
Finding Success with AP Zac
Like with all unconventional builds, it’s essential to understand when and how to use them. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Team Composition: If your team already has ample AP damage, then it might be wise to stick to the conventional tank build. Balance is key.
- Enemy Composition: If the enemy team has champions that can easily shut down burst mages, then it might be riskier to go full AP.
- Early Game: AP Zac shines in the early to mid-game when enemy champions have yet to build significant magic resist. Capitalize on this timeframe.
Community Reception
As with all things new and groundbreaking, there’s been a spectrum of reactions. Some players are elated, finding renewed interest in a champion they’d shelved. Others, especially those on the receiving end of a Zac surprise burst, might not be as thrilled. Nevertheless, AP Zac’s rise demonstrates the game’s strategic depth and the community’s ever-evolving understanding of the game.
Tips for AP Zac
Alright summoners, here’s the golden knowledge you won’t find elsewhere:
- Always check your enemy’s magic resistance. If they’re stacking it, that Void Staff becomes crucial.
- Timing is everything! AP Zac’s damage is all about burst. Engage when you know your combo will lead to a kill.
- Practice makes perfect. Mastering Zac’s E (Elastic Slingshot) is a must. It’s your primary engagement and surprise tool.
FAQs
Is AP Zac viable in other lanes apart from Jungle?
While AP Zac is primarily optimized for the Jungle, some players have experimented with him in mid. However, results can vary based on matchups.
What champions counter AP Zac?
Champions with hard crowd control or the ability to interrupt Zac’s E can pose a challenge.
Is the AP Zac trend just a fad?
Only time will tell, but given the strategic depth it brings, AP Zac might be here to stay.
How do I adapt if the enemy team starts building magic resistance against AP Zac?
Incorporate items like Void Staff and Morellonomicon into your build for magic penetration.
Do professional players use AP Zac in tournaments?
While primarily seen in solo queue, there have been instances of AP Zac showing up in professional games.
Conclusion
League of Legends is a game of strategy, innovation, and sometimes, delightful chaos. AP Zac embodies this spirit, turning the meta on its head and proving that even well-known champions can surprise us. So, next time you see Zac locking in, watch out – he might just burst your bubble!
