From runes to items, gameplay tips amd more, we've put together a guide to help you master playing Blitzcrank in the botlane in League of Legends.
Be mindful that there are several ways to build and play a champion, and you'll need to be adaptable as the game and the enemy team progress.
That said, this guide is a good starting point to helping you get to grips with the champion and making an impact in your games.
Runes
Core Items
Build
Both Locket of the Iron Solari and Zeke's Convergence are items that are ideal for tank supports, whose job is to support and buff their teammates in battle with item actives.
Other good items are Knight's Vow, another that will benefit your ADC, Frozen Heart, and Redemption.
Starting Item & Boots
Skill Order
While your choices may differ according to how the game progresses, the typical Blitzcrank skill priority is:
R > Q > W > E
Summoner Spells
These are the summoner spells most typically taken by Blitzcrank in this role. Naturally, this may change depending on match-ups.
Gameplay
Blitzcrank takes quite a long time to become effective, and is dependent on items. However, once he reaches his two-item spike and comes online, he's a devastating engage tool. Mobility Boots are a must, as he's very slow and with no escape tools, but your role is to juke about and try to land that all-important hook onto a carry.
- Level 1 - Take Q - Rocket Grab, so that you can aim to invade the enemy jungle and pull the buff over the wall.
- Level 2 - Take W - Overdrive, for a little extra mobility in angling for the hook.
- First Back - Pick up your Mobility Boots, so that you can juke backwards and forwards more quickly, as well as roam up to midlane if needed.
Tips & Tricks
- Vision is critical to Blitzcrank beiing effective. Once you have Bulwark of the Mountain, make sure you place wards whenever they're off cooldown.
- Blitzcrank is great at level 1 if you pick up Rocket Grab - you'll almost always want to try to contest the enemy buff and deny them that crucial early level 2.
- However, be mindful that Rocket Grab has a very long cooldown and mana cost at level 1. Don't throw it out unless a) you're sure of a hit, and b) your ADC is ready. Otherwise you'll be useless for long periods.
- Sometimes it's better to try and run down a fleeing enemy rather than attempt the Rocket Grab right away - they may have shields or Flash available. Use your Mobility Boots and Overdrive instead, and you'll see if you can bait the escape.
- Be mindful of your ultimate's passive - staying close to minions could disrupt your ADC's last-hit rhythm or even steal minions. Back off until it's time to try and engage. This also applies to warding Baron etc - your passive could hit the epic monster and cause trouble!
