We’ve heard the complaints: League of Legends has been changing. Champions have changed roles. Items that defined champions back in 2009 may have new alternatives. Whatever the reason, we decided it was high time to make our recommended items a little more recommendable. Maybe you like playing your favorite champion a different way, and maybe the game will take you in completely different directions, but these items make for a good starting point. Players just joining League of Legends may not understand why Meki Pendants aren’t very good on Dr. Mundo, but following the recommended items will turn him into a tanky, damage-dealing beast! When detailing our new recommended items, we had a few main goals in mind:

1. Early regeneration
With a few exceptions, we started everyone out with some bonus health or mana regeneration. While experts may skimp or use specialized builds like an Elixir of Fortitude, a Sight Ward, and a potion or two, or maybe rush a Mana Crystal for Catalyst the Protector, those who are still learning the game don’t have the luxury of such in-depth item knowledge. For these players, you really can’t go wrong with a solid starting item such as a Doran’s Shield.

2. What’s the most common build?
Everyone has their favorite item builds. Some argue over the merits of “Tankplank” vs “Critplank.” Some rise above it all and simply play attack damage Annie (Annie has the worst DPS in the game). However, when looking at a champion in League of Legends, it’s usually pretty easy to see just what your champion was supposed to do, so we recommend items that fill those roles.

3. Help your team!
Where possible, I tried to include helpful aura items like Aegis of the Legion, Soul Shroud, Stark’s Fervor, and Innervating Locket. These items are all great in their own right, but you never know when those underrated team buffs are going to come in handy and win the game.

4. Complimentary items
Physical damage dealers make use of 3 main stats: Damage, attack speed, and critical chance. Efficiently building your champion via physical attacks requires investment in all of these categories. Similarly, mages use Ability Power as well as cooldown reduction, mana, and Magic Penetration. Tanks need to be prepared for all sorts of damage output, so the triumvirate of health, armor, and magic resist is included in their recommended items. Building a well-rounded character is invaluable on the road to success.

5. No snowball items
The recommended items are intended for new players. Everyone has their favorite builds once they grow accustomed to the game, but if you’re just starting out as Annie, you may not even know what Mejai’s Soulstealer is, let alone how to properly utilize it! Chances are you won’t be dominating the game, so you won’t fully capitalize on the snowball mechanic. Once players get comfortable with the game, it feels good to make that conscious choice to say, “I’m going to carry this game,” and invest in the future.

So if you don’t agree with our items: that’s fine! You’ve found your own path, and we wish you well! But DPS Annie is not a build we recommend, that’s all.