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Loki - The Backstabbing Bastard (S7, All Modes, Patch 7.1, "Season 7")

95 18 1,233,101
7.6
by Branmuffin17 updated February 12, 2020

Smite God: Loki

Build Guide Discussion 105 More Guides
Choose a Build: Conquest Solo-Lane Trans Build
Conquest Solo-Lane Trans Build Teamfight Modes / No-Trans Build
Tap Mouse over an item or ability icon for detailed info

Loki Build

Conquest Solo-Lane (Full Build Example, Last 2 Items Situational)

Notes Standard Loki build, concentrating on power, penetration, and CDR.

Jotunn's Wrath and Hydra's Lament are interchangeable, depending on your preference.
5th, 6th, and 7th items are situational.

Notes

Standard Loki build, concentrating on power, penetration, and CDR.

Jotunn's Wrath and Hydra's Lament are interchangeable, depending on your preference.

5th, 6th, and 7th items are situational.

Build Item Transcendence Transcendence
Build Item Warrior Tabi Warrior Tabi
Build Item Jotunn's Wrath Jotunn's Wrath
Build Item Hydra's Lament Hydra's Lament
Build Item Heartseeker Heartseeker
Build Item Bloodforge Bloodforge

Starting Items (Or Start Charged Morningstar + Potions)

Notes Starting Charged Morningstar will give you a nice head start on finishing Transcendence, which is a core item for this build.

Your early gameplay is mostly going to look to avoid fighting for now, with a strong focus on wave-clear and stalemating, so you shouldn't need too many early potions...spending less on them early means being able to get an earlier Trans online. However, get more potions if you feel the need.

Notes

Starting Charged Morningstar will give you a nice head start on finishing Transcendence, which is a core item for this build.

Your early gameplay is mostly going to look to avoid fighting for now, with a strong focus on wave-clear and stalemating, so you shouldn't need too many early potions...spending less on them early means being able to get an earlier Trans online. However, get more potions if you feel the need.

Build Item Charged Morningstar Charged Morningstar
Build Item Healing Potion Healing Potion
2
Build Item Mana Potion Mana Potion
2

Core Items

Notes Always build these 4 items, and I suggest it in this order.

Some prefer Hydra's Lament before Jotunn's Wrath, but Hydra's passive appreciates higher power/pen. Getting Jotunn's Wrath first gives a better base of power, higher early CDR, and some pen to get through early / inherent protections.

Notes

Always build these 4 items, and I suggest it in this order.

Some prefer Hydra's Lament before Jotunn's Wrath, but Hydra's passive appreciates higher power/pen. Getting Jotunn's Wrath first gives a better base of power, higher early CDR, and some pen to get through early / inherent protections.

Build Item Transcendence Transcendence
Build Item Warrior Tabi Warrior Tabi
Build Item Jotunn's Wrath Jotunn's Wrath
Build Item Hydra's Lament Hydra's Lament

Items #5 - 7 (Situational, Choose 3)

Notes Heartseeker provides all of the stats Loki loves, with the passive giving bonus damage.

Bloodforge's health shield can be helpful if you need to dive into a teamfight to attempt taking out a high DPS enemy squishy god, and want to come out alive.

Brawler's Beat Stick is great when facing enemy healing. Hopefully you can burst down a mage healer without the need for the anti-heal effect, but even if you can't burst down a Hercules, you can really hurt his sustain. In any case, the power and flat pen are very functional.

The Crusher is a solid hybrid offensive option, providing power, pen, some attack speed, and some ticking damage every time you land an ability.

Titan's Bane is an option if facing a tankier team, or even the squishies are building some protections. If you can't decide on anything else, this is probably the closest to a core item in this list.

Magi's Cloak is your extra get-out-of-jail item if facing a lot of hard CC and your Purification Beads are down.

Arondight is an option if you're doing well and want to continue the chase after you finish off an enemy with your ult.

Notes

Heartseeker provides all of the stats Loki loves, with the passive giving bonus damage.

Bloodforge's health shield can be helpful if you need to dive into a teamfight to attempt taking out a high DPS enemy squishy god, and want to come out alive.

