Ivern, the Green Father, is a unique champion in League of Legends. He's not about raw damage or aggressive plays early on; his strength lies in his unique abilities to control the jungle, provide vision, and subtly support your laners. Mastering Ivern early game is all about understanding these strengths and using them effectively. This guide will teach you how to dominate the early game as Ivern and set yourself up for a victorious late game.
Understanding Ivern's Early Game Strengths
Ivern's early game isn't about racking up kills. Instead, focus on these key aspects:
1. Efficient Jungle Clear:
- Daisy's help: Ivern's passive and Daisy significantly speed up his jungle clear. Learn the optimal pathing to maximize your time and minimize damage taken. Prioritize camps that offer the best mana and health regeneration. Don't be afraid to use your abilities to secure quicker clears, especially on stronger camps like Wolves or Raptors.
2. Vision Control:
- Strategic brush placement: Ivern's ultimate ability, Dance of the Dawnfather, can place brush almost anywhere on the map (within range). Use this strategically to create vision wards in crucial areas like enemy jungle entrances, river bushes, or near your laners. This provides crucial information about enemy movements and allows for proactive plays.
3. Subtle Support:
- Early game shields and heals: Ivern's abilities, especially Shield of the Elderwood, offer substantial protection in the early stages. Use them proactively on vulnerable allies, helping them to survive ganks and maintain lane pressure.
Mastering Ivern's Early Game Gameplay
Here's a step-by-step approach to successfully navigating the early game as Ivern:
1. Level 1-3: The Preparation Phase
- Starting Item: Generally, Ivern starts with a Refillable Potion and a Stealth Ward. The potion helps sustain your early clear, while the ward allows for early vision control.
- Jungle Route Optimization: Choose a jungle route that minimizes travel time and allows for efficient clearing while setting up for your first gank opportunity.
- Understanding Camp Prioritization: Learn to quickly clear weaker camps first, preserving your health to handle stronger ones.
2. Level 4-6: Ganking & Support
- Successful Ganks: By level 6, you'll have access to your ultimate, providing vision control and increasing your ganking potential. Successful ganks with Ivern aren't about flashy plays; instead, focus on creating opportunities for your laners by using your ultimate to create a vision advantage or your shield to protect them during the engagement.
- Support your Allies: Don't be afraid to use your abilities on allies who are engaged in a fight or under pressure. Ivern's kit provides powerful support; utilize it effectively.
3. Beyond Level 6: Scaling and Influence
- Maintaining Vision: Continue placing brush strategically around the map. This will provide vital information for your team and put pressure on the enemy team.
- Teamfighting Prep: As the game progresses, Ivern's role shifts slightly. While he is not a primary damage dealer, he still plays a significant part in team fights by shielding allies and using his ultimate for vision and utility.
Advanced Tips and Tricks for Ivern Early Game
- Learn enemy jungler paths: Anticipating the enemy jungler's movements will allow you to counter jungle effectively and secure objectives.
- Utilize the brush: Don't just place brush; use it to your advantage for ganks, escapes, or ambushes.
- Communicate with your team: Let your team know where you are placing brush and when you are planning to gank. Coordination is key to successful early game plays.
By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can master Ivern's early game and set yourself up for a dominating performance in League of Legends. Remember, patience and strategic play are key to success with this unique champion.
