Graves is a popular choice among League of Legends players due to his versatility and strong early game presence.
However, when it comes to top lane, is he really an optimal pick?
EDG Flandre, a well-known League of Legends player, shares his perspective on this topic.
Why Graves May Not Be the Best Top Lane Pick
Graves’ kit and playstyle are not optimally suited for the top lane position.
Here’s why:
- Lack of Sustain: Graves relies heavily on auto-attacking to deal damage, which may leave him vulnerable in extended trades or prolonged skirmishes. Top laners often need to sustain themselves during lengthy lanes phases and team fights, making champions with built-in healing or strong sustain abilities more desirable.
- Weakness to Melee Matchups: Graves lacks the ability to reliably kite or escape melee opponents, which can be a significant disadvantage in the top lane where enemy champions are often larger and more aggressive than those in other lanes.
- Limited Crowd Control: Graves’ kit contains limited crowd control options, making it difficult for him to control the battlefield and secure objectives. Top laners often need to be able to initiate fights, lock down enemies, or secure vision control to contribute effectively to their team.
**Conclusion:**
While Graves can certainly be played in the top lane position, his lack of sustain, vulnerability to melee matchups, and limited crowd control options make him a less than ideal choice compared to other top laners. Players looking for a reliable top laner may want to consider champions like Darius, Irelia, or Gnar instead.
However, it’s important to note that every game is unique, and Graves can still find success in the top lane depending on the specific matchups, team composition, and player skill level. Ultimately, the decision to pick or ban Grave as a top laner should be based on an evaluation of these factors and personal playstyle preferences.