Brawler's Beat Stick is great when facing enemy healing. Hopefully you can burst down a mage healer without the need for the anti-heal effect, but even if you can't burst down a Hercules, you can really hurt his sustain. In any case, the power and flat pen are very functional.

The Crusher is a solid hybrid offensive option, providing power, pen, some attack speed, and some ticking damage every time you land an ability.

Titan's Bane is an option if facing a tankier team, or even the squishies are building some protections. If you can't decide on anything else, this is probably the closest to a core item in this list.

Magi's Cloak is your extra get-out-of-jail item if facing a lot of hard CC and your Purification Beads are down.

Arondight is an option if you're doing well and want to continue the chase after you finish off an enemy with your ult.

Build Item Heartseeker Heartseeker
Build Item Bloodforge Bloodforge
Build Item Brawler's Beat Stick Brawler's Beat Stick
Build Item The Crusher The Crusher
Build Item Titan's Bane Titan's Bane
Build Item Magi's Cloak Magi's Cloak
Build Item Arondight Arondight

Relics To Consider

Notes Purification Beads and Aegis Amulet are your standard relic choices.

Belt of Frenzy is always a great option for quick objective takedown, and 10% increased damage is always nice.

Heavenly Wings isn't perhaps a normal choice, since he's got Vanish, but if you need that extra boost of speed and Vanish is either on CD or you want to save it, this will help. In a group setting, boosting teammates' speed can also help for chase or escape.

Notes

Purification Beads and Aegis Amulet are your standard relic choices.

Belt of Frenzy is always a great option for quick objective takedown, and 10% increased damage is always nice.

Heavenly Wings isn't perhaps a normal choice, since he's got Vanish, but if you need that extra boost of speed and Vanish is either on CD or you want to save it, this will help. In a group setting, boosting teammates' speed can also help for chase or escape.

Build Item Purification Beads Purification Beads
Build Item Aegis Amulet Aegis Amulet
Build Item Belt of Frenzy Belt of Frenzy
Build Item Heavenly Wings Heavenly Wings

Loki's Skill Order

Vanish

1 X Y
Vanish
2 14 15 16 18

Agonizing Visions

2 A B
Agonizing Visions
1 3 6 7 19

Flurry Strike

3 B A
Flurry Strike
4 8 10 11 12

Assassinate

4 Y X
Assassinate
5 9 13 17 20
Vanish
2 14 15 16 18

Vanish

1 X
Loki disappears in a puff of smoke. While invisible, he moves faster, removes Slow effects, and gains immunity to Slow effects. His next Basic Attack from stealth (or for 2s after) applies a bleed to his target, dealing damage every .5s and reveals Loki. If Loki takes damage while in stealth he will be revealed for .33s.

Ability Type: Melee Target
Damage per Tick: 30 / 45 / 60 / 75 / 90 (+20% of your Physical Power)
Maximum Damage: 120 / 180 / 240 / 300 / 360 (+80% of your Physical Power)
Damage Duration: 2s
Stealth Duration: 4s
Stealth Movement Speed: 35%
Cost: 70 / 75 / 80 / 85 / 90
Cooldown: 15s
Agonizing Visions
1 3 6 7 19

Agonizing Visions

2 A
Loki summons a vision of his tortured past at a target location for 4s. Enemies in range of the vision feel the poison themselves, taking damage and having their Damage Dealt reduced. This effect stacks up to 4 times. If an enemy gets 4 stacks they become Blinded, allowing Loki to benefit from Behind You! from any direction for 3s.

Ability Type: Circle
Damage: 13 / 18 / 23 / 28 / 33 (+15% of your Physical Power)
Enemy Damage Dealt: -5% for 2.5s
Vision Lifetime: 4s
Radius: 25
Cost: 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70
Cooldown: 12s
Flurry Strike
4 8 10 11 12

Flurry Strike

3 B
Loki unleashes a flurry of 5 dagger strikes quickly in front of him, damaging and slowing enemies hit by 15% for 3 seconds. After this flurry he winds up for a final heavy strike that deals higher damage and slowing enemies hit by 30% for 3s. Loki cannot be knocked up while firing this ability. This ability can benefit from Behind You!

