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Loki - The Backstabbing Bastard (Y11, All Modes, Patch 11.1, "Year 11")

95 16 1,238,610
7.6
by Branmuffin17 updated February 12, 2020

Smite God: Loki

Build Guide Discussion 105 More Guides
Choose a Build: Conquest Jungler
Conquest Jungler Teamfight Mode Build Examples
Tap Mouse over an item or ability icon for detailed info

Loki Build

Starting Items (Bumba's Max CDR)

Notes Standard start with Bumba's Dagger for good overall clear and basic sustain.

Golden Shard helps a bit with early clear, but can be replaced by Horn Shard if preferred for situational CDR.

Notes

Standard start with Bumba's Dagger for good overall clear and basic sustain.

Golden Shard helps a bit with early clear, but can be replaced by Horn Shard if preferred for situational CDR.

Build Item Bumba's Dagger Bumba's Dagger
Build Item Mace Mace
Build Item Healing Potion Healing Potion
3
Build Item Golden Shard Golden Shard

Full Build Example (Bumba's Max CDR)

Notes Bumba's build looking to maximize CDR (40%) and penetration (25 flat + 40%).

Serrated Edge and Brawler's Beat Stick can be switched if lifesteal is needed earlier.

If no lifesteal is needed, consider replacing both Serrated Edge and Brawler's Beat Stick with Bloodforge and The Crusher.

Notes

Bumba's build looking to maximize CDR (40%) and penetration (25 flat + 40%).

Serrated Edge and Brawler's Beat Stick can be switched if lifesteal is needed earlier.

If no lifesteal is needed, consider replacing both Serrated Edge and Brawler's Beat Stick with Bloodforge and The Crusher.

Build Item Bumba's Hammer Bumba's Hammer
Build Item Jotunn's Wrath Jotunn's Wrath
Build Item Hydra's Lament Hydra's Lament
Build Item Serrated Edge Serrated Edge
Build Item Brawler's Beat Stick Brawler's Beat Stick
Build Item Heartseeker Heartseeker

Starting Items (Jungle Monster)

Notes Standard start with Eye Of The Jungle great sustain in the jungle.

Golden Shard helps a bit with early clear, but can be replaced by Horn Shard if preferred for situational CDR.

Notes

Standard start with Eye Of The Jungle great sustain in the jungle.

Golden Shard helps a bit with early clear, but can be replaced by Horn Shard if preferred for situational CDR.

Build Item Eye Of The Jungle Eye Of The Jungle
Build Item Mace Mace
Build Item Healing Potion Healing Potion
3
Build Item Golden Shard Golden Shard

Full Build Example (Jungle Monster)

Notes Eye Of The Jungle builds into Protector Of The Jungle for strong presence in the jungle.

Serrated Edge and Brawler's Beat Stick can be switched if lifesteal is needed earlier.

If no lifesteal is needed, consider replacing Brawler's Beat Stick with Arondight, or replace both Serrated Edge and Brawler's Beat Stick with Bloodforge and The Crusher.

Notes

Eye Of The Jungle builds into Protector Of The Jungle for strong presence in the jungle.

Serrated Edge and Brawler's Beat Stick can be switched if lifesteal is needed earlier.

If no lifesteal is needed, consider replacing Brawler's Beat Stick with Arondight, or replace both Serrated Edge and Brawler's Beat Stick with Bloodforge and The Crusher.

Build Item Protector Of The Jungle Protector Of The Jungle
Build Item Jotunn's Vigor Jotunn's Vigor
Build Item Hydra's Lament Hydra's Lament
Build Item Serrated Edge Serrated Edge
Build Item Brawler's Beat Stick Brawler's Beat Stick
Build Item Heartseeker Heartseeker

Full Build Example (Eye / Crits)

Notes This build creates a hybrid version of Loki, with high CDR and strong basic attack damage via Hydra's Lament and the 2 crit items. Seer Of The Jungle is chosen here for the added attack speed to support getting more basics off.

Malicious Deathbringer supports ability use, but Devoted Deathbringer can be chosen if you want essentially 100% crit chance (97.5 actual).

Notes

This build creates a hybrid version of Loki, with high CDR and strong basic attack damage via Hydra's Lament and the 2 crit items. Seer Of The Jungle is chosen here for the added attack speed to support getting more basics off.

