The Legends of Runeterra open beta is already making a splash: as soon as it's opened, as soon as it's taken by storm. While it's still too early to draw up a real third list of the most powerful decks, as the meta is still fluctuating, we can nevertheless provide you with a few decklists to enhance your gaming experience.
Using the codes of the previous GCCs, Legends of Runeterra does not really innovate with the keyword "Elusive", allowing the champion or the adept wearing it to be blocked only by a unit that also has "Elusive".
If you're an aficionado of Magic Arena or Hearthstone, you may have already sniffed out what we're getting at. In the lineage of Zoolock, Face Hunter, or Red Decks, such a keyword invites only one thing: assault.
In other words... everything in the face.
All the decks mentioned in the rest of this article play mainly cards of the Ionia faction, mixed with those of Freljord, Demacia or Noxus.
Decklists
- Legends of Runeterra has its own deckbuilder, so you can import a deck directly using its code. To do this, nothing could be simpler: copy, paste, import!
Code: CEBAKAIBAMDQSFRJA4AQEAQGBENCYMJZAIAQCAJEAEAQEKAA
Factions: Ionia + Freljord
Champions: Zed, Braum
Code: CEBAKAIAAMFR2HZJAYAQEBQ2FAWDCOICAEAQAEIBAEBCKAQBAEABEAQBAITDI
Factions: Ionia + Demacia
Champions: None
Code: CEBAIAIDAQHRSGYIAEBAMCIRDIUCYMJZAEAQCAQ6AIAQCAQOAEAQGKQ
Factions: Ionia + Demacia
Champions: Katarina, Zed
Gameplay
Far from corresponding to the image we have of this kind of decks, these three lists will force you to make simple yet crucial decisions. You will have to choose between rushing Nexus life points or taking trades when necessary. On paper, the "Elusive" decks offer you easy victories, but like all good aggro decks, they lose power as the game progresses and as the threats developed by your opponent grow.
No matter which version of the deck you play, your game plan remains the same: abuse your followers who possess the keyword "Elusive" to inflict maximum damage to your opponent.
The true strength of the Ionia faction lies in its ability to "Recall" followers or champions into your hand, whether to re-trigger their summoning effect or to save them from certain death.
In this respect, note that it is possible to "Recall" a unit in the middle of a blocking phase: the damage will be blocked, you will not take any damage, and your unit will come back safe and sound in your hand. Use this mechanism wisely to counter your opponent's attacks without sacrificing your board.
The core of your deck rests on Shadow Assassin, Navori Conspirator, Gringlade Duo, and Kinkou Lifeblade. Each of the variants of this deck offers a different set of tools, allowing you to either buffer these followers or protect them.
- The Freljord version allows you to boost your followers in your hand or in your deck, thanks to cards like Omen Hawk, or Avarosan Hearthguard. You'll have to juggle cleverly with the Recall mechanism to inflate the stats of your followers. Don't hesitate to abuse Braum or Zed to threaten or thwart your opponent while your followers inflict damage.
- The Demacia version offers a slightly more control-oriented variant, using the Challenger mechanic to clear the way. By combining Lawrence Bladekeeper with Navori Conspirator, you'll be able to consistently buffer your elusive followers. The decklist also offers a range of Instant or Burst spells allowing you to play very interesting counter-plays during the combat phases. They will serve above all to protect your board.
- It's quite the opposite with the Noxus version: the spells it offers will be there to temporarily increase the damage of your followers. Opportunistic, this version seeks above all to take advantage of your opponent's weak turns. The presence of Culling Strike in the decklist will also allow you to gain an advantage on the board during the early game. Of the three versions of this deck, this variant is undoubtedly the one that will spread out the most on the board.
What do you think of this guide? Was it informative? If it was helpful, or if you have any questions, please let us know in the comments section!
In a few hours, Legends of Runeterra will be back for an open beta. Card changes, economy update — everything you need to know to get ready for the grand opening is in this dedicated article!
