Evaluating AD Udyr: Is He Still a Good Pick?
Evaluating AD Udyr: Is He Still a Good Pick?
Udyr is currently experiencing a notable increase in play, especially around the 20 to 30-minute mark in games, when he tends to start dominating opponents. His ability to steamroll enemies makes him difficult to kite, suggesting that he can still be a powerful pick in the current meta.
Viability and Build Diversification
The viability of AD Udyr relies heavily on the build and playstyle you choose. While some players favor a full AD build with items like Blade of the Ruined King, others prefer tanky builds with items such as Black Cleaver and Warmog’s. This versatility allows different strategies depending on the team composition and game situation.
With the right runes and itemization, Udyr can achieve a competitive win rate. Runes like Conqueror can enhance his damage output in combat, allowing him to be effective in both tank and damage roles, thus maintaining his relevancy in the current game meta.
Overall, your goal with AD Udyr is to gain the necessary lead to duel anyone in the game. As the champion is mechanically easier than some other champs, knowing your macro gameplay is the key to winning. You have mobility and dueling power—thus your goal should be creating situations that benefit you.
Combat and Team Fight Considerations
AD Udyr is not a great teamfighter as his damage is mostly single-targeted. In a 5v5, your best bet is bursting someone down and peeling for your damage dealer. If you do not go for a tankier build, you will be punished much harder if you get caught. Build versatility is a huge advantage for Udyr, so build accordingly.
Counter jungling is important if you are against a champion that is weak early and is reliant on farming. You need to keep ahead to win, especially against champions like Karthus, Fiddlesticks, and Evelynn.
Performance and Item Recommendations
Udyr is no more broken but perfectly viable. He is good because, if you know his kit, you can go with different builds—tank AP (safe choice) or burst AD depending on the enemy comp. Tank Udyr is extremely reliable and can be played to the highest ranks on your server. If you are learning Udyr, I recommend starting with this version. Keep in mind, with tank Udyr, you can still carry!
Udyr is one of the fastest power clear junglers, with his Tiger Stance providing good single-target damage and Phoenix Stance offering area-of-effect damage. This effort in rapid clearing re-establishes Udyr in the jungle, resulting in pan-ganks and objective control for objectives like Dragons and Rift Heralds.
The best items for AD Udyr are Trinity/Stridebreaker into Sterak’s. This core build is extremely consistent, provides lots of damage, and the HP you gain makes you survivable in fights.
Strengths of AD Udyr: How Does He Perform Solo and in Teams?
Strengths of AD Udyr:
Udyr has a very strong early game if played correctly. He is capable of 1v9ing games given the correct environment. Additionally, he is incredibly versatile and adaptable, performing well against tankier melee champions, which are common in Top Lane. His gameplay revolves around knowing limits and understanding the overall match dynamics, which can be challenging for beginners.
In terms of solo performance, AD Udyr is good for split pushing. This aspect allows him to do his own thing, making it easier to carry bad teammates.
On the other hand, when it comes to team performance, Udyr is equally capable of Teamfighting, especially when maxing Wingborne Storm. He is very good at making space with his slowing field and can peel effectively with this ability, as well as his Blazing Stampede. His Awakened Stances are incredibly helpful, providing bonuses such as increased attack speed, shields, and extra damage in teamfights.
Moreover, his Awakened Stance is extremely useful for soaking up a large amount of damage at all stages of the game. Pairing this with Spirit Visage makes him incredibly hard to kill. It is important not to neglect using this ability when trading against high-damage early game bullies. The damage he can soak while using this stance can often outheal the damage dealt to him, resulting in a positive trade.
In summary, while AD Udyr excels in solo play through split pushing, he is also a formidable presence in teamfights when built correctly.
Comparing Builds: When to Choose AD vs. AP Udyr?
Comparing Builds: When to Choose AD vs. AP Udyr
When choosing between AD and AP Udyr, consider the following:
- AD Udyr:
- Good for split pushing.
- Allows for carrying bad teammates.
- Historically perceived to carry better as it benefits from higher damage output.
- AP Udyr:
- Better suited for teamfights.
- Ideal if you expect a higher caliber of teammates.
- Some players feel that AD Udyr outperforms AP in later stages due to higher damage.
Ultimately, both builds offer distinct playstyles and suitability based on team dynamics. The choice largely depends on the team composition and the state of the game.
Recommended Udyr Jungle Build:
- Summoner Spells: Flash and Smite.
- Runes:
- Primary: Conqueror (Keystone), Triumph, Legend: Haste, Last Stand.
- Secondary: Approach Velocity, Magical Footwear.
- Rune Shards:
- Adaptive Force (Offense).
