Ryze, the Rune Mage, is one of League of Legends' most iconic and challenging champions. Known for his high skill ceiling and game-changing potential, he’s a favorite among dedicated players who love strategy, positioning, and late-game scaling. Let’s dive into a full guide to mastering Ryze:
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Ryze Guide: The Rune Mage
Role: Mid Lane (also viable in Top Lane)
Playstyle: AP Burst Mage with scaling and global mobility
Difficulty: High (requires practice with combos, positioning, and mana management)
1. Abilities Overview
Passive – Arcane Mastery
- Ryze's abilities scale with his maximum mana, giving him bonus AP based on his mana pool.
- This makes items that boost mana very effective for him, especially items like *Seraph's Embrace*.
Q – Overload
- Main Damage Source: Fires a skillshot dealing magic damage. If it hits, it refunds a portion of the cooldown.
- Combo Component: When cast after a W or E, Overload will empower and apply extra effects (such as AOE or shield).
W – Rune Prison
- Root/Slow: Targets an enemy with a root if they’re affected by E; otherwise, it just slows them.
- Utility: Helps Ryze kite and burst down targets or catch out enemies.
E – Spell Flux
- Spread Damage: Marks an enemy or minion, allowing other abilities to spread Spell Flux to nearby targets.
- Amplifies Burst: E + Q deals AoE damage, allowing for strong wave clear and poke. Spamming E is key to keeping pressure.
R – Realm Warp
- Global Mobility: Teleports Ryze and any nearby allies or minions to a target location after a short delay.
- Macro Power: Great for repositioning, split-pushing, or setting up fights. It’s a versatile tool but requires careful timing to use safely.
2. Combo Breakdown
Ryze’s combos are central to his effectiveness. The goal is to cycle through abilities for maximum DPS and effects:
- Basic Combo (Harass): `E -> Q`
- Use this for quick poke damage in the lane, easy to land.
- Burst Combo (Single Target): `E -> W -> Q`
- Applies root with `W` and lets `Q` deal increased damage; good for single-target lockdown.
- Full AoE Combo (Wave Clear): `E -> Q -> E -> Q`
- This spread combo can clear waves quickly and helps maximize AoE damage output.
- Extended Combo (Full Damage Burst): `E -> W -> E -> Q -> E -> Q`
- Used to maximize single-target burst potential by cycling through abilities multiple times.
Tip: Try to use Q after each W or E, as this will amplify the effect. Learning to weave in auto-attacks and manage your spell rotation efficiently will significantly increase your damage output.
3. Summoner Spells
- Flash: Essential for positioning, escaping, or engaging.
- Teleport: A strong option for map presence, allowing you to split-push or join fights.
- Ghost: Also viable, especially in matchups where mobility is key, or if you're looking to kite around enemies.
5. Core Build
Ryze relies on a unique mix of mana and AP items to reach his full potential. Here’s a common build path:
Starting Items
- Sapphire Crystal + Refillable Potion: A standard start, prioritizing early mana.
- Doran’s Ring + 2 Health Potions: For more survivability in tough matchups.
Core Items
1. Rod of Ages: Essential for Ryze’s mana, health, and AP scaling, helping with sustain and durability in fights.
2. Archangel’s Staff -> Seraph’s Embrace: Adds a significant mana boost and transforms to provide a shield, increasing your survivability and damage.
Example Full Build:
1. Rod of Ages
2. Seraph’s Embrace
3. Rabadon’s Deathcap
4. Void Staff
5. Zhonya’s Hourglass
6. Morellonomicon
6. Laning Phase
Ryze’s early game can be a bit weak, so prioritize farming safely and avoid taking unnecessary trades. Use `E -> Q` to poke enemies or clear minion waves. Manage your mana carefully and use your combos to last-hit under tower if necessary.
- Goal: Farm up, scale, and avoid getting poked out.
- Harass: Use E + Q to poke safely, focusing on CS and keeping mana reserves high for trades.
- Freeze and Push: Against melee champions, try to keep the wave close to your tower. Push only when you have lane priority.
7. Mid to Late Game
Ryze shines in the mid to late game when he has more items and cooldown reduction. Here’s what to focus on:
- Teamfighting: Position yourself in the backline, casting your combos to burst down key targets or control the area with AoE damage.
-Wave Control: Use your strong wave clear to pressure side lanes, and look for teleport flanks to help teammates.
- Realm Warp Usage**: Ryze’s ultimate can change the flow of a game. Use it to help teammates escape, start objectives, or join fights. Be cautious, though, as mistiming can leave you vulnerable.
