Lore and Background
Kog'Maw, also known as the Mouth of the Abyss, hails from the Void—a mysterious and terrifying dimension filled with monstrous entities. Kog'Maw is an inquisitive Voidborn, driven by an insatiable curiosity and an equally insatiable hunger. Upon entering the material world through a tear in reality, Kog'Maw embarked on a journey of endless consumption, devouring everything in his path to understand it. His story is interwoven with that of Malzahar, the Prophet of the Void, who is believed to have summoned him to Runeterra. Kog'Maw's endearing yet grotesque form and insatiable appetite make him a unique and fascinating champion in the League of Legends universe. When you embark on your journey, mmowow can lend a helping hand when you need help.
Champion Role and Playstyle
Kog'Maw is an AD Carry (ADC), specializing in dealing sustained damage over time, particularly against high-health targets due to his mixed damage output. His playstyle revolves around positioning, consistent damage output, and leveraging his range to shred through opponents.
Skills and Abilities
Passive - Icathian Surprise
Upon death, Kog'Maw becomes a living bomb, increasing his movement speed and exploding after a few seconds, dealing true damage to nearby enemies.
Q - Caustic Spittle
Active: Fires a projectile that deals magic damage and reduces the target's armor and magic resistance.
Passive: Increases Kog'Maw's attack speed.
W - Bio-Arcane Barrage
Temporarily increases Kog'Maw's attack range and causes his basic attacks to deal a percentage of the target's maximum health as bonus magic damage.
E - Void Ooze
Launches ooze that deals magic damage and leaves a slowing trail.
R - Living Artillery
Fires a long-range artillery shot that deals magic damage, with increased damage based on the target's missing health. Multiple successive shots cost additional mana.
Skill Order and Playstyle
Skill Priority: R > W > Q > E
Maxing W (Bio-Arcane Barrage) first is crucial for increasing Kog'Maw's attack range and damage output.
Q (Caustic Spittle) comes next for the attack speed and armor/magic resist shred.
E (Void Ooze) is maxed last but taken at level 3 for the utility of the slow.
Runes
Keystone Rune: Lethal Tempo
Provides increased attack speed after attacking an enemy champion, ideal for Kog'Maw's sustained damage output.
Precision Tree:
Triumph: Restores health on takedowns and grants extra gold.
Legend: Alacrity: Further increases attack speed through kills and assists.
Coup de Grace: Deals more damage to low-health enemies, synergizing with Kog'Maw's finisher role.
Secondary Tree (Domination):
Taste of Blood: Provides sustain through healing when damaging champions.
Ravenous Hunter: Grants omnivamp, allowing Kog'Maw to heal from ability damage.
Item Build
Starting Items:
Doran's Blade: Provides early attack damage, health, and life steal.
Health Potions: For sustain in the lane.
Core Items:
Kraken Slayer: Essential for high attack speed and true damage on every third hit.
Guinsoo's Rageblade: Enhances on-hit effects and increases attack speed.
Runaan's Hurricane: Adds wave clear and applies on-hit effects to multiple targets.
Situational Items:
Wit's End: Provides magic resist and on-hit magic damage.
Blade of the Ruined King: Great for lifestyle and percent max health damage.
Guardian Angel: Offers a revive, which can be crucial in late-game team fights.
Maw of Malmortius: For survival against burst magic damage.
Playstyle and Tips
Early Game:
Focus on farming and avoid unnecessary skirmishes.
Use W to poke and trade favorably due to its increased range.
Position safely and use E to slow enemies if they engage.
Mid Game:
Stick with your team and contribute to objectives like Dragon and Rift Herald.
Utilize R for long-range pokes and finishing off fleeing enemies.
Q can be used to shred enemy resistance before team fights.
Late Game:
Positioning is key; stay behind your frontline and use your extended range to deal damage safely.
Use W to melt tanks and high-health targets.
Combine E and R for kiting and finishing off low-health enemies.
Combos and Tips
Standard Combo:
Activate W for extended range.
Use Q to reduce the target’s resistance.
Follow with E to slow the enemy.
Use basic attacks enhanced by W.
Finish with R if the enemy is low on health or fleeing.
Kiting Combo:
Use E to slow pursuing enemies.
