Striking with Fury: How to Master League of Legends' Volibear

League of Legends

25 Apr

Aidan van Vuuren

Who is Volibear?

Volibear, a champion in the popular game League of Legends, stands out as a fearsome and commanding presence on the battlefield. Representing primal might and ancient power, Volibear is a demigod of the Freljord, embodying the raw, untamed force of nature. His role in the game combines the elements of a fighter and a tank, making him a versatile choice for players looking to dominate in top lane skirmishes and team fights. He was once the revered spirit of the storm, a guardian who protected the Freljord and its inhabitants from harm, symbolizing the fight against civilization's encroachments.

Abilities and Gameplay

The Relentless Storm (Passive)

Volibear's passive, The Relentless Storm, showcases his connection to the tempests. Whenever Volibear deals damage with an ability or attack, he gains increased attack speed. This effect can stack, and at maximum stacks, his claws ignite with lightning, spreading additional magic damage to nearby enemies. This ability allows Volibear to excel in prolonged fights, where he can maximize his attack speed and damage output. This symbiotic relationship with the forces of nature underscores his role as a protector and destroyer within the game's mythology.

Thundering Smash (Q)

Thundering Smash charges Volibear forward, increasing his movement speed towards enemies. The first enemy struck by this charge is stunned and takes significant physical damage. This ability is crucial for initiating fights or catching fleeing opponents, emphasizing Volibear's role as a disruptor in skirmishes. The charge embodies Volibear's unstoppable force, mirroring his lore as a relentless warrior who leads charges against his foes, breaking the ranks of enemies with sheer power.

Frenzied Maul (W)

Frenzied Maul is Volibear's bread and butter for dealing sustained damage. It damages an enemy and marks them, allowing Volibear to bite the marked target again for increased damage and a percentage of his missing health as a heal. This skill is perfect for dueling, providing both offensive and defensive benefits. The bite reflects his savage nature, drawn from the wild spirit of the bear, making him not just a warrior but a primal predator in the arena.

Sky Splitter (E)

Sky Splitter calls down a thunderous bolt at a location, dealing damage and slowing all enemies hit. Volibear also receives a shield if he is within the blast radius. This ability is versatile, useful for both engaging enemies and making strategic retreats. It symbolizes his divine connection to the sky and his ability to harness the storm, striking fear and awe into the hearts of his enemies.

Stormbringer (R)

Stormbringer epitomizes Volibear's godlike nature. He leaps to a target location, dealing massive area damage and gaining temporary health. This ultimate can turn the tides of battle, making Volibear a formidable opponent in both solo encounters and team fights. His leap from the heavens mirrors the lore of his reemergence into the world, a god reborn with the power to reshape battles and landscapes alike.

Strategy and Tips

Early Game Tactics

Early in the game, focus on farming and using Frenzied Maul to sustain in lane. Volibear's passive stacks can be used to trade effectively with opponents. Timing Thundering Smash for when the enemy is vulnerable or overextended can secure early kills or force the enemy out of lane. Mastering these tactics aligns with Volibear's lore as a tactician and warrior, leveraging the chaos of battle to his advantage.

Mid to Late Game Play

As the game progresses, Volibear's role shifts towards initiating team fights and disrupting the enemy backline. Use Stormbringer to dive into skirmishes, targeting key opponents like squishy damage dealers or healers. Sky Splitter provides crowd control and zoning potential, which can separate the enemy team or secure objectives like the Dragon or Baron Nashor. His transformation into a leader in these later stages of the game mirrors his mythological status as a figure who shapes the fate of battles through sheer will and power.

Itemization

For items, focus on those that enhance Volibear's tankiness and damage output. Items like Sunfire Aegis for defense and Titanic Hydra for additional attack damage work well. Depending on the match, adapt your build to either maximize your staying power in fights or increase your damage to eliminate key targets quickly. This strategic flexibility in itemization is essential for embodying Volibear's adaptability and enduring presence on the battlefield.

Mastering Volibear in League of Legends

Volibear offers a unique blend of power, resilience, and tactical versatility, making him a valuable champion in League of Legends. Whether you're engaging in solo battles or team skirmishes, understanding Volibear's abilities and strategies will help you master this thunderous demigod and lead your team to victory. His lore as a fierce protector of the natural world translates into a gameplay style that is both aggressive and strategic, ideal for players who enjoy a dynamic and impactful role on their team.

Embracing Volibear's Versatility

Volibear's ability kit allows him to adapt to various roles on the battlefield. He can effectively initiate fights, chase down enemies, and absorb a significant amount of damage. Players can utilize his Thundering Smash to disrupt enemy formations and create openings for their team. By mastering the timing of his Sky Splitter, you can maximize its impact, ensuring you receive its protective shield while dealing substantial damage. These abilities make him particularly effective in team fights, where his capacity to swing the momentum of battle shines.

Tactical Deployment in Team Skirmishes

In team skirmishes, positioning Volibear correctly can be the difference between a successful engage and a costly overreach. Use his Stormbringer to leap into the fray, targeting clusters of enemies to maximize the area of effect damage. This move not only serves as a powerful tool for damage but also as a psychological weapon, striking fear into opponents with its dramatic impact. After landing, maintaining the momentum with chained abilities ensures that Volibear remains a formidable threat throughout the fight.

Strategies for Solo and Team Play

When playing Volibear in a solo lane, focus on farming and trading effectively using Frenzied Maul. This ability not only deals damage but also heals Volibear, making it excellent for sustaining in lane and preparing for later duels. In team settings, communication is key—coordinate with your teammates to time your engagements, using Volibear’s disruptive abilities to split enemy teams or secure objectives.

Volibear's design as a demigod of storms is reflected in his ability to control the pace of the game. His lore suggests a character that brings chaos and challenges old orders, a theme that smart players will mimic in their strategic approach to each match. Whether leading charges or defending allies, Volibear's presence in a game is always impactful, making every ability cast a step towards victory.

By integrating these strategies into your gameplay, you can unleash Volibear’s full potential and dominate the League of Legends battlefield. His blend of raw strength and strategic depth offers a rewarding experience for those who wish to master his unique abilities.

Volibear's Lore and Significance

Volibear is not just a warrior but a cultural icon in the lore of League of Legends. He represents the spirit of the untamed wild, fighting to restore the Freljord to its former glory. His story is woven into the fabric of the game, adding depth and context to his character and motivations. As a central figure in the game's expansive lore, Volibear serves as a link between the ancient myths and the current era, guiding players through his narrative of power, rebellion, and resurgence.