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Fresh out of her ordeals inArcane, Mel Medarda is the latest champion to join the roster inLeague of Legends, arriving just a few months afterher mother, Ambessa. In game, Mel is a mage with plenty of damage, and a signature ability that allows her to deflect enemy projectiles right back at them.
She seems to be primarily designed for the Mid Lane, but with plenty of AOE damage and more projectiles to block in the duo lane, she will likely join the ever-growing list of magesin Bot Lane. There’s also room for her to be played as a mage Support, similarly to how Lux works. Thisguide on how to play Mel in Leaguewill cover her abilities, tips, and build preferences, although, of course, the latter of these are sure to change withLeague’snever-ending updates.
Mel’s Abilities & Tips In League Of Legends
Passive - Searing Brilliance
Mel’s Attacks and Abilities apply stacks ofOverwhelmeach time they deal damage, storing damage per stack of magic damage. When applied, if the stored amount exceeds the enemy’s combined shields and health, they areexecuted.
When an Ability is cast, Mel’snext Attack fires 3 extra projectiles, each dealing magic damage. This effect canstack up to 9 projectiles.
Q - Radiant Volley
Mel unleashes a barrage of6 projectilesthat explode in the area around a target location.
Each explosion deals magic damage,
W - Rebuttal
Mel forms a barrier around herself thatreflects projectilesfrom enemy champions,prevents her from taking damage, and gives her 30% decaying Move Speed for 1 second.
Reflected projectiles deal a percentage of the original damage.
E - Solar Snare
Mel fires a radiating orb, Rooting enemies at its center for 1.75 seconds and dealing magic damage.
The orb builds up a hostile area around it that Slows enemies by 30% and deals magic damage per second.
R - Golden Eclipse
Passive:Overwhelmdamage is increased.
Active: Mel unleashes her power on all enemies affected byOverwhelm, dealing magic damage plus extra damage perOverwhelmstack.
Mel’s Build In League Of Legends
Mel Ability Max Order
As Mel’s primary purpose is to deal damage, she wants tomax her Q first, as it deals the most. It also can have a low cooldown, allowing Mel to proc her passive attacks more often.
There is anargument to max W second before E, but only if players want the defensive value, mainly provided by a significantly lower cooldown.Max E second for max damage.
Naturally, put points into her ult whenever possible at levels 6, 11, and 16.
Mel Runes
Like many mages, Mel works great withArcane Cometand the accompanying Sorcery runes. It can even proc upon reflecting a projectile.
For minor runes, anything that helps her with Mana, lowers her cooldowns, or grants her more damage is generally good.
She could also useElectrocute,Summon Aery,Phase Rush, andFirst Strikeas alternative Keystones. One to miss out on is Dark Harvest as her passive will likely kill enemies before the rune.
Boots For Mel
As with other mages, Mel has a few choices when it comes to Boots. Ideally, she would getSorcerer’s Shoesfor more damage orLucidity Bootsfor lower cooldowns.
In some games, however, she might benefit from the defensive option,Mercery’s TreadsorPlated Steelcapsagainst heavy Magic Damage or Attack Damage respectively.
Core Items For Mel
Mel naturally wants AP most of all, but also needs Mana due to some high costs. Other stats on her wishlist are Ability Haste, Health, and Penetration, either flat or percentage.