Ability Type: Cone
Flurry Damage: 19 / 28 / 37 / 46 / 55 (+25% of your Physical Power)
Final Damage: 55 / 75 / 95 / 115 / 135 (+70% of your Physical Power)
Range: 20
Cost: 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70
Cooldown: 12s
Assassinate
5 9 13 17 20

Assassinate

4 Y
Upon activation, Loki teleports to his ground target location. If an enemy god is within the radius, Loki will slice that target doing damage and crippling them for 1s. After he teleports he will wind up a heavier strike, damaging all enemies in front of him and stunning them.

Ability Type: Teleport
Cripple Damage: 70 / 105 / 140 / 175 / 210 (+35% of your Physical Power)
Heavy Damage: 100 / 145 / 190 / 235 / 280 (+90% of your Physical Power)
Stun: 1s
Cost: 100
Cooldown: 90s

Introduction


Recent Updates:

2019/8/31: Guide is current as of Patch 7.1, "Season 7."

Revision History


Hello everyone! My name is Branmuffin17 (PC IGN: Muffinman17, PS4 IGN: Branmuffin17), and I'm a SMITEFire moderator and casual SMITE player on PC and PS4. Welcome to my first venture outside of my original project, The Overarching Assault Guide.

I'll assume you know the basic gist of gameplay in the various modes, so I won't be teaching or talking much about rotating, minions, tickets, etc., except in the direct context of Loki's gameplay. If you want details on general info, I invite you to check out my other guides:


The
Overarching
Conquest Guide
The
Overarching
Arena Guide

This is a work in progress, as it should be. I'm always open to new ideas and different approaches.



Art by SpiritAJ via DeviantArt


NOTE FOR CURRENT STATE OF LOKI: He is LOW VIABILITY in his current state. He is at a disadvantage in Conquest, though can still function reasonably well in non-Conquest modes.

(This does not mean you can't win or do well with him in a given match, but that his relative strength compared to the meta choices is considered weak, and he brings very little to a late-game teamfight.)

You have been warned.

Loki is a single-target, get-in & get-out kind of god, who employs his mobility, stealth, and high burst damage to overcome his adversaries. He is not viable in competitive play, but can be a blast to play in any casual mode, depending on team comp.


Aimed Strike ........... Strengths ........... Aimed Strike
+ High single-target damage
+ Cheap full build, quick to complete
+ Great escape capability
+ Controls minion wave
........ Weaknesses ........
- Very squishy
- No teamfight presence
- Has to get in close for max damage
- No sustained boxing capability


Loki is the only god in the entire game whose entire kit provides 100% or higher scaling from power. This build focuses on the most efficient way to get maximum damage for your abilities through high power and penetration. It is not meant for boxing and elongated fights. Let's get our hands bloody.

Abilities

Basic Attacks
0.75 / .5 / .5 / .5 / 1.5x damage and swing time

Discussion: Loki has a relatively quick attack progression, especially through his first 4 hits. The most impactful hit is the first, since his combos always employ attack canceling.

This progression could be beneficial, IF he was a basic attacking god. However, as a get-in-get-out god looking to deal burst damage, he's not going to build into items like Hastened Katana, The Executioner, or Qin's Sais...not to mention crit items.

Basic attack damage = [base damage (at X level) + physical power from items (not including enemy protections)] * progression. A hunter has no progression (or a constant 1). Where their damage will be relatively straightforward, Loki's first hit would only deal 75%. Crits are calculated from that value, which means where a hunter would crit for double the damage, Loki would only deal 1.5x. This is the main reason crits (and basic attack items in general) aren't suggested.
Passive:



Behind You!
Deal 20% bonus damage from basic attacks when hitting enemies from behind.

Discussion: You want to utilize this whenever possible, though this is easier said than done. Enemies will constantly be changing directions, so this works most commonly in the following situations:
  1. Against retreating enemies (easy bonus)
  2. Against minions, jungle camps, and the Arena Juggernaut (with the aid of Decoy or the attentions of teammates)
Skill #1:



Vanish
Loki disappears in a puff of smoke for up to 4s. While invisible, he gains 35% move speed, removes and gains immunity to slow effects. His next basic attack from stealth (or for 2s after) applies a bleed to his target, dealing damage every 0.5s for 2 seconds, and reveals Loki. CD 15 seconds.