Malicious Deathbringer supports ability use, but Devoted Deathbringer can be chosen if you want essentially 100% crit chance (97.5 actual).

Build Item Seer Of The Jungle Seer Of The Jungle
Build Item Jotunn's Vigor Jotunn's Vigor
Build Item Hydra's Lament Hydra's Lament
Build Item Rage Rage
Build Item Malicious Deathbringer Malicious Deathbringer
Build Item Serrated Edge Serrated Edge

Offensive Item Options

Notes With all of these items, make sure you're getting enough CDR and penetration.

Only consider the crit items if you're intent on that type of playstyle.

Notes

With all of these items, make sure you're getting enough CDR and penetration.

Only consider the crit items if you're intent on that type of playstyle.

Build Item Jotunn's Wrath Jotunn's Wrath
Build Item Hydra's Lament Hydra's Lament
Build Item Serrated Edge Serrated Edge
Build Item The Crusher The Crusher
Build Item Brawler's Beat Stick Brawler's Beat Stick
Build Item Bloodforge Bloodforge
Build Item Arondight Arondight
Build Item Soul Eater Soul Eater
Build Item Rage Rage
Build Item Deathbringer Deathbringer

Defensive Item Options

Notes Any jungler wants to build as much damage as possible, and while Loki is the same, sometimes defensive items can make a difference in you staying alive to continue fighting.
  • Mantle of Discord provides high protections to significant decrease all incoming damage. It also provides CDR which Loki loves, and the passive stuns nearby enemies when you're at low health, which can be a huge disruptor, allowing you to win a fight or potentially get an opportunity to escape.

  • Magi's Revenge, the offensive glyph upgrade of Magi's Cloak, can allow you to keep fighting through hard CC when you dive, and the movement speed and increase damage you deal to the marked target can help you win a fight.

Notes

Any jungler wants to build as much damage as possible, and while Loki is the same, sometimes defensive items can make a difference in you staying alive to continue fighting.

  • Mantle of Discord provides high protections to significant decrease all incoming damage. It also provides CDR which Loki loves, and the passive stuns nearby enemies when you're at low health, which can be a huge disruptor, allowing you to win a fight or potentially get an opportunity to escape.

  • Magi's Revenge, the offensive glyph upgrade of Magi's Cloak, can allow you to keep fighting through hard CC when you dive, and the movement speed and increase damage you deal to the marked target can help you win a fight.

Build Item Mantle of Discord Mantle of Discord
Build Item Magi's Revenge Magi's Revenge

Relics To Consider

Notes Purification Beads is your standard 1st relic choice to avoid getting locked down and killed from CC.

Blink Rune is a good offensive choice for 2nd relic to get behind enemy lines quickly and burst the backline.

Aegis Amulet is an optional, defensive 2nd relic if facing lots of enemy CC and burst.

Notes

Purification Beads is your standard 1st relic choice to avoid getting locked down and killed from CC.

Blink Rune is a good offensive choice for 2nd relic to get behind enemy lines quickly and burst the backline.

Aegis Amulet is an optional, defensive 2nd relic if facing lots of enemy CC and burst.

Build Item Purification Beads Purification Beads
Build Item Blink Rune Blink Rune
Build Item Aegis Amulet Aegis Amulet

Loki's Skill Order Notes Flurry Strike is taken at level 1 as it's the best clear ability.

You'll hit level 2 on the 2nd Speed camp, and Agonizing Visions will help a bit in camp clear as well.

General ability priority is your ult when available, followed by Flurry Strike (quickest camp clear) and then Vanish (best single target damage potential). Agonizing Visions does low tick damage and is really only there for the potential CC and zoning.

Notes

Flurry Strike is taken at level 1 as it's the best clear ability.

You'll hit level 2 on the 2nd Speed camp, and Agonizing Visions will help a bit in camp clear as well.

General ability priority is your ult when available, followed by Flurry Strike (quickest camp clear) and then Vanish (best single target damage potential). Agonizing Visions does low tick damage and is really only there for the potential CC and zoning.

