The big goal of Patch 8.4 is to add early item options that will make AP itemization less stale, because right now, most mages have a set 2-3 core item build path regardless of the game: Morellonomicon into Liandry’s for most mages, or Tear into Rod of Ages or Abyssal Mask for the heavy mana users like Ryze or Cassiopeia.
The secondary problem we had is that AP items are extremely overloaded. Morellonomicon is a purchase for almost every mage because it grants extremely important Ability Power, Cooldown Reduction and Mana, but on top of it it has a mana restoration passive AND Grievous wounds. Haunting Guise is meant to amplifying damage with its flat penetration, but the burn on Liandry’s is good for consistent damage dealers and against tanks.
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