- Adaptive Force (Flex).
- Health Scaling (Defense).
It’s important to adjust your rune shards based on your matchup, opting for Armor or Magic Resist as necessary.
Item Build:
- Liandry’s Torment
- Boots of Swiftness
- Unending Despair
- Spirit Visage
- Jak’Sho, The Protean
- Thornmail
Skill Order: Follow W – E – Q.
This build currently boasts a 53.4% winrate over 758 matches played.
Remember, depending on the context of your game, it’s crucial to consider building some situational items and adjusting your runes to best match the teams you’re facing.
User Experiences: What Are Players Saying About AD Udyr’s Viability?
Player Feedback on AD Udyr’s Viability
Overall Impressions:
- PATCH 14.19 BROKE AD UDYR. It is S+ tier for solo queue now. If you’re struggling with “bad teammates,” look no further for a new champ to main.
- AD Udyr is meant to be fun. If you can’t pull it off, there are dozens of AP tank guides out there if you want to try learning the ropes first with an easier playstyle. Once you’ve got the basics down, I highly encourage you to come back and try AD again.
Strengths of AD Udyr:
- Udyr is not a carry champ; he’s in the league above that. He is arguably one of the best champions for climbing with.
- You have the ability to farm faster than anyone, take objectives quicker than any other jungler, one shot the enemy midlaner/adc, and scale into a super split push monster.
- You can solo baron and win most 1v1s at every stage of the game.
- AD Udyr with Bork and Sunderer can kill a fed Aatrox with just four autos; the playstyle is definitely still viable.
- Now, AD Udyr with the mini buffs and these builds feels playable. Bork and Divine will literally let Q hit for 60-70% health damage.
Teamfight Potential:
- A lot of people think AD Udyr can’t teamfight; I honestly believe this to be a common misconception.
- With AD Udyr, you can either peel your adc by one-shotting the enemy player that tries to engage or you can be the engage by flash one-shotting a carry.
Challenges:
- Playing Udyr can be incredibly challenging, as he has the ability to evade basic attacks and swiftly eliminate you within the brief duration of his E, which lasts for 2.5 seconds.
- Your sole recourse against him is to bide your time until he expends his E and then commit fully, strategically coordinating with your team.
Personal Experience:
- I discovered the fun in playing Udyr at the end of season 10 since I found a build that allowed me to enjoy him. My points on him are over 1,450,000.
Udyr’s Gameplay: Tips and Tricks for Maximizing His Potential
Udyr’s gameplay revolves around sustaining through fights while unleashing his combos.
He thrives when using the Conqueror rune, as it complements his playstyle effectively. Be sure to have your awakened E ready to dodge heavy crowd control when ganking or in teamfights.
Utilizing your awakened abilities in the right scenarios can be a game changer.
In the early game, Udyr performs well in most matchups because opponents typically lack enough damage to kill him. Ensure you take what you came for and retreat. Achieving Demonic Embrace is crucial as it represents your first significant power spike, boosting your strength considerably.
Shadow your lanes whenever possible since your 2v2s and 3v3s are powerful, enabling you to gain advantages over the enemy.
If you find yourself unable to rely on teammates, charge at the enemy carry solo with your Empowered E. Udyr’s innate tankiness allows you to assist your carries in taking down objectives like Baron, but exercise caution to avoid enemy team collapses.
Udyr is a champion with a versatile build potential. I’ve experimented with Tank, AP, and Hybrid Udyr builds, yet felt compelled to create a comprehensive guide focused on AD Udyr in the current meta. This choice provides a robust balance of carry capability and team utility.
One fascinating aspect of Udyr is his flexible kit. Unlike champions bound by ultimates and longer cooldowns, Udyr can select the appropriate stance as needed. This guide aims to maximize the effectiveness of Udyr’s abilities, concentrating on AD Udyr.
Starting fights in Q stance while in melee range can yield necessary burst damage for an early advantage. The Damage Over Time (DOT) from Tiger Stance helps you secure kills and dominate in 1v1 situations. Generally, awakening your Q stance should be your go-to choice in 99% of cases, especially when additional damage is critical to taking down tougher opponents or securing objectives.
Turtle Stance serves purposes beyond awakening. Use it strategically to absorb burst damage or heal during jungling encounters. When anticipating incoming burst or unavoidable crowd control, switching to W is vital. If it’s challenging to reach melee range, initiate with E for an immediate speed burst and a stunning auto-attack. Once within range, switch back to Q to maximize your damage output.
As a closing note, Udyr excels at disrupting enemies. Run down opponents while tanking their front line, and withdraw if necessary, always prepared with your awakened abilities to exploit the current scenario for maximum impact.
