Jousting, a term coined by Last Shadow (LS), a renowned League of Legends analyst, player, and coach, brings a fresh perspective to analyzing champion interactions and engagements in the game. While not widely adopted, the concept of jousting offers valuable insights when comparing champions, particularly in their ability to deliver damage in one-on-one situations.
Jousting in League of Legends draws inspiration from the medieval practice where two knights would charge at each other with lances, aiming to unseat their opponent. In the game, jousting refers to the ability of a champion to quickly and safely dish out damage in a 1v1 scenario. The champion who can efficiently deliver damage while minimizing their vulnerability to retaliation is often the victor in these engagements.
To understand jousting, it's crucial to look at how certain champions can execute their abilities to maximize damage output while avoiding counterattacks. The key elements of a good jouster include:
Fizz is a prime example of a jousting champion. His Playful/Trickster (E) ability allows him to become untargetable, dodging incoming damage while positioning himself for a counterattack. This is followed by his combo of Urchin Strike (Q) and Seastone Trident (W) to deal significant damage. When combined with his ultimate, Chum the Waters (R), Fizz can bring an enemy from 70% HP to 0 in a matter of seconds, leaving no window for the opponent to retaliate.
Riven excels in close-quarters combat with her mobility and burst potential. Her Broken Wings (Q) provides three dashes, with the third one knocking up enemies. Combining this with Flash, Ki Burst (W), and her ultimate, Blade of the Exile (R), she can quickly close the gap and deliver a lethal combo. This rapid engagement and burst damage make her a formidable jouster.
Zed epitomizes the concept of jousting with his ability to engage and disengage swiftly. His Living Shadow (W) allows him to position his shadow for precise attacks, while Death Mark (R) enables him to blink to his target, dealing massive damage and then returning to safety. This high mobility, combined with his burst potential, makes Zed an exceptional jouster, capable of dealing ungodly amounts of damage before his opponent can react.
Understanding jousting can significantly impact how players approach 1v1 situations and team fights. Champions who excel at jousting can be pivotal in skirmishes and duels, often turning the tide of battle with their ability to eliminate key targets quickly. For players, mastering a jousting champion involves perfecting their combos, timing their engagements, and learning to anticipate and dodge enemy abilities.
Jousting, as defined by Last Shadow, provides a unique framework for evaluating champion capabilities in League of Legends. By focusing on the ability to quickly and safely deal damage, players can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of different champions in 1v1 scenarios. Champions like Fizz, Riven, and Zed exemplify the qualities of effective jousters, showcasing the importance of burst damage, mobility, and crowd control in dominating their opponents. As players continue to refine their skills and strategies, the concept of jousting remains a valuable tool in the ever-evolving landscape of League of Legends.
