Riot Games recently unveiled the kit of Aphelios, the newest champion in League of Legends. Set to be released next month, Aphelios has a unique multiple weapon system that has left many players confused.
Aphelios possesses a total of five ranged weapons, each with its own basic attack and 50 ammo. He always carries two weapons simultaneously, using his main-hand weapon for auto-attacks. However, he can switch to his off-hand weapon by pressing W. When he runs out of ammo for a particular type of gun, he cycles through the remaining ones, with the empty gun going to the back of the line to recharge.
Each gun has its own Q ability when used as a main-hand weapon. Additionally, the guns’ auto attacks are enhanced against enemies affected by Aphelios’ ultimate ability, Moonlight Vigil.
Calibrum, the Rifle
Calibrum serves as Aphelios’ harass weapon, offering extra range on his auto attacks. When an enemy is damaged by Calibrum’s Q ability, they become marked. Aphelios can then use a basic attack from his non-Calibrum weapon (usually his off-hand weapon) to detonate the marks on nearby targets. Calibrum’s Q ability is called Moonshot and deals damage and marks the first unit hit.
Severum, the Scythe Pistol
Severum assists Aphelios with sustainability throughout the game by healing him for a portion of the damage it deals. If the gun overheals, it grants Aphelios a small shield instead. Severum’s Q ability is called Onslaught, which grants Aphelios movement speed and fires both his main-hand and off-hand weapons at the nearest enemy, prioritizing champions.
Gravitum, the Cannon
Gravitum acts as Aphelios’ utility weapon, applying a decaying slow on enemies. If Aphelios hits an enemy with Gravitum’s Q ability, Eclipse, it will damage and root the enemy who was previously slowed by the weapon. Eclipse does not use Aphelios’ off-hand weapon for attacking.
Infernum, the Flamethrower
Infernum provides Aphelios with excellent wave clear, dealing increased basic attack and ability damage while creating a damage cone behind any units hit. Infernum’s Q ability is called Duskwave, which unleashes a wave of fire damaging all enemies hit. Afterward, Aphelios’ off-hand weapon shoots any enemy units hit by the flames.
Crescendum, the Chakram
Crescendum is Aphelios’ boomerang-like weapon that requires players to wait for it to return after each basic attack. Building attack speed increases the boomerang’s travel speed. The closer Aphelios is to the enemy, the faster Crescendum returns to him, enabling him to attack again. Crescendum’s Q ability creates a turret that fires at the nearest enemy using Aphelios’ off-hand weapon.
“One of the benefits of not being able to choose which weapon you have is that we could make the combination of his weapons super OP in different situations,” said Riot champion designer Stash “Stashu” Chelluck. “Because of the ammo, you force players into a scenario where they need to recognize their strengths at that exact moment.”
With five different weapons and multiple combinations of main-hand and off-hand weapons, players can pull off incredible plays based on the specific weapons Aphelios has at any given moment. Players must anticipate and prepare for certain situations by recognizing and utilizing the available weapons, whether it’s facing a duelist with Crescendum and Severum or helping the team siege a tower with Infernum and Calibrum.
Riot Games, League of Legends, Aphelios, multiple weapon system, champion, Q ability, Calibrum, Severum, Gravitum, Infernum, Crescendum, gameplay strategy, Stash “Stashu” Chelluck