Lucian is a popular champion in League of Legends. While typically played as an ADC, AP Lucian is a unique spin on the traditional marksman that offers an enjoyable and surprising gameplay experience.
Although Lucian mainly deals physical damage, his W and R abilities are affected by AP and can pack a significant punch. With AP Lucian, you can even melt enemies like a mage with a super-farmed character!
AP Lucian Background:
Lucian was introduced to League of Legends in 2013 and has since become a highly popular ADC champion. However, players have gotten creative and discovered that AP Lucian can be surprisingly effective despite not being part of the meta.
Currently, AP Lucian is even being played as an AP support pick. While it may seem like trolling at first, this build can be successful, especially when playing with a coordinated team. Read on for a detailed guide on how to build AP Lucian.
How Does AP Lucian Work?
AP Lucian relies on the AP scaling of his abilities to deal significant damage. Lucian’s W ability, Ardent Blaze, has a remarkable 90% AP scaling, allowing you to hit hard with magical damage. Additionally, Lucian’s ultimate has an AP scaling of 15%, which can still pack a punch despite being lower than the AD scaling.
By maximizing the use of your W ability and finishing off enemies with your ultimate, you can annoy and surprise your opponents in lane. Plus, playing off-meta makes it difficult for your enemies to anticipate and counter your strategy.
Best Items for AP Lucian:
There are several items that synergize well with AP Lucian. Here are the top choices:
Luden’s Tempest:
Luden’s Tempest is an excellent item for burst AP champions like Lucian. It synergizes with your W ability and allows you to deal significant damage with a single cast. The mana and ability power boost it provides help you dominate enemy champions in the early game. This item is a must-have for AP Lucian, as it also enhances the damage of your other Legendary items through bonus magic penetration.
Sorcerer’s Shoes:
Sorcerer’s Shoes are a must-build for AP Lucian. The magic penetration they provide allows you to bypass enemy magic resistance, amplifying the damage from your W and R combo. This item is essential for melting even the tankiest of champions and can make your W ability devastating when spammed.
Lich Bane:
Lich Bane offers a much-needed AP boost and movement speed increase for AP Lucian. It allows you to maneuver in and out of fights while dealing high damage. Lich Bane also grants bonus attack damage based on your AP after casting an ability, making it perfect for AP Lucian. This item is a must-have for maximizing your damage output.
Zhonya’s Hourglass:
Zhonya’s Hourglass is ideal for situations where you find yourself getting quickly shut down in team fights. This item provides a significant AP boost and allows you to survive the initial burst damage from enemy ADCs. It’s a valuable defensive item that can turn the tide in difficult situations.
Rabadon’s Deathcap:
Rabadon’s Deathcap is the ultimate AP item for maximizing your damage. The massive AP boost it provides enhances the power of your W and R abilities, allowing you to potentially one-shot your enemies. This item is a crucial component for reaching the level of high-damage AP mages and is a game-changer for AP Lucian.
Shadowflame:
After Rabadon’s Deathcap, consider building Shadowflame to counter enemy magic resistance in the late game. This item provides a similar AP boost to Rabadon’s Deathcap and nullifies your opponents’ magic resistance, making it easier to eliminate enemies. With this item in your arsenal, you’ll have no trouble one-shotting everyone.
Our Verdict:
AP Lucian offers an intriguing and surprising playstyle for one of League of Legends’ most popular ADCs. Playing AP Lucian can confuse and frustrate your enemies while providing a fun and unique gameplay experience. Share your thoughts on this playstyle in the comments and let us know if you prefer AP or AD Lucian.
Also, be sure to check out our Miss Fortune LoL build guide for more champion strategies!