This is the way I like to play Shen. Please note that this isn't a full guide. I don't like to be redundant when there are plenty of other great guides out there that cover the rest of what you need to know. So I won't be explaining the skills or the summoner spells or the rune build. I primarily do this because when I browse through these I only really care for the item setup and maybe glance at the rest.

With that said, I'll explain my item setup.

I like to start with the Regrowth Pendant and a health pot. I don't like Doran's Shield because it just simply doesn't give enough HP regen for me. The way I like to play with Shen has me eating at the enemy's mana (which means I need to take hits), Doran's just doesn't heal quickly enough for me to do that. Plus the Regrowth Pendant builds into the FoN, so win/win.

We all know boots are situational, but these are always a good choice. If you go with the dodge runes, the Ninja Tabi's might be a better option for you depending on the other team's match-up.

You may be wondering about several things. I expect that the biggest question is why Rylai's? This is because with it alone you'll gain 50 to your W, 80 to your ult, more dmg/healing from your Q and cause your Q to also slow. I'd say that's worth it considering you're also getting HP out of it.

I know the Banshee isn't helping with the mana department but it's the only item in the game that gives HP and (viable amounts of) MR (plus an awesome bubble), so it's in.

You may be wondering why I don't have an Aegis of the Legion. I don't like this item either. It gives too little of everything to be worth the item slot. Sure it shares the buff with your team, but you're not a support, you're a tank.

Now that the key points are out of the way. I prefer to build a balanced setup as I progress in terms of HP/Armor/MR. I only sidestep that a little for the thornmail as I feel it's a very powerful item for Shen.

Ultimately if you make it to endgame you'll find you have a bit more armor then MR. This is mainly because the GA gives a lot more armor than MR, but the passive is too good to pass up as a final item for Shen.

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