Maokai is too straightforward of a hero, it's like Alistar - anything he might start throwing at you you can predict it a mile away.
The good thing about Maokai is that he's a tank - we haven't seen a proper tank since the likes of Galio. Instead there have been a lot of offtanks such as Urgot, Trundle, Renekton, and partially Swain. Those heroes you would almost never want to build full tank on because you would be very useless.
Maokai is different in the way that he has two forms of CC, one of which can disrupt channels, the snare is a good initiation move, similar to Amumu's Bandage Toss. His ultimate is very supportive, and as long as allies are smart enough to stay in it, it can discourage enemy teams from continued siege.
Though he's predictable, I think his skills have nice synergy and he'll be a successful tanking hero.
The good thing about Maokai is that he's a tank - we haven't seen a proper tank since the likes of Galio. Instead there have been a lot of offtanks such as Urgot, Trundle, Renekton, and partially Swain. Those heroes you would almost never want to build full tank on because you would be very useless.
Maokai is different in the way that he has two forms of CC, one of which can disrupt channels, the snare is a good initiation move, similar to Amumu's Bandage Toss. His ultimate is very supportive, and as long as allies are smart enough to stay in it, it can discourage enemy teams from continued siege.
Though he's predictable, I think his skills have nice synergy and he'll be a successful tanking hero.
I think he should be built tanky support, as the guide said. If you're going tank, start with AoL and soul shroud, then build sunfire cape, BV/FoN, and frozen heart (for the CDR and mana). If it turns out he needs more mana than the aforementioned build supplies, get a rod of ages.
He definitely seems like a mana-heavy champion early game. I'm probably going to start with a Sapphire Crystal early game on him and take solo top lane.
Opinions on mana regen Glyphs, anyone? I'd almost always have the extra MR, but I'm not sure if it's worth it here to not get regen.
Opinions on mana regen Glyphs, anyone? I'd almost always have the extra MR, but I'm not sure if it's worth it here to not get regen.





^ This. Saph. Crystal 2 pots and mana reg seals, hell if you wanted you could get mana reg glyphs aswell. I've bought both and I'm in love with them. (Even after the nerf). I think a build similar to a Taric one would be the way to go.
My opinion on the champion though... well.. TBH he looks kinda boring. We'll see though..
My opinion on the champion though... well.. TBH he looks kinda boring. We'll see though..
Australians, the best gamers in the world combined with the worst ping.
So is he not worth getting? I have the RP to buy the double bundle, but I was dissatisfied with both caitlyn and karma so I think I'll wait until I hear that he's definitely a good champion before I buy.
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I really like the video guide this time. It does a great job at displaying what masteries, runes, items, and skilling order is good for Maokai. The only thing I disagree with is the use of Heal. Still, he looks like a great champion.
What are your thoughts on skilling order? A typical side-laner would probably max Twisted Advance first, for the snare, while an aggressive solo top champion would probably max Sapling Toss.
I'm worried for anyone that tries to make a guide on this champion, because it'll probably be pretty close to the champion spotlight xD