Leveling Priority: You'll typically prioritize this 2nd (after Aimed Strike) for the bonus damage. If preferred, it can be prioritized before Aimed Strike as it deals higher damage after all ticks are applied.

General Use: Stealth Initiation / Escape / Slow Cleanse / Mobility & Chase

Discussion: This will generally be used in 1 of 3 ways:
  • Offense: Use when attacking for the bonus damage (also, use attack canceling for added Hydra's procs). Use when approaching an enemy to catch them unawares (try to hit them from behind for added damage).
  • Defense: Use as an escape option (especially if Purification Beads / Aegis Amulet is down).
  • Utility: If in a safe area, use this for the temporary speed boost it grants to move around the map more quickly. Use it to chase and pick off a lone enemy. Can also work to help you deploy a Decoy optimally while making yourself a difficult target to locate while doing so.
Tips: When using it as an escape, since the enemy cannot see you, use deception to help you get away. Depending on the situation, you may consider heading in the opposite direction of normal retreat, throwing them off your trail. Also, you can use it to get enemies to back off, if vanishing makes them think you're going to attack them.

Cautions: If you are hit with DoT (damage over time) abilities, they will allow enemies to see the numerical damage above your position when stealthed.

If you are close enough to the enemy, they can hear you when you trigger this ability, alerting them to your presence. If trying to sneak up to an enemy, try to use it as far away as possible.

If Loki enters an enemy structures's attack range while invisible, he'll be revealed...don't expect to be sneaky when entering tower range.

Use with awareness and discretion, as it is your main form of escape.
Skill #2:

Decoy

Decoy
Loki spawns a decoy that taunts all nearby enemy minions. After 3 seconds, it explodes, dealing damage to all enemies in a radius. CD 12 seconds.

Leveling Priority: Level this skill first for minion clear/control, but you can consider maxing it last.

General Use: Minion Clear & Control / Objective Distraction / Body Block

Discussion: This skill GREATLY improves Loki's utility. Instead of being a one-shot god, using this completely stops the standard minion wave in its tracks, helping you push forward when your team is doing well, or delay them from attacking your tower. Since it takes the attention of minions, you can use this to avoid minion damage to yourself, and help you attack them from behind for the Behind You! bonus damage.

In addition, you can drop this into range of objectives before minions or teammates attack, to absorb the first couple of hits.

Tips: Place it directly on the first of the back 3 (archer) minions to ensure hitting all 6 minions, as the melee minions will run back to attack it.

Has secondary, tricky function as a block. Place it between yourself and an attacking enemy to have it absorb directed attacks. Place it in front of an enemy to cause them to have to go around it...it isn't a large obstacle, but can slow them down.
Skill #3:

Aimed Strike

Aimed Strike
Upon activation, the next basic attack does additional damage, and the enemy is also slowed by 25% for 3s. CD 12-8 seconds.

Leveling Priority: You'll typically max this first for the burst damage potential (it's essential to use attack canceling with Hydra's procs).

General Use: Single Target Burst Damage

Discussion: This is your bread-and-butter damage ability. Strong single-target damage + a slow, and when Hydra's Star/ Hydra's Lament is built, its damage increase piggy-backs onto this. At 40% CDR at max rank, you can use this every 5 seconds!

Tips: When combining with your ult, you want to wait to activate this until AFTER you've ulted AND used 1 basic attack, to maximize Hydra's procs.

You can prime this ability, as the buff lasts for 5 seconds. At max CD and max rank, you can hit an enemy right before the buff wears off, then almost immediately re-trigger for additional damage.

Cautions: As with Vanish, triggering this ability gives an audible cue if enemies are close enough. If attempting to sneak up on an unsuspecting enemy, do not trigger.
Ultimate:



Assassinate
Teleport to your ground target location. If an enemy god is within the radius, backstab that target, doing damage and stunning them for 1 second. CD 90 seconds.

Leveling Priority: Level this whenever it is available.

General Use: Single Target Burst Damage / Escape

Discussion: When this ability is available, you'll mainly use this to initiate your damage combos. It allows you to instantly teleport short distances, relocating you directly behind the target and dealing damage.