Vanish

1 X Y
Vanish
3 8 11 12 14

Agonizing Visions

2 A B
Agonizing Visions
2 15 16 18 19

Flurry Strike

3 B A
Flurry Strike
1 4 6 7 10

Assassinate

4 Y X
Assassinate
5 9 13 17 20
Vanish
3 8 11 12 14

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: 35 / 50 / 65 / 80 / 95 (+20% of your Physical Power)
Damage Duration: 2s
Stealth Duration: 4s
Stealth Movement Speed: 35%
Cost: 70 / 75 / 80 / 85 / 90
Cooldown: 15s
Agonizing Visions
2 15 16 18 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 3s
Vision Lifetime: 4s
Radius: 25
Cost: 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70
Cooldown: 12s
Flurry Strike
1 4 6 7 10

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 (+65% 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:

2024/1/27: Guide is current as of Patch 11.1, "Year 11." Builds updated. General information updated.

Revision History


Hello everyone! My name is Branmuffin17 (PC IGN: Branmuffin17), and I'm a SMITEFire admin and casual SMITE player on PC. 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:

There are a few gameplay features that are currently the bane of Loki's existence. They may be bugs, but it's unknown when this will be changed. See ProfessorLoki's quick vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LJaF1y5hBc

They include:
  • Indra's Scepter (dropped after the Celestial Comet is destroyed): If Loki picks this up, it floats next to him and makes his presence known even if he is invisible. If an enemy picks it up, it will hit Loki and alert enemies to his presence and location.


  • The new wards Raven Ward and Proximity Ward state that they can't see through stealth, but they apparently do, and these effects last for a few seconds, making it very difficult for Loki to get the jump on enemies...one of his traditional strengths.
Until these are fixed, 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.


........... Strengths ...........
+ High single-target damage
+ Great escape capability
+ Easy Item Damage Application
........ Weaknesses ........
- Very squishy
- Minimal teamfight presence
- Has to get in close for max damage


The builds presented here focus on the most efficient way to get maximum damage for your abilities through CDR, high power and penetration. It is not typically meant for boxing and elongated fights, though the one crit build example requires you to stick close for a longer time. Ready to continue? Let's get our hands bloody.

Abilities

Basic Attacks
1 / .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 often like to employ attack canceling, especially once Hydra's Lament is built.

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 via abilities, he's not usually going to build into items like Hastened Katana, The Executioner, Qin's Sais or the crit items.
Passive:



Behind You!
Deal 15% 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. Sneaking up behind them with Vanish
  2. Against retreating enemies
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 Flurry Strike) for the high single target damage potential. If preferred (especially in non-Conquest modes), it can be prioritized before Flurry 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 before approaching an enemy to catch them unaware (try to hit them from behind for extra damage).
  • Defense: Use as an escape option (especially if Purification Beads / Aegis Amulet are 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.
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 expected 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:



Agonizing Visions
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. CD 12 seconds

Leveling Priority: This is your lowest priority ability, as it deals minimal tick damage, only when the enemy is within the area.

General Use: Distraction / Zoning / Applying Item Tick Damage / Absentee Farming

Discussion: This skill deals very low damage on its own, and enemies caught in the area usually exit it quickly to prevent being partially blinded (which also allows Loki to get the Behind You! passive damage bonus from any direction). It can be used as a safe or secondary way to help clear minions, and is functional in the middle of a teamfight as it can distract enemies.

Its other (often more functional) use is to easily trigger item effects from a distance:

Tips: If you need to share some farm with a teammate but don't want to stick around, drop Agonizing Visions on a minion wave as you pass by...the damage it applies allows you to gain the farm without having to remain close, allowing you to keep moving on your rotations.

Use it to zone enemies...place it at your feet if you're retreating. Place it in front of an enemy to force them to go through it and possibly be blinded, or go around it and take a longer path.

It can be particularly helpful in the middle of a teamfight where enemies aren't pathing in one specific direction and are fighting in one general area. Getting multiple ticks on enemies provides 5-20% damage decrease depending on how many ticks are applied.

If you suspect an enemy might be preparing to use their Blink Rune, hit them with it to prevent its use.

Note that you can use this ability while stealthed with Vanish.
Skill #3:



Flurry Strike
Loki unleashes a flurry of 5 dagger strikes quickly in front of him, damaging and slowing enemies by 15% for 3s. After this flurry he winds up for a final heavy strike that deals higher damage and slows enemies by 30% for 3s. Loki cannot be knocked up while firing this ability. This ability can benefit from Behind You! CD 12 seconds.

