Mage Item Analysis: Torch VS Luden, Malignance VS Imperial Mandate from 두두두리T

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATFr3NigkzM

In Howling Abyss, the most efficient item for AP mages is the Torch, which provides continuous damage and ability power increase, and is better than Luden or Malignance

The reason Torch is better: 1. In Howling Abyss, constant battles occur, making it easy to utilize the Torch's ability power increase effect when hit. 2. The Torch's 3-second continuous damage keeps dealing damage without interruption, providing consistent damage along with ability power increase.

Luden is good for one-shot damage, but... it has the following problems. Luden's problems: 1. Luden has a 12-second cooldown, making it difficult to deal continuous damage in constant battles. 2. The damage dealt to a single target is low at 75 + 5% AP, and it's also difficult to hit all enemies, as champions and minions are mixed together.

However, for champions like LeBlanc, Zoe, and Nidalee, who quickly engage and disengage, Luden can be considered an exception. But for general AP mages who deal continuous damage, it is not recommended.

And the reason Malignance is a bad item: 1. Malignance provides 20 ultimate haste, but only 15 ability haste. 2. Champions with long ultimate cooldowns are not good, right? -> Even Malphite's 1-level 130-second cooldown has a minimal effect 3. The additional damage from Malignance is only about 100 when AP is 1000, and it's difficult to deal continuous damage because enemies can quickly move out of the area of effect.

Therefore, instead of Malignance, go for Imperial Mandate.

The reason Imperial Mandate is recommended: 1. Imperial Mandate increases not only the individual's damage but also the entire team's damage, making it possible to deal explosive damage. 2. Especially in situations like Howling Abyss, where chaotic battles occur, this 7% additional damage is a significant advantage. 3. It is very effective for champions like Malphite, who have immobilizing skills, and is much better than Malignance. 4. If there are two or more immobilizing skills, you can get up to 35 ability haste.

Imperial Mandate may be misunderstood as a support item, but in Howling Abyss, it can be used as a powerful damage item.