Can also be used as a last-ditch escape attempt (and can get you outside/through a player-made barrier). This is obviously not optimal, so only use for this purpose if absolutely necessary.

Tips: The teleport aspect of this ability allows you to jump behind the enemy front-line to target the more dangerous (and squishier) enemies behind. Try to use it as such whenever possible.

Ability Combos



Here are the standard combos you can use for Loki, depending on the availability of your ult, Assassinate.

Assassinate is up

Assassinate is down

Conquest Solo-Lane Build & Discussion


Conquest Solo-Lane Trans Build & Discussion




This build works for Conquest Solo-Lane, and can also work for other gameplay modes, if the mana pool from Transcendence is desired. The first 4 items are core, while the last 2 are situational picks.


Conquest Solo-Lane Itemization


Conquest Gameplay


Warding

Mid Lane Warding

Teamfight Modes / No-Trans Build & Discussion


Teamfight Modes / No-Trans Build & Discussion




This build set presents an alternative to the standard Transcendence build (which can also absolutely work in these modes). It can work well in all teamfight modes, but you may find yourself short on mana if you don't supplement correctly.

Without Transcendence, extended stays in lane will need to be supplemented with a boosted mana source. If you can determine you can take the mana buff, you can just get a few Mana Potions. Otherwise, consider Chalice of Mana to start. 3 potions refilled every time you go out will definitely be helpful.

Keep the Chalice until you see the need for 2 consumable spots (e.g. Clash and Joust, where both Wards and Sentry Wards can be helpful).




Items #1-3 (Core Items)




Items #4-6 (Situational Picks)


Clash / Joust / Siege Gameplay


Suggest starting with 2 levels of Decoy (for waveclear) and 1 level of Vanish (needed for escape). Your main focus until you get your ult online should be waveclear. After getting your ult, look for damaged enemies you can quickly eliminate, but make sure you give yourself avenues of escape (e.g. don't dive into the midst of all 5 enemies to secure a kill, knowing it's basically a deathtrap).

Use Decoy liberally to push waves and force the enemy back. Otherwise, just as in any other mode, stay safe, and go for kills on vulnerable / damaged enemies.


Arena Gameplay


Throughout the match, remember that Loki isn't a team fighter, nor is he particularly adept at 1 v 1. You may feel a bit stupid or useless for mostly staying out of a big fight, but it's in your (and your team's) best interest. Counter your periods of ineffectiveness by watching the field, positioning yourself well, and helping gank a retreating, injured enemy to secure a kill or adding your damage at an opportune time in a bigger team fight.

Game Start & First Waves

Jungle Camps/Early Game:


Mid-Game

Leveling and Being Opportunistic


End-Game

Going all out

End of the Match

Arena Gameplay Videos



Here are some gameplay videos for your amusement. Although other gods have seen some major changes, Loki hasn't, and his gameplay elements are still applicable, even on older (S2) videos.

So Much CC (S2)

5 Hunters? Loki's Wet Dream (S2)

Loki v Loki Part 1 - The Tricky Menace (S2)

Loki v Loki Part 2 - The Attack of the Other Loki (S2)

Loki v Loki Part 3 - Revenge of the Loki (S2)

Caution Breeds Dominance (S2)

Pretty Okay (S4)

Some Of My Guides



If you liked this guide, check out my other ones below!


The Overarching Series


The
Overarching
Arena Guide

The
Overarching
Assault Guide

The
Overarching
Conquest Guide



Individual God Guides



Bacchus:
An Alcoholic's Chugging Guide

Freya:
Pulsing to
the Beat

Ganesha:
Selflessly
Gifting Kills

Shifu Guan Yu:
The Battle
Master

Loki: The Backstabbing Bastard

Medusa: Getting Everyone Stoned

Conclusion



So that's it! If you like what I've done and how I try to improve the guide, anyone is welcome to suggest a god for me to work on next.

Thanks for reading, and I appreciate any and all comments, suggestions, etc. Feel free to add me/invite me if you want to play!


Brandon / PC IGN: Muffinman17 / PS4 IGN: Branmuffin17

Credits



Thanks to the following people:

For general Arena knowledge and in-depth help with builds / calculations

For help with builds

For multiple suggestions for better presentation!

