Runeterra, developed by Riot Games, is a popular digital collectible card game that has garnered significant attention, thanks to the success of its predecessor, League of Legends. In Runeterra, players engage in collecting cards and constructing decks to compete against other players. With over 1000 unique cards and various factions to choose from, deck building can be an intimidating endeavor for newcomers. This guide aims to elucidate the fundamentals of deck building and provide you with valuable tips to create a victorious deck of your own.
Understanding Card Types
To embark on our deck-building journey, let’s familiarize ourselves with the different card types in Runeterra. There are four main types: followers, spells, landmarks, and champions. Followers are minions that can be deployed onto the board to attack the enemy Nexus. Spells are potent, one-time-use effects that can inflict damage on foes or bolster allies. Landmarks are cards that persist on the board and yield ongoing effects. Lastly, champions are unique cards with formidable abilities that can sway the tide of a game.
Foundations of Deck Building
The initial step in deck building is selecting a faction. Runeterra currently boasts seven distinct factions, each with its own playstyle and strengths. These factions include Demacia, Freljord, Ionia, Noxus, Piltover & Zaun, Shadow Isles, and Bilgewater. Once you have chosen a faction, you can commence crafting your deck.
Maintaining a balanced distribution of card types is paramount when constructing a deck. An optimal deck should encompass a harmonious blend of followers, spells, landmarks, and champions. As a general guideline, consider including approximately 20-25 followers, 5-10 spells, 3-5 landmarks, and 6 champions in your deck.
The mana curve represents another crucial factor in deck building. It delineates the distribution of cards across different mana costs. A well-constructed mana curve ensures that you possess playable cards at every stage of the game. It is advisable to include a few low-cost cards for early-game maneuvers, several mid-cost cards for the mid-game, and a handful of high-cost cards for late-game dominance.
Synergy serves as a vital component in deck building. Synergy revolves around the interaction between cards within your deck. For instance, if you possess a card that bolsters all your minions, it may be prudent to include more minions in your deck to capitalize on that buff. When constructing your deck, seek out cards that synergize well together and endeavor to incorporate as many synergistic elements as possible.
Tips for Crafting a Triumphant Deck
Now that you grasp the fundamentals of deck building, let’s delve into some tips to aid you in constructing a winning deck.
Embrace card variety: A well-rounded deck should encompass a mix of followers, spells, landmarks, and champions to keep your opponent guessing.
Consider the meta: Familiarize yourself with the prevailing trends and popular decks within the game’s meta. Look for ways to counter these popular decks and include cards that synergize well against them.
Embrace experimentation: Deck building is a creative process, and there isn’t a single “correct” way to construct a deck. Don’t shy away from trying out new cards and strategies to discover what works best for you.
Playtest your deck: Once you’ve assembled your deck, it’s crucial to playtest it. Engage in several matches with your deck and make necessary adjustments based on your observations.
Enjoy the journey: Above all, remember that Runeterra is a game, and the primary objective is to have fun. Avoid becoming overly fixated on winning or losing and relish the process of constructing and piloting your deck.
Conclusion
Deck building stands as a vital aspect of Runeterra, and with practice and patience, you can create a triumphant deck. Bear in mind the fundamental principles of deck building, such as balancing card types, considering the mana curve, and embracing synergies. Utilize these tips to construct a deck that offers both enjoyment and efficacy. Most importantly, have fun! Experiment with different cards and strategies, and relish the process of constructing and playing your deck. With time and dedication, you can evolve into a masterful deck builder in Runeterra. Best of luck!