Smite, a command often overlooked by novice players, holds significant power in the realm of online multiplayer games, particularly in MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) titles such as League of Legends. Understanding and mastering the Smite command can elevate a player's game, providing them with a strategic advantage over their opponents. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the Smite command, its applications, and strategies for effective use.
Introduction to Smite
The Smite command is a summoner spell in League of Legends that deals true damage to a monster, minion, or enemy champion, scaling with the player’s level. It is particularly useful for junglers, as it allows them to secure objectives such as the Dragon, Baron Nashor, and other neutral monsters more efficiently. However, its utility extends beyond the jungle, offering a means to quickly dispatch minions, secure kills, or even turn the tide of a team fight.
Basic Mechanics of Smite
True damage is a key aspect of Smite, meaning that the damage dealt is unaffected by the target’s armor or magic resistance. This makes Smite an invaluable tool for dealing with heavily armored targets or those with significant resistance to magical damage. The damage dealt by Smite increases with the player’s level, making it a more potent tool as the game progresses. Moreover, Smite has a relatively long cooldown, emphasizing the importance of timing its use carefully to maximize its impact.
| Summoner Level | Smite Damage |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | 390-400 true damage |
| 5-9 | 460-470 true damage |
| 10-14 | 520-530 true damage |
| 15-18 | 590-600 true damage |
| 19+ | 660-670 true damage |
Strategic Applications of Smite
Smite’s versatility makes it a valuable asset in various game situations. For junglers, it is essential for securing key objectives like the Dragon and Baron, denying these powerful buffs to the enemy team. In team fights, a well-timed Smite can be the difference between securing a kill or allowing an enemy champion to escape. Furthermore, Smite can be used to quickly clear minion waves, pushing lanes and creating opportunities for roaming or objective takes.
Smite in Competitive Play
In competitive League of Legends, the strategic use of Smite is elevated to an art form. Professional players must consider not only the immediate benefits of using Smite but also its long-term implications, such as the timing of future Smite uses and the potential for enemy teams to secure objectives. The mastery of Smite is often a key factor in the success of jungle champions, with players needing to balance the use of Smite for securing objectives with its potential use in team fights or for pushing lanes.
Objective control, vision control, and map awareness are crucial elements that complement the effective use of Smite. Players must have a deep understanding of the game's mechanics, the strengths and weaknesses of their champion, and the strategies of their opponents to maximize the impact of Smite.
What are the primary uses of Smite in League of Legends?
+Smite is primarily used for securing monster objectives such as the Dragon and Baron Nashor, dealing with minions, and as a tool in team fights to secure kills or damage enemy champions.
How does Smite's damage scale with the player's level?
+Smite's damage increases with the player's level, dealing more true damage as the player progresses through the game. The exact damage values are detailed in the game's official documentation and can be found in tables such as the one provided earlier.
In conclusion, mastering the Smite command is a critical aspect of improving one’s gameplay in League of Legends, particularly for those who main jungle champions. By understanding its mechanics, strategic applications, and implications in competitive play, players can elevate their performance and contribute more effectively to their team’s success. Whether used to secure objectives, influence team fights, or simply to push lanes, Smite remains a powerful tool that, when wielded wisely, can significantly impact the outcome of a match.
