League of Legends best Smolder build guide: Runes, Itemization, Strategy, and more

The best Smolder build paths in League of Legends 14.11 make him versatile enough to be flexed in both the Mid and Bot Lane. While he is a traditional ADC, his incredible scaling potential will let you build him as a tank and even boast an AP build when playing mid.

Smolder is one of the easier ADCs to pick up and master. His kit is rather straightforward and the only thing that you will need to practice with him is your positioning around teamfights.

The Fiery Fledgling is a late-game beast who can melt the enemy frontline once he has his stacks and some core items under his belt.

Contents

• Best Smolder ADC Build
• Best Smolder Tank Build
• Best Smolder AP Build
• Pros and Cons of playing Smolder in League of Legends Season 14
• Smolder Tips and Tricks for Early Game, Mid Game, and Late Game
• Smolder counters, matchups, Support synergy

League of Legends 14.11 Best Smolder build ADC (Crit)

Runes

Itemization

Spells

• Flash
• Heal/Ghost

Skill Unlock Priority

Q: Super Scorcher Breath	1			4	5		7		9
W: Achooo!		2						8		10		12	13
E: Fla, Flap, Flap			3											14	15		17	18
R: Mmooommm!						6					11					16

League of Legends 14.11 Best Smolder Tank build

Runes

Itemization

Spells

• Flash
• Heal/Ghost

Skill Unlock Priority

Q: Super Scorcher Breath	1			4	5		7		9
W: Achooo!		2						8		10		12	13
E: Fla, Flap, Flap			3											14	15		17	18
R: Mmooommm!						6					11					16

League of Legends 14.11 Best Smolder build AP (Mid Lane)

Runes

Itemization

Spells

• Flash
• Heal/Ghost

Skill Unlock Priority

Q: Super Scorcher Breath	1			4	5		7		9
W: Achooo!		2						8		10		12	13
E: Fla, Flap, Flap			3											14	15		17	18
R: Mmooommm!						6					11					16

Smolder Pros and Cons for League of Legends Season 14

Pros:

• Smolder is a hyper-carry and scales incredibly well into the Late Game in Riot’s MOBA. Once he has his stacks and items he will let you take over teamfights and melt the enemy frontline if he is allowed to free-fire.
• Smolder has a rather versatile item path. While you can build a traditional AD with him, he can be flexed to a more tanky as well as an AP build. Depending on the situation and the team composition he allows a fair bit of flexibility.
• The Fiery Fledgling is pretty easy to pick up. As he is a traditional ADC all you will need to do is to sit back, farm, and hit the enemy from behind your frontline. Execution is not going to be a problem with him.

Cons:

• Smolder is a bit weak during the laning phase. He is very dependent on getting his stacks, which is why you will often have to just concentrate on farming. As he is mid-ranged, he will get out-poked by picks like Caitlyn, Jinx, and Kalista. You might be forced to farm under the turret quite a bit.
• He is a bit too reliant on his support. As Smolder needs time to scale, having an aggressive all-in SP by your side is not going to let him have an easy time in lane. He shines when he is paired with an Enchanter who can buff him and keep him alive.
• To deal max DPS you will need to position well with Smolder. He can be collapsed on and killed because of how squishy he is. So if you don’t have an Enchanter to help you out, you will need to master your kiting skills.

How to play Smolder: Tips and Tricks for League of Legends Season 14

Early Game:

• Irrespective of the build you are going for, you will be pretty weak in the laning phase. So when the match starts just concentrate on farming and getting your Q stacks up. Don’t look to make plays as Smolder is squishy and will lose most 1v1s.
• Learning how to farm under the tower with him will let you have an easier time scaling into the late game. So if you are not snowballing early, be a bit passive and don’t push up the lane if you are not aware of the enemy jungle pathing.
• Just stay relevant in farm and XP. Look to make plays only when you get some core items under your belt.

Mid Game:

• Once you start hitting your item spikes, move to the Mid Lane if you are playing as an ADC. Use his Q to poke and harass, and help the jungler secure objectives. Smolder should be able to start dealing some good damage at this point.
• Make sure to keep farming even if you are looking to help your team. Getting your Q stacks as soon as possible is the number one priority. 
• Make sure you stick with the rest of your team during a skirmish. You do not want the enemy team to collapse on you.

Late Game:

• The Late Game is when Smolder starts to shine. Once you have most of your core items done and your Q stacked, the amount of burn damage Smolder will start doing will be incredible.
• His Q will let him spread his damage to the enemy backline even if he is hitting his ability onto the frontline. His Q also comes with execution damage, so don’t be afraid to chip down the enemy tank if they are standing right infront of their carries.

Smolder counters, matchups, and best Support synergy in League of Legends season 14

Counters:

• Caitlyn
• Leona
• Draven
• Lucian
• Miss Fortune
• Varus

Smolder does not do well against bot lane picks that are aggressive or out-poke him.

Favorable Match-ups:

• Aphelios
• Sivir
• Jhin
• Ezreal
• Tristana

Smolder has an easier time scaling into the late game against these ADCs.

Support synergy

• Lulu
• Yuumi
• Janna
• Milio
• Bard
• Karma

Smolder’s kit synergizes extremely well with Enchanter Supports.