Season 44: Early Stages of Peak Matches - Mid Lane Replaced by Basic Mages, Six Ears Loses to Wukong: Mid Lane Section

The Elephantic Artifact has boosted the abilities of many heroes. Although it doesn't provide any bonus to magic power, cooldown reduction is one of the attributes that mages strive for, increasing the frequency of skill usage, especially ultimate abilities. The ultimate, a miniature meteor shower, deals area damage and provides a speed boost during its duration, allowing for positioning to avoid damage, escape, or chase. After casting, there's a ten-second downtime, which this item reduces to just a few seconds. In a team fight, two rounds of attacks are possible, resulting in a much higher survivability and damage output percentage than the Holy Grail. With the Elephantic Artifact installed, which hero should be removed?

Middle lane

In casual games, Xiao Qiao players often rely on the Bloodthirster for sustain. Some buy the Blazing Dominator, which generates a shield when low on health, and then combine it with a small Bloodthirster for a balance of sustain and survivability. Switching to the Elephantless Artifact with 5% lifesteal runes is the only drawback; health packs aren't long enough, and low health necessitates returning to base. Against healing compositions, trade-offs become necessary. Selling the Echoing Staff feels awkward with the new build; replacing the Sage's Tome with the Moonlit Staff is a common strategy. In high-level ranked matches, Xiao Qiao excels through her unique item builds.

The Elephantless Artifact maximizes Zhen Ji's abilities.

Another character who has become popular is Zhen Ji, a utility champion. Following the same principle, equipment provides cooldown reduction, but the so-called strength increase really depends on personal experience. Her water ball launch, ice pillar release, and ultimate water pool are frequently used in team fights, but her slow wave clear and lack of damage output are problems that remain unresolved. So, just play her as a utility champion. Why didn't Bian Que, who has transitioned to a utility role, make an appearance? His "Venom Scientist" and "Biological Weapon" abilities are too overpowered. At least Zhen Ji's control abilities can be used to initiate team fights, lure enemies into chasing, and even sacrifice herself when necessary. Her death has high value; sacrificing a mid-laner for three core heroes makes her highly adaptable to various team compositions. In the high-level ranked matches, which are primarily for solo queue, Zhen Ji's strength lies in her survivability.

In the early days of the peak season, in our understanding, the top choices should all be T0 mages, such as Chang'e, Haiyue, and Nuwa. They were once considered new mages, but in Season 44, they soared to become the most popular. The Rift is ever-changing, and it's hard to predict when there will be a major reshuffle. They fall from grace, and complicated ones are eliminated, while simple and easy-to-use ones are favored because of their equipment. Isn't that ironic?

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