Erlang Shen Builds for Joust and Solo Pls.

I'm new to the game and trying to learn Erlang Shen. I've looked up builds but a lot of them don't include ANY defensive items, which doesn't really suit my playstyle. If you guys could suggest some builds for, and maybe tell me why you use that build, and certain items it would be very helpful. Thanks!

Hi Saiyan,

Welcome! Hope you're enjoying the game!

Like many Warriors, I feel Erlang Shen is best built as a bruiser (both offensive and defensive items) instead of pure damage. Part of the reason is because he's mainly a basic attacker (rather than relying on abilities for his main damage output), so to have any effect in a fight, he'll have to get up close, where he's much more likely to take damage.

Since you're new, I won't assume anything about your general knowledge, so I only state everything to be thorough.

We'll start on the core offense items. These generally include Qin's Sais and a high penetration-type item (e.g. The Executioner or Titan's Bane).

Offensive / Hybrid Items

Many gods have different basic attack progressions...meaning if you continue their basic attack chain, they'll have different attacks that happen at different speeds. For Erlang Shen, his progression is 0.75 /0.75 / 0.75 / 1.1 / 0.9. This may or may not mean anything to you, so I'll just say that the values below 1 mean that they hit more quickly (but also do less damage) than the average would. The reason Qin's Sais is core is because the added damage from its passive effect is the same whether the attack is quick and less damaging, or slow and more damaging. So he's got 3 attacks that are quite quick, and you'll get a ton of effect out of Qin's.

The other key item for any damage build is penetration. There are various items that provide some flat pen, but the ones that usually have the most effect across all types of enemies are the ones that provide % pen. If you aren't familiar with the mechanics of penetration, check out my guide here: https://www.smitefire.com/smite/guide/an-in-depth-discussion-on-item-choices-14522 (under the penetration/protection reduction chapter).

The Executioner provides % protection reduction along with attack speed, so is perfect for most basic attackers, as they usually want high attack speed. If you decide you'll get attack speed from other sources, Titan's Bane can also be a great choice for different reasons (again, refer to the linked guide for an in-depth explanation).

There are also some hybrid/utility offensive items that can work really well for Erlang.

• Lifesteal items can help him maintain health in an elongated fight (usually Bloodforge or Asi are used).
  
  
• In many cases, people really like to get Frostbound Hammer. Its passive (activates on basic attacks) slows the enemy, allowing Erlang to stay closer to the enemy god, and it also has some defensive function, as it provides a good amount of health.
  
  
• Items that provide both protection AND offense (via power or penetration) can work well. These include things like Shifter's Shield, Void Shield, Stone Cutting Sword, and Runic Shield.

I would probably suggest against Hastened Fatalis...its passive effect is great, but Erlang has it built into his kit, via the Mink form in 72 Transformations ES.


Defensive Items

Building at least 1 or 2 defensive items can really help Erlang's survival in a 1 v 1 battle or a teamfight. There are various options, as I'm sure you know, so you're mainly asking "which are the best ones for him?"

Everything is very situational. Maybe others can also add to this, advise if I'm incorrect, or whatever, but here's my general take.

In a Solo/Conquest situation, depends on your lane enemy, with secondary consideration to the Jungler, who may also look to pressure your lane or attempt a gank if you're vulnerable. So first things to consider are:

• Is my lane enemy magical or physical? Is the enemy Jungler magical or physical?
  
  If both lane enemy and enemy Jungler are physical, for example, it should be pretty easy to just choose a physical protection item early to counter their damage. If the lane enemy is magical but the Jungler is physical and they're hanging around a lot, you might consider an item that provides both magical and physical protections.
  
  
• Is my lane enemy a basic attacker (like Erlang, Osiris), or are they ability-reliant (most magical enemies, many other Warriors)?
  
  If you're fighting a basic attacker, you might consider items that counter that aspect, at least somewhere down the line. Slowing their attacks via Witchblade or Midgardian Mail, or reflecting some of their damage via Hide of the Nemean Lion, can be really helpful.

Of course, if you're new to the game, it can be extremely difficult to know these things...time, practice, and study will get you up to speed.

In many cases, balanced protections may be the best choice. Good balanced choices may include Hide of the Urchin, Spirit Robe, and Mantle of Discord. Getting Urchin early (2nd item, after boots) can be helpful not only to mitigate damage against all enemies, but the added health & mana are nice. Since it provides protection against both damage types, it means you don't have to get 2 items, freeing you up to get an additional offensive item, if you like.

Anyway, this doesn't exactly provide a build, but the thing is, a build is always going to be situational, depending on the match, your team, and your opponent's team. Hopefully this gives you some ideas, at least.

Here's an example...not sure if it's solid as-is, or maybe needs an order adjustment:

Death's Toll, Warrior Tabi/ Ninja Tabi, Frostbound Hammer, Qin's Sais, Hide of the Urchin, The Executioner, Spirit Robe

Bran, please. You just wrote a full basic guide but without skills/combos. A normal-length post would be 1/4 that length, and even your signature long posts are usually 1/2 that length.

You need to get some help, Bran.

Agreed with Techno. How many days since you saw your children's face?

I think he needs some of my "professional" counseling

What kind of counseling?

Btw, you say that you are the law in your signature, but I don't see any mustache.

The good kind of counseling ;)

Here's my thick, beautiful mustache:


ITS BEAUTIFUL

I think I already saw you before... Nah, nevermind. It was a famous actor.

It's not all that long, is it?

Duo, any comments or suggestions for Erlang? Did I get anything wrong above?