Braum Build Guide by Mr Jonagold

I. Introduction

--- NOTE THAT THIS GUIDE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION ---

Hello guys, I am constantly trying to work on this guide and make it more in-depth. I'm trying to play as much as possible Braum to see which playstyles, tactics and items are best for him. I first focused on the cheat sheet and on the abilities so you guys have a rough idea of what to buy and upgrade first.

Feedback is very welcome since Braum is also new to me.

Thanks!

II. Pros / Cons

Pros:

• Extremely tanky
• Good escaping/gap closing with Winter's Bite
• Good early-game harass with Winter's Bite
• Real team-defender with Unbreakable
• Great CC with Winter's Bite and Glacial Fissure

Cons:

• Takes some practice to land Winter's Bite
• Really low damage output late-game
• Once pointed in the wrong direction Unbreakable becomes useless

I will add more as soon as I find more pros/cons when playing Braum.

III. Abilities

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Passive - Concussive Blows

Braum’s basic attacks and Winter's Bite apply stacks of Concussive Blows for ~5 seconds. Once Braum applied the first stack (with a basic attack or with Winter's Bite), the basic attacks of any allied champion will generate Concussive Blows stacks.

Upon reaching 4 stacks, the target is stunned for a shot duration and takes 60 + (10 × level) magic damage. After being stunned, and enemy cannot be affected by Concussive Blows again for 8 seconds, during which time they instead take 12 + (2 × level) bonus magic damage from Braum’s basic attacks and Winter's Bite.

A pretty good passive in my opinion. The only thing that will need some practice with this passive is applying the first stack. This is because Braum’s Q, Winter's Bite, is not only a skillshot, but also hits the first enemy it comes across. That means it will also strike minions. It will take quite some practice to land it on an enemy champion. And to reach 4 stacks you will have to rely on your ADC, since Braum is a melee champion, which makes it dangerous for him to stack Concussive Blows with his basic attacks.

How do you notice the stacks?
The Concussive Blows icon will show up under your target. For every stack applied, one of the four parts will change in colour from dark-blue into light-blue. Once every part is light-blue, the target will be stunned.
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Q - Winter's Bite

Once activated, Braum propels ice from his shield that travels forward in line, dealing magic damage to the first enemy hit (80/125/170/215/260 + 2,5% of Braum’s max. health), applying Concussive Blows and slowing them by 70% over 2 seconds.

Great early-game poking skill. Goes very well with Braum’s passive, because it applies Concussive Blows stacks and will do 12 + (2 × level) bonus magic damage for 8 seconds after the stun. Also great for catching up with the enemies or escaping, thanks to the 70% slow that will last 2 seconds.

Does Winter's Bite hit enemy minions?
Yes, it does. It will take some practice to land your Q on an enemy champion.
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W - Stand Behind Me

Braum leaps to the aid of a nearby ally, positioning himself between his target and the enemy champion closest to them. On arrival, Braum and the ally both gain bonus armor and magic resist for 3 seconds.

Bonus Armor: 20 / 22.5 / 25 / 27.5 / 30 (+ 14 / 15.5 / 17 / 18.5 / 20% bonus armor)
Bonus MR: 20 / 22.5 / 25 / 27.5 / 30 (+ 14 / 15.5 / 17 / 18.5 / 20% bonus MR)

Works really well with your E, Unbreakable. Jump inbetween your ally and your enemy and put up the shield. You and your ally will take much reduced damage. Also works really well with Caitlyn's 90 Caliber Net. If your timing is right, you can jump towards her while she fires herself back. This will bring you both in a safe distance from your enemies. Might take some practice though.

What creatures/object can I use Stand Behind Me on?
On allied champions, allied minions and yourself.

Does it cross obstacles/walls?
Yes it does.

Where will I land after the jump?
Between your ally and your closest enemy.
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E - Unbreakable

Braum raises his shield, creating a barrier in the target direction that reduces the damage from all oncoming sources (excluding towers) for the next few seconds. The damage reduction is increased to 100% for the first source of champion damage to pass through the barrier. While his shield is raised, Braum also gains the ability to intercept oncoming projectiles that are capable of hitting friendly champions (excluding tower attacks) and gains 10% movement speed.

Duration: 3 / 3.25 / 3.5 / 3.75 / 4
Damage reduction: 30 / 32.5 / 35 / 37.5 / 40%

Can I move when the shield is raised?
Yes you can. Braum also gains 10% movement speed while the shield is raised.

What direction will the shield be pointed at when I move?
It will stay pointed at the direction that you've casted it at.
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R - Glacial Fissure

Braum slams his shield into the ground, dealing magic damage to all enemies in a line as well as those in an X-radius area around him. The first champion hit is knocked up for 1.5 seconds; subsequent enemies are knocked up for 0.25 seconds.
For the next 4 seconds a field of ice remains, slowing enemies that enter the area by 60% for 1.5 seconds.

Magic Damage: 150 / 250 / 350 (+ 60% AP).
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I think maxing Unbreakable first speaks for itself. This is your main support ability. It will take more damage as you upgrade it, which will help your ADC survive enemy attacks easier.


I like maxing Winter's Bite second, even though some of you might prefer maxing Stand Behind Me first to increase bonus armor and magic resist. But I feel that maxing your Winter's Bite is better because of the low cooldown when maxed out for chasing/escaping enemies.
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IV. Tips & Tricks

The video above shows some great ability combo's (minute 4:58).
I will summarize these combinations below so you don't have to go skip through the video again if you want to find a specific combo.

Blocking for an ally:
W --> E
Determine from which direction the most damage/CC is coming from. Then leap towards your ally with Stand Behind Me and put up Unbreakable in the direction the damage/CC is coming from to disrupt the attack. This is your basic defensive pattern and requires some good timing

Assisting your ally in a chase:
W --> Q
By choosing your ally closest to your enemy you can often put yourself in range to slow them with Winter's Bite.

Engaging in teamfights:
W --> R --> E
Jump toward your allies to get to the center of action. Knock up the enemy champions with your ultimate Glacial Fissure. Then put up Unbreakable to block incoming damage.

V. Items

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VI. Runes

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VII. Masteries

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