Should You Buy Boots in LoL ARAM?
When playing League of Legends' ARAM (All Random All Mid) mode, many players wonder if purchasing boots is necessary for every champion. Here’s a breakdown of why you might not need boots in ARAM and when you should consider them:
Limited Map Movement
Unlike Summoner’s Rift, ARAM features a single lane where all players converge. Because of this:
- No Roaming Needed: The lack of multiple lanes means there’s no need for extensive map movement. Everyone fights in the same lane, so the speed advantage from boots is less critical.
- Focused Combat: Engagements are more frequent and concentrated, reducing the need for movement speed to rotate between objectives.
Alternative Mobility Options
ARAM provides unique tools that can substitute for boots:
- Mark (Snowball) Summoner Spell: Most champions in ARAM equip the Mark (Snowball) spell, which grants significant mobility. This spell allows you to close the gap quickly for a kill or engage, often making the speed boost from boots redundant.
- Homestart/Homeguard Buffs: When respawning, champions receive a temporary speed boost that helps them return to the fight swiftly. Combined with Frost Portals, these buffs enable fast returns to the battlefield, reducing the reliance on boots for movement speed.
Situational Importance of Movement Speed
While boots may not always be necessary, there are scenarios where they remain valuable:
- Kiting and Chasing: Certain champions benefit from increased movement speed to poke enemies effectively or chase down fleeing opponents. For example, champions that rely on hit-and-run tactics or have skill shots that require positioning may still benefit from boots.
- Dodging Skill Shots: If you are playing against champions with a lot of skill shots, having the extra movement speed can help you dodge critical abilities and avoid damage.
Selling Boots for a Sixth Item
In the late game, it might make sense to sell your boots to make room for a sixth item that provides more damage, a damage spike, or a situational benefit. Given that ARAM fights are highly focused and concentrated in one area, the need for boots diminishes. You can offset the loss of movement speed by using mobility-enhancing spells like Ghost, Flash, or Mark. This strategic choice can give you the extra power needed to turn the tide in a close game.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to buy boots in ARAM depends on your champion and playstyle. For many champions, the unique mobility tools in ARAM—like the Mark (Snowball) spell and Homestart/Homeguard buffs—can provide sufficient speed. However, if your champion relies heavily on movement speed for kiting, chasing, or dodging, investing in boots could still be a smart choice. Consider your champion's needs and the game’s specific circumstances to make the best decision.