Hello, and thanks for reading my first MOBAFire build.
This guide will show you how I play as Maokai. As long as you know how to tank, this build will work wonders for you.
If you find your team struggling, tell your teammates to stop talking, follow you, and never to fall back.


However, I've only found one fault with it. Maybe it's my play style, maybe it's the build, but
It's easy to hijack every kill ever

Pros:
Extremely difficult to kill
Decent health
Guardian Angel and Banshee's Veil
High enough mobility to catch targets

Cons:
No Thornmail
Easy to steal kills
Burns through mana in early game

With that out of the way, let's get started.

I've gotten a lot of flak for taking these spells. Many times I've been berated for it, but complimented by the very same people, as I saved them with either Fort, or a well timed Tele

Upgraded Fortify is absolutely amazing. If they clump up and try to tower dive, snare someone and activate Fort. Insta-kill.

Teleport is a great spell for any champion, and I've had a hard time finding other spells that work as well as Teleport does for Maokai.
It could be argued that Heal would work, (Save allies) and the same with Exhaust (Disable their AD carry).
It all boils down to the play style

I've been told my masteries are weird, but I've found great success with them. Take the 3 points into armor and 1 resist.
Then, take the full dodge and evasiveness. This can give you a nice boost of speed if you happen to dodge an attack, helping catch someone that uses Ghost.
Forgo Defensive Mastery, and in its place, take Hardened Skin.
After that, get Ardor and Upgraded Fort.
Then, Tenacity.

Head over to the Utility for Upgraded Tele. Get that HP and Mana regen, along with the extra gold.

Standard runes (Or rather, what I consider standard)

It doesn't really matter what runes you get. I've found the runes don't effect Maokai very much, aside from early game.

Take any liberty with the runes you want to, but keep them tank-y.

I'll admit it, I get my items at weird times, and my build never stays the same for each game.

This is my general build, and is usually what I end up getting by the end of it.
However, if you're playing an AD heavy team that has limited CC, take off the Mercury Treads in place for Ninja Tabi.

I take the Dorans Ring to start with. Usually, you've got good enough armor and MR to go without the Shield. Plus, the Ring gives extra AP and Mana Regen. However, if you like getting Dorans Shield, go for it.

Get your upgraded boots, then a Catalyst the Protector. This will give you enough HP to take a few hits, and should be enough for HP items for the time being. Get the Glacial Shroud for the MP, Armor and passive. With this skill set, you'll be burning through mana like nobody's business.

Get the Guardian Angel next. I can't stress enough how important this item is for tanks. It assures that if your team needs an Oracle's Elixir, that the holder of it stays alive (Being you) for much longer. Plus, it gives nice armor, MR and that AMAZING passive.

Banshee's Veil for the MR, HP, MP and passive. Finish the Frozen Heart for the passive and increased armor and mana. Go for a Force of Nature.

SELL THE DORANS RING
Then get an Abyssal Scepter for MR, the aura and some AP



THIS BUILD MAY VARY
BE A SMART TANK
DON'T STACK AS MUCH MR AGAINST AN AD HEAVY TEAM
DON'T STACK AS MUCH ARMOR AGAINST AN AP HEAVY TEAM

Seeing as how this is my first guide, I'd love some feedback.
How did it work for you guys?
How can I improve it?
How can I improve future guides?
Did I miss anything?

Thanks for reading
Good luck, have fun
Enjoy your day