For aesthetic ideas and templates to make the guide prettier

Leave a Comment

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Collapse All Comments

1
tokarev | July 12, 2019 6:34am
Was wondering if anyone could tell me how Loki is now in the solo lane in conquest after the Nerf. Is he still viable to play anymore? or he just a troll pick now?

getting back into smite after a couple of months, so just want to know thanks!
1
Kriega1 (139) | July 12, 2019 6:35am
He's trash. Don't pick him. If you want a god for splitpushing pick Chronos. If you want to play an assassin you have multiple choices.
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | July 12, 2019 9:59am
I have a big ol' disclaimer in the guide, in large, bold, red print, that says he's low tier right now due to the S6 nerfs.

He's playable, but he's not a strong pick and his burst damage has been hurt significantly. You can still make him work depending on level of competition, enemy matchups, and how good you are with him.
1
Kriega1 (139) | June 13, 2019 3:33am
You still list mage’s blessing
2
Branmuffin17 (380) | June 13, 2019 10:10am
Dammit, I forgot. Fixed. Thanks for the reminder.
1
Kriega1 (139) | May 28, 2019 11:10am
Can test yourself but I think I saw that the highest structure dps Loki build right now is Trans, Warrior, Jotunns, hydras, crusher, beat stick. Considering his kit's nerfed state in regards to burst, and his abysmal early to mid game, you could consider a build like this to help with Loki's lone usefulness right now as a split-pusher.
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | May 28, 2019 11:12am
Makes sense, and probably a good idea in general.
1
Kriega1 (139) | May 28, 2019 9:34am
Me: "Does Mage's Blessing even proc on Loki's decoy?"

You: "It should, but I've honestly never checked."

You may want to check, especially considering that Decoy is a pet I believe.
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | May 28, 2019 10:19am
Decoy is a pet...I'll check tonight on proc if I remember.
1
Gulfwulf (81) | May 28, 2019 12:15pm
I tested it a bit in jungle practice and it doesn't look like it stacks.
1
Kriega1 (139) | May 22, 2019 11:33am
Add Blackthorn Hammer as an option for non-trans builds. Gives some survivability and good mana sustain plus that 10% CDR. I would rather have it on him than Soul Eater which doesen't make much sense.
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | May 22, 2019 11:47am
SE does make sense IMO, as it provides high power + CDR if the build is focusing on that and is building enough pen, such as seen in my example build. That said, SE is only an option, and the lifesteal aspect is a bit throwaway on him.

Never actually thought about Blackthorn Hammer on him, but that does make sense. Added as an option. Thanks for the suggestion.
1
Kriega1 (139) | May 22, 2019 12:04pm
Also im not sure how good Runeforged Hammer is on him.
Load more comments (2 more replies) →
-1
ninja_assasin | February 18, 2019 11:30pm
people should be buying trans, boots, HYDRAS, then jotunns. hydras being the big hitter and i would say the main source of damage, i insist on getting it as soon as possible. the extra 10% cdr and 10 pen is tempting but the passive of hydras is so much more useful early game (plus its cheaper). i even perfer getting crusher before jotunns, because of Loki's high possibility of ghost autos. i find my self landing my basics better when getting crushers. lastly and most importantly please do yours self a favor and max your 1 first not your 3, idk if your 1 procs hydras (never really took the time to check) but your 1 does the most damage early game. watch the pro player weak3n play loki, in his latest videos of him playing loki he explains why maxing the 1 first is better. ever since i started maxing my one first i noticed a drastic change in my success rate, im able to get 3-5 kills with in the first 10 minutes of the game.
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | February 19, 2019 1:54am
I do mention in my notes for the core items that some prefer Hydra's first. You can absolutely get that first if you insist.

I'll consider prioritizing Vanish earlier (here's the video, and note that it was from Season 5), and yes, Hydra's is a core part of his kit and a main part of his burst potential. I do want to make some points though, which you may or may not agree with...
  • Vanish absolutely has higher damage potential in a single strike. The only thing about leveling this skill, though, is damage increase. Aimed Strike not only increases damage (yes, it's significantly lower), but it has a significantly lower cooldown, and the CD decreases with each level. Combine that with getting Jotunn's first, and the 30% CDR between that and Trans means Aimed has a 6.3 second CD.

