League of Legends, one of the most popular online multiplayer battle arena games, offers a rich and dynamic gameplay experience that requires a combination of strategy, teamwork, and individual skill. Among the many crucial skills a player must master, one stands out as a key to success: the art of “kite flying.” Kite flying, in the context of League of Legends, refers to the delicate balance of maintaining distance from opponents while dealing damage and avoiding danger. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into how to master the art of kite flying in League of Legends to help you master this art form, elevating your gameplay to new heights.
How to master the art of kite flying in League of Legends
Understanding the Basics
Kite flying revolves around the concept of positioning and movement. It involves maneuvering your champion in a way that maximizes your damage output while minimizing the risk of getting caught or taking damage from your opponents. Properly executed kite flying allows you to control engagements and exert pressure on your enemies, creating opportunities for your team to secure kills and objectives.
Selecting the Right Champion
To master kite flying, it’s essential to pick a champion that complements this playstyle. Champions with ranged attacks, crowd control abilities, and mobility are often well-suited for kite flying. Marksmen, mages, and certain assassins are popular choices due to their ability to deal damage from a distance while maintaining mobility.
When selecting your champion, consider their abilities and playstyle. Champions like Vayne, Caitlyn, Ahri, and Ezreal are known for their kiting potential. However, keep in mind that every champion has a unique learning curve, so choose one that aligns with your strengths and preferences.
A Dance of Movement and Attacks
Kite flying involves a rhythmic dance of movement and attacks. To execute this dance effectively, follow these key principles:
1. Orb-Walking: The Foundation of Kite Flying
Orb-walking, also known as attack-move or stutter-stepping, is the core technique in kite flying. It involves issuing an attack command on an enemy champion or minion and then immediately moving your champion before the attack animation completes. This cancels the remaining animation, allowing you to reposition and prepare for the next attack.
To practice orb-walking, head into a custom game or training mode and focus on attacking while moving in between attacks. Over time, you’ll develop muscle memory and become more proficient at maintaining this rhythm during actual matches.
2. Attack-Move Command
The attack-move command (default key ‘A’) can be a game-changer in kite flying. When you issue this command, your champion will automatically attack the nearest target within its attack range. This is particularly useful when you’re in a heated skirmish, as it reduces the risk of misclicking and walking into danger.
3. Utilizing Abilities
Champion abilities play a vital role in kite flying. These abilities can help you maintain distance, slow down pursuers, or even escape from unfavorable situations. Learning when and how to use your abilities in conjunction with basic attacks is crucial for effective kiting.
4. Proper Positioning
Positioning is the cornerstone of kite flying. Maintain a safe distance from opponents while ensuring you’re still within your attack range. Avoid putting yourself in a situation where you can be easily engaged upon, and be mindful of your surroundings. Staying near walls or terrain can help you juke opponents and create opportunities for escape.
Advanced Kite Flying Techniques
As you become more comfortable with the basics, it’s time to delve into advanced techniques that will elevate your kite flying skills to the next level:
1. Animation Canceling
Animation canceling involves using abilities to cancel the animation of a basic attack, allowing you to attack more frequently. This technique requires precise timing and can significantly increase your damage output.
2. Predictive Movement
Anticipate your opponent’s movements and position yourself accordingly. This can force your opponent to make mistakes or put them in a vulnerable position, allowing you to capitalize on their missteps.
3. Vision Control
Maintaining vision is vital for successful kite flying. Ward key areas to avoid surprise engagements and maintain control over your environment. Proper vision control also enables you to spot opportunities for engaging or disengaging effectively.
4. Attack-Move Click Placement
Experiment with your attack-move click placement. By strategically clicking closer to your target or farther away, you can control the distance between you and your opponent more effectively, making it harder for them to engage.
Communication and Team Coordination
Kite flying doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s intertwined with your team’s efforts. Communicate with your teammates to coordinate engages, disengages, and objective control. Effective teamwork can create optimal situations for you to apply your kite flying skills and contribute to your team’s success.
Practice, Patience, and Perseverance
Mastering the art of kite flying in League of Legends is a journey that requires practice, patience, and perseverance. As you continuously refine your techniques, you’ll notice improvements in your gameplay and a greater impact on matches. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks; instead, view them as opportunities for growth.
Conclusion
The art of kite flying in League of Legends combines precision, positioning, and strategy to create a powerful gameplay style. By selecting the right champion, honing your mechanics, and practicing advanced techniques, you can elevate your gameplay to new heights. Remember that mastery takes time, so embrace the learning process and enjoy the journey of becoming a skilled kite flyer on the Fields of Justice.