Conclusion
Ryze is a powerhouse champion, especially in the hands of dedicated players. His skill ceiling is high, but if you put in the time to master his combos, manage your resources, and utilize his global presence, he can carry games with ease.
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Ryze Guide: The Rune Mage
Role: Mid Lane (also viable in Top Lane)
Playstyle: AP Burst Mage with scaling and global mobility
Difficulty: High (requires practice with combos, positioning, and mana management)
1. Abilities Overview
Passive – Arcane Mastery
- Ryze's abilities scale with his maximum mana, giving him bonus AP based on his mana pool.
- This makes items that boost mana very effective for him, especially items like *Seraph's Embrace*.
Q – Overload
- Main Damage Source: Fires a skillshot dealing magic damage. If it hits, it refunds a portion of the cooldown.
- Combo Component: When cast after a W or E, Overload will empower and apply extra effects (such as AOE or shield).
W – Rune Prison
- Root/Slow: Targets an enemy with a root if they’re affected by E; otherwise, it just slows them.
- Utility: Helps Ryze kite and burst down targets or catch out enemies.
E – Spell Flux
- Spread Damage: Marks an enemy or minion, allowing other abilities to spread Spell Flux to nearby targets.
- Amplifies Burst: E + Q deals AoE damage, allowing for strong wave clear and poke. Spamming E is key to keeping pressure.
R – Realm Warp
- Global Mobility: Teleports Ryze and any nearby allies or minions to a target location after a short delay.
- Macro Power: Great for repositioning, split-pushing, or setting up fights. It’s a versatile tool but requires careful timing to use safely.
2. Combo Breakdown
Ryze’s combos are central to his effectiveness. The goal is to cycle through abilities for maximum DPS and effects:
- Basic Combo (Harass): `E -> Q`
- Use this for quick poke damage in the lane, easy to land.
- Burst Combo (Single Target): `E -> W -> Q`
- Applies root with `W` and lets `Q` deal increased damage; good for single-target lockdown.
- Full AoE Combo (Wave Clear): `E -> Q -> E -> Q`
- This spread combo can clear waves quickly and helps maximize AoE damage output.
- Extended Combo (Full Damage Burst): `E -> W -> E -> Q -> E -> Q`
- Used to maximize single-target burst potential by cycling through abilities multiple times.
Tip: Try to use Q after each W or E, as this will amplify the effect. Learning to weave in auto-attacks and manage your spell rotation efficiently will significantly increase your damage output.
3. Summoner Spells
- Flash: Essential for positioning, escaping, or engaging.
- Teleport: A strong option for map presence, allowing you to split-push or join fights.
- Ghost: Also viable, especially in matchups where mobility is key, or if you're looking to kite around enemies.
5. Core Build
Ryze relies on a unique mix of mana and AP items to reach his full potential. Here’s a common build path:
Starting Items
- Sapphire Crystal + Refillable Potion: A standard start, prioritizing early mana.
- Doran’s Ring + 2 Health Potions: For more survivability in tough matchups.
Core Items
1. Rod of Ages: Essential for Ryze’s mana, health, and AP scaling, helping with sustain and durability in fights.
2. Archangel’s Staff -> Seraph’s Embrace: Adds a significant mana boost and transforms to provide a shield, increasing your survivability and damage.
Example Full Build:
1. Rod of Ages
2. Seraph’s Embrace
3. Rabadon’s Deathcap
4. Void Staff
5. Zhonya’s Hourglass
6. Morellonomicon
6. Laning Phase
Ryze’s early game can be a bit weak, so prioritize farming safely and avoid taking unnecessary trades. Use `E -> Q` to poke enemies or clear minion waves. Manage your mana carefully and use your combos to last-hit under tower if necessary.
- Goal: Farm up, scale, and avoid getting poked out.
- Harass: Use E + Q to poke safely, focusing on CS and keeping mana reserves high for trades.
- Freeze and Push: Against melee champions, try to keep the wave close to your tower. Push only when you have lane priority.
7. Mid to Late Game
Ryze shines in the mid to late game when he has more items and cooldown reduction. Here’s what to focus on:
- Teamfighting: Position yourself in the backline, casting your combos to burst down key targets or control the area with AoE damage.
-Wave Control: Use your strong wave clear to pressure side lanes, and look for teleport flanks to help teammates.
- Realm Warp Usage**: Ryze’s ultimate can change the flow of a game. Use it to help teammates escape, start objectives, or join fights. Be cautious, though, as mistiming can leave you vulnerable.
Conclusion
Ryze is a powerhouse champion, especially in the hands of dedicated players. His skill ceiling is high, but if you put in the time to master his combos, manage your resources, and utilize his global presence, he can carry games with ease.