  • I personally don't always use Vanish for the damage in an initiation or in the middle of a fight. I often prefer to save it just in case I need to escape, or in a chase situation to secure a kill. I thus might not always see the benefit of prioritizing Vanish. On the flipside, I will ALWAYS use Aimed Strike in any engagement.

  • Not sure how much you use this strat, but something to consider. You'll never get Vanish off 2 times in a single engagement (unless that engagement is overly long). With the 30% CDR before Hydra's gets you to 40% in my normal build progression, you can get 2 activations of Aimed off in a couple of seconds, if you activate it a few seconds before starting a fight. Even if you're not all that prepared, you'll get 2 off in 6-7 seconds. Vanish? 10+ before Hydra's, or as you build Hydra's first, if you don't have Jotunn's yet, 12 seconds.

  • Side note: we can note that in Weak3n's video that you referenced, he also got Jotunn's Wrath before Hydra's Lament. He also didn't get Trans until late, which is also something you can do. (also, read the comments below the video...other people are pointing out some reasons why leveling Aimed first can be beneficial...lots of discussion on that)

  • Jotunn's before Hydra's does give you some other advantages. It has 10 flat pen, which means base damage of abilities, as well as basics when not getting the Hydra's proc, will be higher. (Also, Hydra's 50% higher damage isn't actually 50%...it's 50% BEFORE mitigations, so more pen makes that more effective) 10% higher CDR means more utility, whether it being your ult up more quickly in case you can use it right as it comes off CD (I admit, not always the case), as well as obviously generally lower CD on everything else.

  • Note the S6 nerf. The 25% reduction in his damage output on the first hit will apply to the Hydra's proc as well. That bonus damage from Hydra's is NOT going to be the 50% as it reads. It's only going to be a 37.5% increase (before mitigations, which will further reduce it). Want some simple calcs? Here. For ease of consideration, base 100 damage. Hydra's proc would make it 150. In S6 6.1, that base 100 damage would now be 75. Hydra's proc (0.5 * 75) = 112.5, or a bonus of 37.5%. Yes, it's still bonus damage, and yes, he needs the bonus damage especially due to the nerf, but it's not doing as much for you as it used to. Jotunn's absolutely provides some benefits that Hydra's does not.
Your points are good, but they're also one-dimensional. I'm not saying your direction is bad, and obviously you can absolutely benefit from prioritizing Vanish and Hydra's Lament, but to me, the consideration isn't as simple as you paint it. I do appreciate the comments! I'm not convinced to fully change my leveling priority, but I don't mind adding some further discussion on it and giving readers the option to do so with reasoning. I'll make that adjustment soon.
1
Kriega1 (139) | February 11, 2019 3:57pm
RIP Loki
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | February 11, 2019 4:28pm
Oh well.

Still trying to provide some direction for those that do choose to play him.

In all honesty, I expect HR to make small buff adjustments to his kit so he doesn't just fall off the face of Asgard.

Also, in my non-Conquest builds, I offered a slightly funky basic attack oriented build to try to take advantage of his 4 quick-progression abilities that I'm sure you're going to love. XD
1
Kriega1 (139) | February 11, 2019 4:36pm
The first hit of his chain still has the same time to auto-attack, it just had it's damage reduced.

No I don't love the build. Might want to rename it "100% LETA build".
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1
Kriega1 (139) | January 16, 2019 11:22am
Does Mage's Blessing even proc on Loki's decoy?
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | January 16, 2019 12:10pm
It should, but I've honestly never checked.
1
DV-8 (30) | August 31, 2018 1:15pm
Hey, Bran.

For ability combos, you don't inlcude Decoy at all.

I haven't seen any guides detailing this yet, so I could be wrong, but I like to include it in my combos.

What I've found is that dropping it on the enemy before using Assassinate's stun can usually keep them in the radius long enough for the damage to apply (it's at least worth a try most times). Additionally, it can be used as a body block tool when chasing or escaping, or as a defensive tool for absorbing basic attacks and abilities.