Leveling Priority: You'll typically max this first for jungle camp/minion clear.

General Use: Jungle Camp / Minion Clear, CC

Discussion: This is your bread-and-butter damage ability. While it takes a bit to channel the full damage, it is your best ability to hit multiple targets with good damage. The slow it applies is helpful for keeping enemies close...try to get all hits off (especially the last one) for max damage and an increased slow.

Tips: Since it takes a while to channel the full ability, remember you can cancel it early.

You can use it just to apply the slow on the first hit, cancel it and then get the Hydra's Lament proc on the following basic attack for bonus damage. Your basics will also likely deal more damage than this ability late-game with a full build, as long as you keep the enemy in range. If they're just outside of your range, you can keep channeling it if it's safe enough to do so, as the slow refreshes and it can help your teamates collapse on the enemy.
Ultimate:



Assassinate
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. 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 can use this to initiate a fight, or follow up on a retreating enemy and prevent them from escaping.

Can also be used as a last-ditch escape attempt (and can get you outside/through player-made obstacles). 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.

Ability Combos


When Assassinate Is Available


Here is the standard combos you can use for Loki, depending on the availability of your ult, Assassinate. Note that using this combo won't always be optimal, as any engage may be quick and temporary by throwing out quick Agonizing Visions without engaging further. Using Vanish as an initiation represents your best overall damage potential in any fight, but it also takes away your main escape plan (outside of emergency ulting).
This is your highest damage combo, and should kill any squishy god as you're utilizing all of your attacking abilities and your passive from Hydra's Lament multiple times. You can use this to 100-0 a lone squishy enemy or finish off a damaged tank. In a teamfight, you want to target the biggest damage threat on the enemy team, to take them out of the fight and make it easier on the rest of your team.

Note that you can use Vanish initially to conceal your approach if you feel confident in getting a kill and escaping safely, or save it to trigger it last to chase/confirm a kill, or as an escape.

Without Your Ult (Leading With Vanish)

Almost the same as above, just without the ult. Late-game remember Flurry Strike takes a while to channel and your basics will often deal more damage, so cancel it early when applicable.

Earlier game, if you need to watch mana use and don't have Hydra's Lament yet, skip Agonizing Visions as it won't really do anything for your overall damage output. Instead, you can keep it for zoning.

Without Your Ult (Holding Vanish)

Saving Vanish is safer for you. If you have Blink Rune and you're looking for a kill, consider leading with that before dropping Agonizing Visions and saving Vanish for a bit.

Conquest Discussion


Starting Process


Start at the Speed Buff on the Fire Giant side near the Damage Buff (1). Hit the spawned camp with a basic attack once and pull it to meet the Mid-Laner (2) near their camp. Clear and pick up your respective buffs.

Head to the other Speed Buff (3) and clear it, where you will hit Level 2. Typically, you will then head to the XP rogue camp (4). However, you may choose to immediately go to the Duo lane for an attempted gank.

If you cleared the rogue camp, you can then choose to head to the Duo lane for a gank attempt, or to the Mid-lane to farm the wave and await the spawn of the Mid Harpy Camps (5).

The Jungler has the most fluid and dynamic role. You want to be efficient with your rotations so you can maximize your farm, but also look to gank enemies or support teammates as needed.

Besides the aforementioned objectives, you'll look to accomplish the following objectives in the early game (not in any particular order):
  • Contest / clear the Oracle Harpies
  • Clear Damage Buff Camp with your Mid-Laner
  • Steal the enemy camps when possible
  • Use Wards to maintain vision in the Jungle. If you grabbed Eye Of The Jungle that can give you vision also.

It's also important to consider the following:
  • Solo & Mid Matchups: Consider which teammate may have the more difficult matchup against the enemy. Your early presence may help them from being overly pressured.

  • High Pressure: If one of your laners has a strong early-game advantage, and you also have a strong early game, you may look to coordinate to attempt an early gank. Even if you don't get a kill, you may damage the enemy enough that they have to either back ASAP or play extremely conservative, freeing you up to continue roaming while your teammate now has a much easier lane.

  • Enemy Jungler: Do you know where the enemy Jungler is? As a precaution, dropping early wards will be helpful to keep an eye on their rotations.


Gameplay Elements



Don't forget to use Vanish as you leave the fountain for a free speed boost.

