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The jungle just got a whole lot more complicated in the lol season 15 changes. Forget everything you knew about early Baron rushes; Season 15 introduces Atakhan, a brand-new epic monster that shakes up objective priorities. Understanding Atakhan and its variants is now crucial for securing mid-game advantages.
At a glance:
- Learn how Atakhan’s unique forms influence team strategies
- Understand the timing changes for Rift Herald and Baron Nashor
- Discover how to leverage the new "Feats of Strength" system for early advantages
- Quickly adapt by understanding how "Swift Play" mode speeds up game progression
The New Boss in Town: Understanding Atakhan
Atakhan marks a significant shift in early objective control. Gone are the days of predictable Baron spawns at 20 minutes. Atakhan arrives first, appearing at 20 minutes, pushing Baron's arrival back to the 25-minute mark. This change creates a crucial window for teams to capitalize on Atakhan's unique buffs before Baron becomes a factor. The kind of Atakhan that spawns also depends on the state of the game.
Two Forms, Two Strategies: Ruinous and Voracious Atakhan
Atakhan isn't just a monster; it's two different monsters depending on the game's kill score: Ruinous Atakhan and Voracious Atakhan. This adds a layer of strategic depth, forcing teams to adapt their plans based on the specific buff offered.
- Ruinous Atakhan: This version appears in high-kill games, favoring aggressive teams already ahead. It amplifies the effects of other epic monsters, making dragons even more potent. It also drops Blood Roses, offering temporary combat stats. This Atakhan is all about snowballing an existing lead.
- Voracious Atakhan: This version spawns in low-kill games, providing a comeback mechanic for struggling teams. It grants a team-wide resurrection buff, allowing one champion on each team to revive after death. It also increases gold gained from takedowns. This Atakhan is designed to even the playing field and create opportunities for upsets.
Example: Imagine your team is down 5 kills at 20 minutes. If Voracious Atakhan spawns, focus on securing it. The team-wide resurrection provides a fighting chance in team fights and helps swing momentum when you get the gold from takedowns.
Atakhan vs. Baron: A New Objective Hierarchy
With Baron Nashor's spawn delayed, Atakhan becomes the primary mid-game objective. Consider these strategic implications:
- Early Objective Focus: Securing Atakhan gives your team power spike before Baron even spawns.
- Decision Making: Is it better to secure Atakhan and pressure objectives, or stall for Baron? The answer depends on which version of Atakhan spawns. If it is Ruinous Atakhan you can use it to solidify a lead, but if it is Voracious you want to create opportunities to take objectives and get gold.
- Jungle Tracking: Keep a close eye on the enemy jungler's pathing, especially around the 18-22 minute mark. Knowing their likely route helps you anticipate their Atakhan attempt.
Timing is Everything: Rift Herald and Baron Nashor Adjustments
The arrival of Atakhan isn't the only timer adjustment. Riot has tweaked the spawn times of other key objectives as well. Knowing these changes is critical for planning your jungle rotations and lane assignments.
- Rift Herald: Now spawns at 16 minutes (delayed from 14). This gives laners more time to establish lane dominance before the first Herald becomes a factor.
- Baron Nashor: Now spawns at 25 minutes (delayed from 20). This delay adds more weight to securing objectives before Baron time.
Impact: The delay in Baron's spawn creates a larger window for teams to exploit Atakhan's buffs. Teams have more time to push their advantage or attempt a comeback before Baron becomes a dominant force.
Feats of Strength: Rewarding Early Game Domination
Season 15 introduces "Feats of Strength," a system designed to reward teams for early game accomplishments. Securing first blood, the first turret, or being the first to claim three epic monsters now provides team-wide benefits through "Blessing of Noxus," further incentivizing aggressive early play. Learn about Season 15 and how the Feats of Strength system affects your play.
Blessing of Noxus:
- Tier-2 Boots: Grants early mobility to pressure lanes and objectives.
- Tier-3 Boots: Unlocks after completing two legendary items, accelerating your power spikes.
Practical Application: Prioritize securing early objectives to gain the Blessing of Noxus. Coordinate with your jungler to secure early dragons and Rift Herald, capitalizing on these advantages to snowball your lead.
Swift Play: Speeding Up the Game (and the Clock)
Swift Play replaces Quick Play and drastically alters the pace of the game. Expect shorter matches with increased gold and experience gains, faster turret plate drops, earlier Baron spawns (relative to game time), and reduced dragon requirements for soul.
Key Differences:
- Faster Gold/XP: Allows for quicker item acquisition and power spikes.
- Earlier Plates: Incentivizes early lane aggression and roaming.
- Faster Baron/Dragons: Forces earlier objective contests.
Implication: Swift Play emphasizes early game aggression and objective control. Adapt your champion picks and playstyle to capitalize on these changes.
Practical Atakhan Playbook: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to incorporate Atakhan into your game strategy:
- Assess Game State (18-20 minutes): Is your team ahead or behind? Are kills abundant or scarce?
- Anticipate Atakhan: Based on the game state, predict which Atakhan will spawn (Ruinous or Voracious).
- Prioritize Objective Control: If ahead, prepare to secure Ruinous Atakhan and further your lead. If behind, prioritize vision control around Atakhan pit to contest Voracious Atakhan.
- Adapt Team Composition: Consider picking champions who excel at securing objectives or contesting vision around Atakhan pit. Champions like Lee Sin, Elise, and Nidalee are great options.
- Communicate with Your Team: Coordinate your strategy with your team. Decide whether to prioritize Atakhan, stall for Baron, or pressure other objectives.
Example: The enemy team has a significant gold lead and is pushing your base. Voracious Atakhan spawns. Your team’s best bet is to rally, secure it, and use the resurrection buff to defend your base and turn the tides.
Quick Answers to Common Atakhan Questions
Q: What if neither team has a significant kill lead? Which Atakhan spawns?
A: It's generally weighted toward Voracious Atakhan in slightly behind scenarios. Generally, Riot aims for Voracious Atakhan when there isn't heavy snowballing.
Q: Is Atakhan harder to kill than Baron?
A: No, Atakhan is generally easier to kill, which makes it accessible earlier in the game. This is balanced by its less directly impactful buffs compared to Baron.
Q: Should I always prioritize Atakhan over Dragons?
A: Not necessarily. Dragons still provide valuable stats and contribute to Dragon Soul. Evaluate the specific dragon buffs, your team composition, and the game state to make the best decision.
Q: How does Unleashed Teleport affect securing Atakhan?
A: Unleashed Teleport (available after 14 minutes) provides faster flanks and rotations, enabling your team to arrive at Atakhan pit quicker. Use it to surprise the enemy team or provide backup during a contest.
Take Action Now: Your Path to Mastering Atakhan
The introduction of Atakhan and the other lol season 15 changes demand a strategic shift in your approach to League of Legends. By understanding the nuances of Atakhan's forms, adapting to the timing changes, and leveraging the new "Feats of Strength" system, you can gain a competitive edge and climb the ranks. Experiment with different strategies, communicate with your team, and continuously refine your approach to mastering Atakhan.