Counter Vlad Top: Mastering the Art of Beating Vladimir in the Top Lane
In the ever-dynamic world of MOBA games, particularly in titles like League of Legends, understanding how to counter specific champions can make all the difference between victory and defeat. One such champion who has been a thorn in the side of many top laners is Vladimir, a versatile and powerful mage known for his sustainability, roaming potential, and ability to scale into the late game. However, like every champion, Vladimir has his weaknesses, and with the right strategy, he can be effectively countered. This article will delve into the best ways to counter Vlad top, ensuring you come out on top in your matchups.
Understanding Vladimir’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Before diving into the counter strategies, it’s crucial to understand what makes Vladimir such a formidable opponent. His kit revolves around sustainability, mobility, and burst damage, making him a nightmare to deal with in the top lane. His Q (Eternal Flame) and W (Sanguine Pool) provide him with exceptional survivability, while his R (Hemoplague) can turn team fights around in his favor.
However, Vladimir has several weaknesses that can be exploited:
Early Game Vulnerability: Despite his late-game scaling, Vladimir is relatively weak in the early stages of the game, especially before he completes his first few items.
Dependence on Mana: His abilities are highly mana-intensive, making him vulnerable to early all-ins and mana burns.
Lack of Hard CC: While he has Sanguine Pool for escape and engage, he lacks hard crowd control, making it difficult for him to lock down mobile targets.
Champion Picks to Counter Vlad Top
When it comes to countering Vlad top, certain champions naturally have an advantage due to their kits. Here are some of the best picks against Vladimir:
Darius: With his W (Crippling Strike) and R (Noxian Guillotine), Darius can shut down Vladimir in the early game before he has a chance to scale. Darius’s ability to apply consistent pressure and execute targets with low health makes him a nightmare for Vladimir.
Riven: Riven’s mobility and burst damage allow her to dodge Vladimir’s skill shots and punish him heavily in all-ins. Her E (Shunpo) can also counter Vladimir’s attempts to engage with Sanguine Pool.
Sion: Sion’s early-game tankiness and W (Soul Furnace) make him a great pick against Vladimir. Sion can absorb Vladimir’s early harassment and retaliate with his powerful all-in potential.
Strategies to Counter Vlad Top
Picking the right champion is only half the battle. To truly counter Vlad top, you need to play around his weaknesses and exploit them effectively. Here are some key strategies:
1. Play Aggressive in the Early Game
Vladimir struggles in the early game, especially if he is forced to fight before he completes his Sorcery Shoes and Liandry’s Torment. Champions like Renekton or Jax can abuse this by constantly pushing him into his tower and denying him gold and experience.
2. Focus on Mana Burn
Since Vladimir relies heavily on his abilities to sustain and deal damage, mana burn effects can severely cripple his effectiveness. Champions with mana burn, such as Sejuani or items like Morellonomicon, can make Vladimir unable to cast his spells, turning him into a helpless target.
3. Dodge His Skill Shots
Vladimir’s damage primarily comes from his Q (Eternal Flame) and E (Tides of Blood). Both of these abilities are skill shots that can be easily dodged with proper positioning and timing. Champions with dashes or mobility skills, such as Camille or Jayce, can easily sidestep these abilities and punish Vladimir for missing them.
4. Punish His Sanguine Pool
One of Vladimir’s most iconic abilities is his W (Sanguine Pool), which he uses to engage, escape, or tank minion waves. However, this ability leaves him vulnerable during its cooldown. If you can anticipate when he will use Sanguine Pool, you can punish him with a well-timed all-in or gank