Activate W for increased range and damage.
Move between each auto-attack to maintain distance.
Team Composition Synergies
Engage Comps:
Pair Kog'Maw with supports like Leona or Thresh who can lock down enemies, allowing Kog'Maw to safely deal damage.
Peel Comps:
Supports like Lulu or Janna excel in protecting Kog'Maw, providing shields, and disengaging threats.
Poke Comps:
Champions like Ziggs or Jayce can soften enemies before Kog'Maw engages with his long-range artillery.
Facing Draven with Kog'Maw: Strategy and Techniques
Early Game (Laning Phase)
Positioning and Farming:
Draven excels in the early game with his high damage and aggressive playstyle. Focus on safe farming and avoid extended trades.
Use Kog'Maw's W (Bio-Arcane Barrage) to last-hit minions from a distance and to poke Draven when he goes for his axes.
Trading and Harassment:
Harass Draven with Q (Caustic Spittle) to reduce his defenses and follow up with autos enhanced by W.
Keep your distance and use E (Void Ooze) to slow Draven if he tries to engage.
Wave Management:
Keep the wave closer to your turret to minimize Draven's ability to trade aggressively.
Call for jungle assistance if Draven and his support overextend.
Mid Game
Positioning and Objectives:
Stick with your team and focus on securing objectives like Dragon and Rift Herald.
Use your range advantage with W to poke enemies from a safe distance during sieges and skirmishes.
Team Fights:
Position yourself at the backline and use E to slow approaching threats.
Focus on dealing sustained damage with W and use R (Living Artillery) to finish off low-health targets or provide vision.
Late Game
Team Fight Presence:
Positioning is critical; stay behind your tanks and peelers.
Use W to maximize your damage output on the frontline or high-priority targets.
Peeling and Survival:
Use Q and E to deter assassins and divers from reaching you.
Coordinate with your team to ensure you have protection and can freely deal damage.
Handling Draven in Team Fights
Draven's burst damage and snowball potential make him a primary target. Focus on:
Avoiding confrontation unless you have a significant backup or a numbers advantage.
Kiting effectively: Use E to slow Draven and maintain distance while using W for long-range damage.
Utilizing your team: Leverage CC from your support or jungle to lock down Draven, allowing you to safely deal damage.
Why Kog'Maw is a Popular and Suitable Champion
Damage Potential:
Kog'Maw’s W (Bio-Arcane Barrage) allows him to deal significant mixed damage, shredding through tanks and squishies alike.
His late-game scaling makes him a formidable hyper-carry. However, when some players choose to explore further and become familiar with a certain hero, some players will choose cheap lol accounts.
Range and Poke:
W provides exceptional range, allowing Kog'Maw to attack from a safe distance.
R (Living Artillery) offers long-range poke and can reveal enemies, adding utility.
Playstyle:
Kog'Maw's playstyle revolves around positioning and sustained damage, making him rewarding for players who excel in strategic gameplay and positioning.
The challenge of maintaining optimal positioning while dealing maximum damage offers a satisfying learning curve.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
High Damage Output: Both sustained and burst damage through W and R.
Range: Extended attack range with W allows for safer damage dealing.
Scaling: Excellent late-game carry potential.
Weaknesses:
Mobility: Very low mobility makes him vulnerable to dives and assassins.
Squishiness: High susceptibility to burst damage and crowd control.
Reliance on Team: Requires good team coordination and protection to reach its full potential.
Practical Tips and Techniques
Maximize W Usage: Use W to keep enemies at bay and deal significant damage from a safe distance.
Utilize E for Peel: E is crucial for slowing down threats and kiting effectively.
Map Awareness: Keep an eye on enemy positions and avoid overextending without vision.
Positioning: Always position yourself behind your tanks and supports during team fights.
Conclusion
Kog'Maw’s unique playstyle, centered around high sustained damage and strategic positioning, makes him an exciting and rewarding champion for players who enjoy a challenging yet potent ADC. His strengths in damage output and range can turn the tide of battles when played correctly. However, his vulnerabilities require careful positioning and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of map awareness and coordination. By mastering Kog'Maw’s abilities and understanding his role in various phases of the game, players can effectively leverage their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses, making him a powerful addition to any team composition.
