Here’s everything you need to know on one of the most important LoL in-game statistics that was introduced in 2017: Lethality.
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Lethality in LoL – What is it and why is it important?
Lethality is the new in-game statistic that replaced flat armor penetration in LoL. While flat armor penetration used to directly shred through a target’s armor in the indicated amount, Lethality is converted to armor penetration at a rate that increases based on the champion’s level.
The current formula used to calculate the flat armor penetration with lethality is:
Flat Armor Penetration = Lethality × (0.6 + 0.4 × level ÷ 18)
In other words, a champion can get between 62.22% − 100% (based on level) of armor penetration based on the total amount of lethality gained from the items. This also means that lethality coincides with armor penetration only at level 18.
This was done to nerf assassins that were considered too strong with the flat armor penetration in the early game. The rate based on champion level, however, ensures that the armor penetration gains value gradually over the course of the game.
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Full list of Lethality items in LoL
Prowler’s Claw
Prowler’s claw is the best lethality item when it comes to bursting down a single target. The item active effect allows the user to dash towards a target, dealing damage and amplifying the follow-up damage by 15%.
Duskblade of Draktharr
Duskblade of Draktharr is mainly used by champions that have reset mechanics or need repositioning upon killing an enemy. Aside from the lethality it grants, the stealth effect upon takedowns is perfect to make great outplays or slip away from enemies.
Eclipse
Eclipse is probably the strongest Lethality item in LoL despite the changes that saw its Omnivamp changed to lifesteal in Patch 13.1b. Not only does it grant armor penetration but it also has some ability haste and a shield to tank enemy’s burst damage in teamfights or duels.
Axiom Arc
Axiom Arc was the latest lethality item introduced to the games. The item has a special effect that refunds 20% of the ultimate ability’s total cooldown upon getting a takedown of a champion that was recently damaged by the Axiom Arc user (within three seconds).
Umbral Glaive
Umbral Glaive is a powerful item that is used by supports and champions that move around the map often. The item passive lets you get rid of traps and wards, allowing you to gain important vision control in certain areas of the rift. While it was nerfed in Patch 13.3, it’s still a top-tier item on specific champions like Pyke and Graves.
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The Collector
The Collector is an item that executes enemies below 5% HP. It’s mostly seen on champions that want to build both critical strike and lethality. Some of the most common Collector users are Jhin, Gangplank, and Graves.
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Youmuu’s Ghostblade
Youmuu’s Ghostblade not only grants lots of attack damage and lethality but also a great out-of-combat movement speed buff and an active one that gives you a burst of movement speed whenever you want. Mostly picked by assassins, it allows you to roam and get back to lane faster, and is a great way to chase after enemies.
Serpent Fang
Serpent Fang is the anti-shield item. When damaging champions with it, you greatly reduce incoming shields that will be cast onto those champions. While it’s not a must-pick them, it’s quite effective in specific situations.
Edge of Night
This is the best non-mythic item that balances offensive and defensive characteristics. It grants a spell shield that negates the first enemy’s ability while also granting extra HP to make the user tankier. When facing fed enemies or tricky crowd controls, Edge of Night is the perfect choice.
Best LoL champions that use Lethality
Lethality and armor penetration is best used on champions that deal physical damage since reducing an enemy’s armor amplifies the potential damage he or she takes.
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That said, there are a couple of champions that benefit from lethality items more than others. The most common class that best utilizes lethality is assassin champions like Zed, Talon, and Qiyana. That said, there are also non-assassin champions like Jayce and Draven that want to make sure that their abilities shred through the enemies’ armor.
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