Loki's early game lacks burst damage and unless the enemy is way out of position you're unlikely to get a kill. More than anything else, it's best if you focus on farm at least until you have your ult and an item or two online ( Hydra's Lament helps your damage a lot).

It's almost not worth contesting neutral camps if the enemy is there, as you're likely to get hurt if you get close to use Flurry Strike, and your Agonizing Visions just doesn't deal enough damage to be reliable. To get ahead on farm, you need to be extremely efficient with your rotations. Or just try to stay even but watch for those opportunities to get a kill, which gives you the best opportunity to get ahead. Getting regular Wards and being very aware of the enemy Jungler's rotations can allow you to confidently invade the enemy's side to steal camps when they're not there.

When you're going for ganks in lanes, be very careful and expect the possibility of the enemy placing a Proximity Ward, which if you trigger it will absolutely ruin any chance to surprise them.

As the game progresses, your two main jobs will be to gank vulnerable enemies and take down objectives, as you are a very effective and safe split-pusher. In a teamfight, always look to dive the enemy backline, with a primary focus on the most dangerous damage dealer.

Warding

Mid Lane Warding

Teamfight Mode Gameplay Discussion



Throughout the match, remember that Loki isn't a team fighter, and dealing any significant damage requires you to get close to your target. 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 to be opportunistic and not feed the enemies. 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.

Vanish is going to be your main utility tool.

  • Use to intimidate enemies when possible, but make sure you're positioning safely when it's on cooldown. Making the enemy paranoid you're going to jump them can cause them to play farther back, preventing them from participating in fights or losing farm to their towers.

  • Use it to (obviously) get the jump on an unsuspecting squishy enemy. Make sure to watch out for their teammates and go for the ones that are more alone so they get less help.
Late-game, if you use the Manikin Hidden Blade or Bluestone Brooch build, you will want to use Agonizing Visions liberally as the extra damage from your items will deal significant damage.

A good Loki player knows when they can generally go in and get a kill without dying. They will pay attention to enemy ability use, relic use, and positioning to maximize their potential. When you're sitting back and waiting for your opportunity, use that time to evaluate the field and always pay attention. Communicate with your teammates for objective push or defense, relic use, etc. When you're not always contributing with high damage in a fight, contribute in other ways.

Some Of My Guides





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


The Overarching Series



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


God Guide Collaborations



Anubis:
Towards The
New Season

with Daelinn

Ares:
50 Shades
Of Flame

with KingScuba

Nox:
I See A
Red Door...

with Tlaloc1050

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: 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 (143) | 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 (400) | 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 (143) | June 13, 2019 3:33am
You still list mage’s blessing
2
Branmuffin17 (400) | June 13, 2019 10:10am
Dammit, I forgot. Fixed. Thanks for the reminder.
1
Kriega1 (143) | 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 (400) | May 28, 2019 11:12am
Makes sense, and probably a good idea in general.
1
Kriega1 (143) | 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 (400) | 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 (143) | 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 (400) | 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.
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Kriega1 (143) | May 22, 2019 12:04pm
Also im not sure how good Runeforged Hammer is on him.
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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.
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Branmuffin17 (400) | 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 (143) | February 11, 2019 3:57pm
RIP Loki
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Branmuffin17 (400) | 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 (143) | 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 (143) | January 16, 2019 11:22am
Does Mage's Blessing even proc on Loki's decoy?
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Branmuffin17 (400) | January 16, 2019 12:10pm
It should, but I've honestly never checked.
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DV-8 (35) | 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?
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Kriega1 (143) | 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).
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Branmuffin17 (400) | 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.
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DV-8 (35) | August 31, 2018 2:59pm
Oops, I didn't see that.

I apologize, O' Muffiny One.
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Kriega1 (143) | 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).
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Branmuffin17 (400) | 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.
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Kriega1 (143) | 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
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Branmuffin17 (400) | 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.
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inb4nosoul | November 25, 2017 3:48pm
Wasn't aware there was a discussion page. In the future I will definitely use it.
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Zeeguu | November 18, 2017 7:05am
Hi, how does this build hold up in other games like clash? :)
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Branmuffin17 (400) | 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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League of Legends Build Guide Author Branmuffin17
Loki - The Backstabbing Bastard (Y11, All Modes, Patch 11.1, "Year 11")
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