Yorick Guide Overcoming Tank Champions Scaling Issues In League Of Legends
Introduction
Yorick, the Shepherd of Souls, is a unique champion in League of Legends, known for his split-pushing capabilities and ability to control the battlefield with his ghouls and the Maiden of the Mist. However, a common concern among Yorick players is his scaling in the late game, particularly against tank champions. This article delves into the intricacies of Yorick's kit, his strengths and weaknesses, and strategies to effectively counter tank champions who might otherwise outscale him. We'll explore how to optimize Yorick's build, playstyle, and decision-making to maintain relevance and impact throughout the game. Understanding Yorick's scaling and how it interacts with the increasing tankiness of opponents is crucial for mastering this champion.
Understanding Yorick's Kit and Scaling
At his core, Yorick’s kit revolves around summoning and commanding minions. His passive, Shepherd of Souls, allows him to raise ghouls from the corpses of enemies, providing a constant source of damage and pressure. His Q, Last Rites, is a versatile ability that serves as both a farming tool and a damaging attack, also creating a grave upon killing an enemy. Yorick’s W, Dark Procession, is a unique ability that creates a destructible wall, trapping enemies and controlling the battlefield. His E, Mourning Mist, hurls a globule of Mist, marking enemies and awakening ghouls to leap at them. Finally, his ultimate, Eulogy of the Isles, summons the Maiden of the Mist, a powerful ally that pushes lanes and enhances Yorick’s fighting capabilities.
Yorick's Early Game Dominance
Yorick's early game is characterized by his ability to exert lane control through ghoul management and strategic use of his abilities. Last Rites allows him to farm efficiently while creating graves, which he can then use to summon ghouls with his passive. Mourning Mist further enhances his ghouls, making them leap towards the marked target and deal additional damage. This early game pressure can often lead to lane dominance, allowing Yorick to secure early leads in gold and experience. The strength of Yorick's early game lies in his ability to create a significant minion wave advantage, which, when combined with the damage output of his ghouls, makes him a formidable opponent in 1v1 scenarios and skirmishes. This early dominance is crucial for setting up his mid-game split-pushing strategy.
Mid-Game Split-Pushing Prowess
As the game progresses into the mid-game, Yorick transitions into a split-pushing champion, leveraging his ability to summon the Maiden of the Mist. The Maiden pushes lanes autonomously, forcing opponents to respond and creating opportunities for Yorick and his team. His Dark Procession ability is invaluable during split-pushing, allowing him to isolate opponents and secure kills. Yorick's mid-game power stems from his ability to apply immense pressure on side lanes, drawing attention away from objectives and potentially creating openings for his team to secure towers, dragons, or even Baron. This split-pushing strategy forces the enemy team into difficult decisions, often leading to advantageous situations for Yorick's team.
Late-Game Scaling Concerns Against Tanks
However, Yorick’s late-game scaling can be problematic, especially when facing tank champions. While his ghouls and Maiden provide consistent damage, they can be easily mitigated by tanks with high armor and health. Yorick’s damage output is primarily physical, making him susceptible to armor stacking. Tanks, with their inherent ability to build substantial defenses, can often withstand Yorick’s onslaught, making it challenging for him to effectively split-push or contribute in team fights. The late-game meta often favors tanks who can soak up damage and disrupt the enemy backline, and Yorick's ability to deal with these champions can wane if he doesn't adapt his build and playstyle. This is where understanding itemization, strategic play, and adapting to the enemy composition become crucial for Yorick players.
Tank Champions: The Bane of Yorick's Existence?
Tank champions, such as Ornn, Malphite, and Dr. Mundo, pose a significant challenge to Yorick in the late game. These champions possess high base stats and abilities that grant them substantial armor, magic resistance, and health. Their crowd control abilities can also disrupt Yorick’s ghouls and Maiden, reducing his damage output and lane pressure. Unlike squishier targets, tanks can often shrug off Yorick’s attacks, making it difficult for him to secure kills or push objectives effectively. The core issue lies in Yorick's primarily physical damage output, which tanks are designed to counter. Moreover, many tanks have abilities that allow them to engage or disengage fights, making it challenging for Yorick to effectively utilize his Dark Procession to trap them. The combination of high defenses and disruptive abilities makes tank champions a formidable obstacle for Yorick, especially in the late game when their scaling becomes more pronounced.
Strategies to Counter Tanks as Yorick
Despite the challenges posed by tank champions, there are several strategies Yorick players can employ to maintain their effectiveness in the late game. These strategies revolve around optimizing item builds, adapting playstyles, and making informed decisions throughout the game. The key is to leverage Yorick's strengths and mitigate his weaknesses when facing tank-heavy compositions.
