Smolder ADC Build Guide: Optimal Runes and Items for Patch 15.4

Smolder ADC Build Guide: Optimal Runes and Items for Patch 15.4

By Marcus Chen

February 21, 2025 at 10:09 PM

Smolder is a bot lane ADC with a 51.0% win rate based on 1,151 matches. Here's the optimal build and strategy guide:

Core Build

  • First Item: Essence Reaver
  • Boots: Ionian Boots of Lucidity
  • Core Items: Spear of Shojin, Rapid Firecannon, Lord Dominik's Regards, Bloodthirster

Runes

  • Primary: Fleet Footwork, Presence of Mind, Legend: Haste, Coup de Grace
  • Secondary: Gathering Storm, Transcendence
  • Shards: Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, Health

Ability Order: Q > W > E

Key Tips:

  • Be cautious using W when enemy CC is available
  • Secure level 2 advantage for early trading potential
  • Maximize passive stacks by consistently attacking enemies

Strong Against:

  • Kai'Sa (54.3% WR)
  • Mel (53.4% WR)
  • Kalista (53.3% WR)
  • Samira (52.3% WR)
  • Vayne (51.1% WR)

Weak Against:

  • Kog'Maw (34.2% WR)
  • Nilah (36.4% WR)
  • Yasuo (36.8% WR)
  • Aphelios (38.4% WR)
  • Jinx (42.0% WR)

Best Supports:

  • Nami (52.3% WR)
  • Thresh (50.2% WR)
  • Karma (47.2% WR)

Alternative Builds:

  1. Arcane Comet Build
    • Same core items
    • Runes: Arcane Comet, Manaflow Band, Absolute Focus, Scorch
    • Secondary: Biscuit Delivery, Magical Footwear
  2. Trinity Force Build
    • First Item: Trinity Force
    • Core: Manamune, Spear of Shojin
    • Same rune setup as standard build

The build choice depends on team composition and matchup. Adjust defensive items based on enemy damage types and threat level.

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