Blitzcrank, the Great Steam Golem
Overview:
Every MOBA needs to have a character that can reel in enemies from far away, and League is no exception. Displacement of this type is so vital that it seems to keep cropping up on new champions. With Blitzcrank being the first, there's plenty of room for hindsight, specifically in regards to how the clunky bot distinguishes himself amongst the likes of Pike and Thresh, and what lessons can be learned from them.
I left Blitzcrank untouched for the longest time due to how iconic he is, but I still feel there is room to both make him even more iconic, and to make his gameplay less oppressive. In this case, I'll be using Blitz's steam power to fuel a more distinct playstyle, while spreading his hook's power out a bit.
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The current Blitzcrank is a little bit one-note, and his ability to quickly position himself for the perfect grab undermines the counterplay it's supposed to create. To set him apart from the more ambush-focused hook characters, the goal of this redesign is to make him more about grabbing enemies in the middle of a fight and pulling them back into the fray.
The new steam powered elements of his kit should also help provide a more compelling path of mastery, while enriching his theme. He's still a big ol' punchbot, but making players think about the Great Steam Golem's inner machinations should "flesh" him out beyond being a walking hook.
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Blitz's role has been both adjusted and refined, but most of his tools have been left intact. His hook gives enemies more time to react but still helps bring them out of their comfort zone, and once they're pulled in, they are still likely to be greeted with a big metal fist to the face.
All values in blue are meant to give a general idea of the ability's properties, and are subject to change.
Class: Catcher
Recommended Positions: Duo Sidelane (Support)
Complexity: Low
Innate: Faulty Valve
If Blitzcrank takes over (30% max HP) damage within 5 seconds, one of his steam valves will burst, silencing and blinding nearby enemies for 2 seconds and leaving behind a 200 unit wide steam cloud for 6 seconds that obscures Blitzcrank while he is within it. This effect can occur once up to every 60 to 20 (based on level) seconds.
While Blitzcrank is at Full Steam, the size of the steam cloud is increased by 100%.
Q: Rocket Grab
Blitzcrank fires his right hand in the target direction, dealing 70/120/170/220/270 +
(100% total AD) physical damage to the first enemy hit and latching onto them for up to 4 seconds or until they move 350 units beyond Rocket Grab's maximum range.
If Blitzcrank's hand is still latched on to an enemy after 1.25 seconds, Rocket Grab can be re-activated to pull them to him over up to 0.75 seconds, stunning them for the duration.
Range: 600
Targeting Type: Skill Shot - Line
Cooldown: 18/17/16/15/14
Cost: 100 mana
W: Overdrive
Blitzcrank builds up steam pressure over 12 seconds, causing a loose bolt to fly out at a random nearby enemy every 2 seconds, dealing 25/45/65/85/105 + (50% total AD) physical damage.
After 6 seconds, Blitzcrank gains Full Steam, causing bolts to fly out 50% faster. Using an ability or triggering Faulty Valve while at Full Steam will double its effect's range, ending Overdrive's effects in the process. Blitzcrank will lose all steam once Overdrive's effects end.
Range: 450 (bolt range)
Targeting Type: None
Cooldown: 15/14/13/12/11 (once effects end)
Cost: 75 mana
E: Power Fist
Blitzcrank winds up a piston punch with his left arm, becoming disarmed for 1 second before granting his next basic attack 100 bonus range and causing it to deal 6/7/8/9/10% of the target's health as bonus physical damage, before stunning them for 1.5 seconds.
Range: Self
Targeting Type: None
Cooldown: 9/8/7/6/5
Cost: 25 mana
R: Steam Press
Blitzcrank unleashes a flurry of piston blows against the target champion, dealing 250/625/1000 + (100% total AD) physical damage over 5 seconds, while slowing Blitcrank and his target by 50% and disarming him for the duration. Damage dealt by Steam Press instantly destroys shields.
Enemies that move beyond Steam Press's range can avoid its effects, but Blitzcrank will continue to attack them if they re-enter its range. After 2 seconds, Steam Press's effects can be ended early by re-activating the ability.
Gaining Full Steam reduces this ability's remaining cooldown by 10 seconds.
Range: 350
Targeting Type: Targeted
Cooldown: 80/60/40
Cost: 100 mana