New shroud is a far better design than current one. Current one was completelely broken against certain things (like anything point-targeted), and almost a liablity against others (like Garen or Lee Sin). Now it's actually good against all the things it used to be bad against, but has the duration toned down, and the slow and blink removed.
But new Akali is way less mobile than current one. Her new ult has a 2 minute (!!) cooldown. Outside of it her only engage is to hit her E, which works like a Lee Sin Q but has a much shorter range.
She looks like she could be a reliable toplaner. Finally her kit looks suited for split pushing, with several escape tools and massive towerdive potential.
But new Akali is way less mobile than current one. Her new ult has a 2 minute (!!) cooldown. Outside of it her only engage is to hit her E, which works like a Lee Sin Q but has a much shorter range.
She looks like she could be a reliable toplaner. Finally her kit looks suited for split pushing, with several escape tools and massive towerdive potential.
I am so happy with this rework!
It has been a long time since anything has got me pumped like this!
I like how Akali will have a higher skill cap now, and much more outplay potential.
Yes, she loses some form of mobility, but she makes up for that in other aspects now.
This isn't something I usually say after a rework, but: Good job Riot! ^^
Let the theory crafting begin! ^^
For those of you that don't know what to make of it, I suggest you take a look
at Professor Akali's video.
It has been a long time since anything has got me pumped like this!
I like how Akali will have a higher skill cap now, and much more outplay potential.
Yes, she loses some form of mobility, but she makes up for that in other aspects now.
This isn't something I usually say after a rework, but: Good job Riot! ^^
Let the theory crafting begin! ^^
For those of you that don't know what to make of it, I suggest you take a look
at Professor Akali's video.
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When Akali walked away from the Kinkou Order, she defined her fighting style beyond Shen's teachings. No longer one to cut enemies down in a burst of up-close kama flourishes, Ionia's Rogue Assassin employs hit-and-run tactics: constantly shifting position as she strikes, steps back into stealth, then strikes again.
Passive: Assassin's Mark
Damaging a champion with an ability creates a ring around them. When the ring forms, Akali gains a burst of movement speed towards it. Once she crosses the ring, Akali gains another burst of movement speed towards the enemy.
Crossing the ring also empowers her kama, which increases the range and damage of her next attack. This attack also restores a small amount of energy.
Q: Five Point Strike
Akali throws five kunai in a narrow arc, damaging enemies directly in front of her and slowing those at maximum range.
If cast with nearly full energy, Akali heals for a percentage of the damage.
At rank 5, Five Point Strike deals extra damage to minions and monsters.
W: Twilight Shroud
Akali restores energy and creates cloud of smoke, which slowly spreads to cover a ring-shaped area. While in the smoke, Akali is obscured and has increased movement speed.
While obscured, Akali is stealthed and though her position can be revealed, Akali herself can't be—meaning she can't be targeted by abilities or attacks, including by turrets.
Akali can leave the smoke a few times to extend the duration of Twilight Shroud by a small amount.
E: Shuriken Flip
Akali backflips and throws a shuriken forward, damaging and marking the first enemy hit. The shuriken can also hit and mark the smoke from Twilight Shroud.
Akali can reactivate Shuriken Flip to dash to the marked target, damaging enemies she passes through.
R: Perfect Execution
Akali dashes up to two times, with a slight delay between. The first dash deals physical damage and briefly stuns, while the second dash deals magic damage based on the missing health of the enemy.
Playing As Akali
Akali is an adept assassin who fights while on the move, adding new layers of complexity to her playstyle. The secret to Akali’s technique lies in the ring created by Assassin’s Mark: constantly crossing in and out will keep your kama swinging and your damage deadly. Shuriken Flip and Perfect Execution tag your target with the Mark as you dash forward or backward, activating your empowered kama. When you recast the ability and dart back in, combine the passive hit with your Five Point Strike for a lethal burst attack.
Akali has a more extended execution than other assassins—Twilight Shroud helps you reposition and avoid retaliation at the same time. More advanced acolytes will use it in combination with Akali’s other abilities to set up, cross into, and slip back out of the ring. Even if you run out of energy and enemies attempt to punish your overconfidence, clever use of Twilight Shroud will keep them grasping at shadows.
Tips And Tricks
When it comes to Five Point Strike, Akali has options: conserve it for when she’s at high energy to continually sustain in lane; use the low-cooldown ability two times in quick succession to maximize damage at the cost of all her energy; or weave them with her passive to double up on empowered kama hits.
Similarly, Shuriken Flip doesn’t always need to be used for mobility and Perfect Execution isn’t just for assassinating. Try a point blank Flip for some fast damage or dash well past your target and prep for an empowered kama with Perfect Execution.
The delay between Perfect Execution dashes gives you time to unleash a flurry of strikes, but can also leave you vulnerable to a counterattack. If you just need the execute, consider using the first dash early—you’ll sacrifice the stun, but your next movement will likely be their last.
Champion Trailer
Check out the champion trailer for the new Akali update below!