What are your thoughts on this?
1
Kriega1 (139) | September 1, 2018 6:01am
You could use it for that purpose or for body-blocking but you can also use to AA-cancel with Loki (not sure if it procs hydra's though).
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | August 31, 2018 1:46pm
Yes, I probably should include that one a bit more clearly. Note in the "assassinate is up" combo titled "Pre-Meditated Murder," I say this:

An additional option is to pop your Decoy directly on your target immediately before you ult. The stun from Assassinate and the slow from Aimed Strike will allow it to hit for additional damage.

One other thing I should add is, lol, my usual combo. In those ult combos, I talk about using Aimed first...but most of the time, I go straight into Assassinate, get the basic for Hydra's, then trigger Aimed Strike and another basic.

I do talk about Decoy being used as a block in the ability section (just a brief mention), but don't find it fits in a "combo" section for that use very well. I should mention not just against directed attacks, but also for blocking retreat and stuff.

Thanks for the suggestions, they are good and I will have those adjusted.
1
DV-8 (30) | August 31, 2018 2:59pm
Oops, I didn't see that.

I apologize, O' Muffiny One.
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1
Kriega1 (139) | August 9, 2018 12:15pm
Recommending Crit items for the arena build as a option? Why? Also another thing, if you had to decide between Masamune and Stone Cutting Sword why have you chosen Masamune? (I would build neither I’m just asking).
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | August 9, 2018 12:33pm
Ahhhh hahaha, that was a holdover from when DB was super OP at the beginning of S5. I haven't touched that **** for a while.

When I've done revisions, it's mostly been just going through the item updates and adjusting when there were changes. I'll fix that.

As for Masamune over Stone Cutting Sword? It's for when you want the MS, and to allow you the possibility of surviving some damage if you want to dive into the middle of a fight to target the squishy.
1
Kriega1 (139) | August 9, 2018 1:12pm
They both offer MS, and Loki shouldn’t be really getting full use of the passive from Masamune due to his play style. And even if you did somehow get max prots from the passive, in most cases it won’t be enough to prevent your death if you’re caught out. If you combined it with shifters and his damage mitigation from Vanish then maybe I could see it having a ok use.
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0
inb4nosoul | November 24, 2017 8:29pm
Think anyone could offer advice? Not too sure about BBcoding, but I'm thinking mostly content vs presentation at this point.
https://www.smitefire.com/smite/guide/loki-the-lane-controlling-jungler-14232
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | November 24, 2017 11:15pm
Just an FYI, you normally shouldn't link your own guide on a god in another's guide. I'm okay with it this time, cuz it's my own, but please don't do this to anyone else. If you want to ask for advice, comment inside your own guide, or do it in this forum: https://www.smitefire.com/smite/forum/build-guide-discussion

In any case, I'll check yours out and see what's going on.
1
inb4nosoul | November 25, 2017 3:48pm
Wasn't aware there was a discussion page. In the future I will definitely use it.
1
Zeeguu | November 18, 2017 7:05am
Hi, how does this build hold up in other games like clash? :)
1
Branmuffin17 (380) | November 18, 2017 9:22am
Hi Zeeguu, thanks for the comment and question.

In most ways, Clash is like a bigger Arena, but it's that bigger part that's the issue. Base isn't as close, so his biggest issue, mana consumption, needs to be considered.

I see 4 things you can generally do:
  • Get one of the mana buffs. This is great for him anyway in the early game because it also provides CDR, and he really, really wants his ult up as often as possible. However, taking it instead of a teammate that can deal AOE damage, for example, will potentially reduce your overall team damage output. Keep that in consideration.

  • Get Hydra's Lament before Jotunn's Wrath. The MP5 aspect it provides will be at least somewhat helpful. Maybe pick up a couple of Mana Potions every back to fortify.

  • Grab a Chalice of Mana early (doesn't have to be at the start, but shortly thereafter.

  • Get Transcendence 2nd, then Jotunn's (and down the line) after. Obviously you'll never have mana issues if you get this, and power is something he always appreciates. Trans is a historically common item for him anyway.
I would also consider a movespeed item (like Masamune or Heartseeker) a bit earlier in the build, just to get to lane or chase people down more quickly.

Hope this helps!
1
Zeeguu | November 18, 2017 10:17am
This helped very much. :) I have tried the build 3 times in arena now and big time irritation from their side ;) Tyvm!!
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