Hello TheUnseenOne,

Here are my thoughts and reasonings as to when it's ideal to acquire Lich Bane or Stormsurge.

When comparing an item with magic penetration ( Stormsurge) against an item with increased on-hit damage ( Lich Bane), it comes down to what teams you are fighting that will determine which of the two you will pick.

A typical Elise build could include Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Void Staff, Shadowflame and Zhonya's Hourglass (varies based on player comfort); therefore, we have some flexibility over whether we add Lich Bane or Stormsurge to our item build.

Since you have plenty of magic penetration options with Sorcerer's Shoes, Void Staff, and Shadowflame, you might not need more into squisher comps (then selecting Lich Bane for the increased burst will be very efficient), but if the enemy team setup is tanks and bruisers having the added penetration from Stormsurge will help.

My typical go-to choice for Elise, I'd say, is Stormsurge, and that's because I tend to be against foes that build more magic resistance or health. However, if I'm against a squishier team, I will default to Lich Bane.

I hope this provides you with some more insight into when to acquire these two items. Good luck in your games with Elise.