Itemization: Building for Armor Penetration and Sustain
One of the most crucial aspects of countering tanks is itemization. Yorick’s standard build often includes items that enhance his split-pushing and damage output, but against tanks, it is essential to incorporate armor penetration items. Black Cleaver is a staple item for Yorick as it reduces enemy armor with each physical damage hit, benefiting both Yorick and his ghouls. Serylda's Grudge is another excellent option, providing armor penetration and a slow effect, making it harder for tanks to escape. Additionally, items that provide sustain, such as Ravenous Hydra or Blade of the Ruined King, can help Yorick withstand the extended fights against tanks. By prioritizing items that shred armor and provide sustain, Yorick can significantly increase his damage output against tanky opponents and prolong his effectiveness in duels and team fights.
Playstyle Adjustments: Focus on Map Awareness and Objective Control
Adapting Yorick's playstyle is equally important when facing tanks. Instead of solely focusing on split-pushing, Yorick should prioritize map awareness and objective control. Monitoring the enemy team's movements and coordinating with teammates can create opportunities to secure objectives, such as dragons and towers, without directly engaging the tanks. Using Dark Procession to zone enemies away from objectives or to isolate key targets can be highly effective. Additionally, Yorick can use his split-pushing to draw pressure, creating opportunities for his team to engage in favorable fights elsewhere on the map. By strategically shifting his focus from pure split-pushing to objective control and map awareness, Yorick can maintain his impact even against tank-heavy compositions.
Decision-Making: Strategic Split-Pushing and Team Fight Positioning
In the late game, strategic decision-making is paramount. Yorick needs to assess when to split-push, when to group with his team, and how to position himself in team fights. Split-pushing can still be effective, but it should be done strategically, focusing on creating pressure and drawing attention while avoiding direct confrontations with multiple tanks. In team fights, Yorick should aim to flank the enemy team, targeting squishier backline champions while avoiding direct engagement with the tanks. Using Dark Procession to isolate priority targets or to peel for his own carries can be crucial. By making informed decisions about when and where to apply pressure, Yorick can maximize his impact and contribute to his team’s success, even in the face of formidable tank champions.
Specific Tank Matchups and How to Handle Them
Understanding the nuances of specific tank matchups is essential for mastering Yorick. Each tank champion has unique strengths and weaknesses, and adapting your strategy accordingly can significantly improve your chances of success.
Ornn: The Fire Below the Mountain
Ornn is a formidable tank known for his durability and crowd control. His passive allows him to upgrade items for himself and his teammates, making him a powerful late-game threat. To counter Ornn, focus on itemizing with armor penetration and sustain. Black Cleaver and Serylda's Grudge are crucial for reducing his armor, while items like Ravenous Hydra provide much-needed sustain. In lane, try to avoid prolonged trades, as Ornn's brittle debuff can lead to significant damage. Use Dark Procession to isolate him from his teammates in team fights or to disengage from unfavorable situations. Prioritize split-pushing when Ornn is not present, forcing the enemy team to respond and creating opportunities for your team.
Malphite: Shard of the Monolith
Malphite's ultimate, Unstoppable Force, is a game-changing ability that can initiate team fights. His high armor and passive shield make him incredibly tanky. To counter Malphite, focus on items that provide armor penetration and on positioning to avoid his ultimate. Black Cleaver and Serylda's Grudge are essential for dealing damage, while items like Guardian Angel can provide a safety net against his engage. In lane, try to poke him down before he reaches level 6 to reduce the threat of his ultimate. In team fights, position yourself away from your team to avoid being caught in his Unstoppable Force, and use Dark Procession to isolate priority targets.
Dr. Mundo: The Madman of Zaun
Dr. Mundo's immense health regeneration and damage output make him a challenging opponent. His ultimate, Maximum Dosage, grants him even more health regeneration, making him incredibly difficult to kill. To counter Dr. Mundo, focus on items that reduce healing, such as Chempunk Chainsword or Mortal Reminder. Armor penetration items like Black Cleaver and Serylda's Grudge are also crucial for dealing damage. In lane, try to poke him down consistently to reduce his health regeneration. In team fights, prioritize targeting him with grievous wounds and use Dark Procession to isolate him from his team, making him an easier target to focus down.
Conclusion: Yorick's Adaptability is Key
Yorick's ability to scale effectively against tanks hinges on adaptability. By optimizing item builds, adjusting playstyles, and making informed decisions, Yorick players can maintain their relevance and impact throughout the game. While tank champions pose a significant challenge, they are not insurmountable. Understanding the nuances of each matchup and implementing the strategies outlined in this article will significantly improve Yorick's performance against tank-heavy compositions. The Shepherd of Souls can remain a formidable force in the late game with the right approach, continuing to push lanes, control objectives, and lead his team to victory. Mastering Yorick means mastering the art of adaptation, ensuring that he remains a relevant threat regardless of the enemy composition.
By focusing on these strategies and adapting to the specific challenges posed by each tank champion, Yorick players can effectively counter their scaling and maintain their impact in the game.