For physical assassin champions in the mid lane, there are typically 2 starting item builds: Long Sword + 3 Health Potions and Doran’s Blade + 1 Health Potion. So when should you start with Long Sword, and when should players opt for Doran’s Blade? Let’s find out.
With the Long Sword and 3 Health Potions build, you will have 10 Attack Damage and 450 health recovered over time. This build is suitable when you are up against champions with long-range attacks or those who can poke you continuously. In such matchups, you are frequently losing health and being pushed away from the minion wave. Remember, simply using a Health Potion will allow you to recover, and players do not need to risk stepping forward to attack minions.
Furthermore, Long Sword is part of the recipe for important items for assassins. Therefore, buying a Long Sword early will shorten the time to complete core items for assassin champions. Essentially, starting with Long Sword and 3 Health Potions will provide players with a safe laning phase, ensuring good health against long-range champions.
For the starting build of Doran’s Blade + 1 Health Potion, you only gain 8 Attack Damage but in return, you get an additional 80 health. Moreover, in League of Legends Season 11, Doran’s Blade also provides an additional 2.5% lifesteal, so as long as you deal damage, you’ll be able to recover. You should choose this build when facing a melee champion or a character that doesn’t have strong poking ability.
This way, you will have more time to farm minions, taking advantage of the full lifesteal passive from Doran’s Blade. Additionally, the 80 health and lifesteal effect from Doran’s Blade will help your champion trade abilities and hold the lane better in melee matchups. Once both sides have used up their abilities, you can simply auto-attack minions to ensure you maintain good health.
In summary, these two item builds will be most effective if you use them in the right matchups. If you encounter an opponent in lane with long-range attacks and continuous poking, Long Sword + 3 Health Potions is the reasonable choice. In contrast, if your opponent is a melee champion, Doran’s Blade is an excellent option for stronger lane holding and ability trading.