Wave management is a crucial aspect of playing League of Legends, and in this comprehensive guide, we will not only discuss how to control waves, but also the when and why behind wave management. We’ll also cover specific strategies and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a mid, bot, or top laner, these tips will be applicable to all lanes. So, let’s dive in!
How to Control Waves
If you’re already familiar with wave management, feel free to skip this section. Otherwise, let’s start with the basics.
Slow Push: Slow pushing involves building up two or three waves and crashing them into your opponent’s tower. To create a slow push, you generally want a one minion advantage to start with. You can achieve this by auto-attacking a creep a few times at level 1 and matching your opponent’s auto-attacks. The goal is to push the wave slowly into their tower, giving yourself a minion advantage and allowing you to trade more effectively. To slow down the push, last-hit minions as late as possible, or let your opponent auto-attack the wave.
Fast Push: As the name suggests, fast pushing is all about quickly pushing the wave into the enemy tower. This strategy is useful when you want to exert pressure or create opportunities for objectives like roaming or basing. Use all your cooldowns to clear the wave as quickly as possible. If you’re strong enough, you may even push the wave further up the lane, gaining more tempo.
Freezing: Freezing involves maintaining a constantly slow-pushing wave on your side of the lane. This allows you to deny your opponent CS and puts them in a vulnerable position for ganks. To freeze the wave, pull it away from your tower until the next wave arrives. It’s important to thin out the wave periodically to prevent it from becoming too large and crashing under your tower.
Keeping the Wave in the Middle: Keeping the wave in the middle of the lane has its advantages too. By matching your opponent’s auto-attacks and abilities, you can maintain a neutral state in the lane. This strategy can be useful for various reasons, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
When and Why to Control Waves
Now that you understand how to control waves, let’s explore the timing and reasons behind it.
Slow Pushing: Slow pushing offers several advantages. It gives you a minion advantage, making trades easier. When your opponent trades with you, they draw aggro from more creeps, putting them at a disadvantage. Slow pushing also allows you to hit level spikes earlier, increasing your trading potential. Additionally, slow pushing grants you priority, giving you time to ward or make strategic plays. However, slow pushing also makes you vulnerable to ganks and exposes you to champions skilled at all-ins, so be cautious.
Fast Pushing: Fast pushing provides a significant tempo advantage. By quickly pushing the wave, you gain more time to make plays, such as basing, roaming, or invading the enemy jungle. However, using your cooldowns on the wave leaves you vulnerable to trades, so timing is crucial. Be aware that opponents can freeze or collect the wave, denying you the advantage. Consider the champion you’re facing before opting for a fast push.
Freezing: Freezing the wave puts your opponent in a gankable position and makes it difficult for them to farm. It allows you to deny CS and threatens all-ins. By forcing your opponent to walk up to the wave, you can easily punish them and gain control. However, freezing requires careful consideration, as you become susceptible to champions who excel at extended trades or all-ins. Use freezing strategically to maintain pressure and control over the lane.
Keeping the Wave in the Middle: Keeping the wave in the middle of the lane offers versatility. By matching your opponent’s actions, you can maintain a balanced state, making it harder for your opponent to harass you or gain an advantage. This strategy is particularly useful when you want to play safe and wait for an opportunity to strike or when both you and your opponent are evenly matched in terms of strength. Use this tactic to keep the game in a balanced state until other strategies become more viable.
In conclusion, mastering wave management can have a significant impact on your success in League of Legends. Understanding when and how to control waves gives you an edge in trades, map control, and overall game strategy. Remember to consider the specific advantages and disadvantages of each wave management technique, and adapt your approach based on the champion you’re facing. With practice and a deep understanding of wave management, you’ll be able to outmaneuver your opponents and secure victory on the Summoner’s Rift.
