Guan Yu: Missin' mah horse already

Hi there.

This'll be my first guide, devoted to my favourite god, Guan Yu. Do note, however, that the build described here revolves around gametypes like Assault and Arena. I have honestly no idea if it's any viable in Conquest.

Please don't hesitate to give me your opinions. The only thing I ask is to do it constructively.

Conviction: I tend to level this as a last resort. In Arena-type matches, get this ability at level 4, considering you'll want to take out the buffcamps as soon as possible, meaning you're better off leveling a damaging ability twice at level 3.

I would advise not to use this skill unless there is an ally around (for the 2 second cooldown reduction), or if you absolutely must use it to save yourself. Wasting your last bit of mana just to heal yourself will eliminate all other options, and we all know that kill hungry people will try to take advantage of that.

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Warrior's Will: While this skill may deal a considerable amount of damage and can close gaps quickly, try not to initiate with it. Your damage output will suffer, especially if you're only looking to close gaps without actually hitting the enemy god. With this Max CDR build you will want this skill to hit enemy gods to trigger another 2 second cooldown reduction.

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Taolu Assault:
This will be the first skill you use if you are within range of an enemy squishy. Keep in mind that it is easily countered by hard CC abilities, so try to strafe around as much as possible to make sure this skill will not be interrupted.

Also keep in mind that you can cancel this skill by right-clicking, which WILL come in handy every once in a while to pick off enemy gods who are about to use escaping abilities. If you see a Thor use his ultimate while you're in the middle of using Taolu's Assault you may be able to quickly finish him off by canceling the skill and switching over to Warrior's Will to maximise the damage and increasing the chances of securing the kill.

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Cavalry Charge This is probably one of my favourite skills in Smite. It will serve as a great initiation, gank, and even an escape. While usually escaping with an ultimate might not be such a good idea, with this max CDR build, it won't take too long until it's back up.

I personally use this skill mainly to initiate. Find yourself a squishy to chop up and stay with him as much as possible to maximise the damage. Getting the stun on this target will be your main priority. When the target is stunned, follow up with Taolu's Assault and Warrior's Will.

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NOTES:

When initiating, you will want to use your Cavalry Charge so that your target will be between yourself and the rest of your team. You will have a clear view of what the rest of your team is doing. Immediately follow up with Taolu Assault, and when things get messy you can use Warrior's Will to deal a last chunk of damage to your target while escaping in the direction of your team. This usually is enough to secure the kill on the squishy.

Ninja Tabi: You will start off with boots at the beginning of the match, and getting the cooldown reduction early in the game will save you or secure kills easier.

Jotunn's Wrath: This will quickly maximise your CDR, and provide you with mana and physical penetration. Keep in mind that if you buy this as a second item you will be considerably squishy, but considering your pressure quick juking/escaping abilities I like to take the risk.

Frostbound Amulet: Now this is an item I haven't seen on any Guan Yu build before, and I honestly wonder why. It will help you keep people in range of your Cavalry Charge, make sure people don't outrun your Taolu Assault and the extra health will provide you with that bit of survivability you will need near mid and lategame.

Focused Voidblade/ Runic Shield: Depending on who annoys you the most, get either of these items first for additional protections. Instead of a Focused Voidblade, if you want to support your fellow physical gods, a regular Voidblade isn't bad either.

Soul Eater: Honestly the last item is something you can choose for yourself, but I choose Soul Eater for the occasional lifesteal and especially the health. The lifesteal isn't really all that important because you'll rely more on your skills than basic attacks, but it may very well save your life in certain situations.