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Hecarim General Guide by lildrummerdrew

Top Rainbowdash, the 20% Cooler Way to Play Hecarim (Top)

Top Rainbowdash, the 20% Cooler Way to Play Hecarim (Top)

Updated on March 2, 2014
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League of Legends Build Guide Author lildrummerdrew Build Guide By lildrummerdrew 6 5 33,904 Views 24 Comments
6 5 33,904 Views 24 Comments League of Legends Build Guide Author lildrummerdrew Hecarim Build Guide By lildrummerdrew Updated on March 2, 2014
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Choose Champion Build:

  • LoL Champion: Hecarim
    Rainbow Sprinkles On Top Lane
  • LoL Champion: Hecarim
    All the Alternatives

Introduction to Top Lane Rainbowdash Hecarim

Hello! Welcome to my Rainbowdash Hecarim Guide!

(Or click here to skip this chapter)
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„
A very kind friend of mine who was at PAX gave me a code for Arcade Hecarim and Riot Blitzcrank. I looked at the skin for Hecarim, and saw how sweet it looked. Intrigued, I watched the ability details on Hecarim. He seemed pretty easy/fun, so I tried a game with him.

I noticed Hecarim's passive, Warpath. Upon seeing this, I immediately thought, " Mobility Boots and Enchantment: Alacrity", so I built them. However, my damage output was lacking, as fun as his kit was, so I decided I'd need to farm more and get something that synergized with Spirit of Dread, an AoE based spell for heals, so I took a Ravenous Hydra into lane and began dominating. I then wondered to myself, "Gee, I wonder what a Phantom Dancer would do on this guy, hehe", and sure enough, I built one. Feeling awesome and fast, I continued this thought with a Zephyr, but before I could further experiment, the game was lost.

After the game, I noticed a trend in all the items, in the sense that they weren't of the same colors at all. I also noticed that I had the best score on a feeding team, including myself at first (being a first time), and decided to play Hecarim again to experiment, except on The Twisted Treeline. This failed, so I had to get back in another Normal PvP 5v5.

The enemies tasted the rainbow as I obliterated them with Bloodthirster, Ravenous Hydra, Mobility Boots with Enchantment: Homeguard, Sword of the Occult (15 stacks), Spirit of the Elder Lizard, and Maw of Malmortius. Here's a better look at that build: Intrigued even further, I began testing, and soon confirmed that although the guide does not work as well on The Twisted Treeline, it sure can dominate Summoner's Rift.
The spoiler contains an in-depth look at why it works.

Spoiler: Click to view
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„

TL;DR: Try the "Items" Section if you're having trouble with the cheatsheet, I really just did this chapter to justify this guide.
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When to Use This Guide

Here are a few situations that call for Rainbowdash:
  • Your team has a tank (such as Dr. Mundo jungle)
  • You were planning on Jungling as Hecarim, but someone else locked a jungler
  • Your team has no real initiator
  • Your team doesn't have the best late game
  • You love Rainbows
  • You have Arcade Hecarim
  • You love Rainbowdash
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Runes and Substitutes

Although the Marks are subject to change, I feel as though the rest are not. Here's a little more of an in-depth explanation as to why these runes are the best, and when to substitute:
(Or click here to skip this chapter)
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„
Greater Quintessence of Armor Penetration Quints of Movement Speed / Armor Pen Greater Quintessence of Armor Penetration
  • Movement Speed is good with Warpath, chases, escapes, kiting, positioning, and other generally good plays.
  • Greater Quintessence of Armor PenetrationArmor Penetration is good, just not as good as Movement Speed, due to Warpath, especially until "late game", which may not always occur.

Substituting the Greater Quintessence of Movement Speed is not advised.

Seals of Armor
  • Flat armor Seals are really your best options for top lane, especially since most top laners are AD.

Substituting the Greater Seal of Armor is not advised.

Glyphs of Magic Resist

A different balance of Magic Resist Glyphs is okay, just not advised.

Greater Mark of Armor PenetrationMarks of Armor Penetration / Attack DamageGreater Mark of Armor Penetration
  • Greater Mark of Armor PenetrationArmor Penetration will really boost your damage the entire game, and really adds a utility that can't easily be replace. I strongly recommend these.
  • Although Armor Penetration Marks are better, these Marks can definitely be a decent replacement.

Replacing Greater Mark of Armor Penetration with Greater Mark of Attack Damage is OK
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„

TL;DR: Just copy the Rune Page and you're set!
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Masteries, In-Depth

Here's a little more explanation of why I chose these masteries:
(Or click here to skip this chapter)
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„
Offensive Tree: Defensive Tree:
Other possible options:
Try experimenting with a Mastery tree of 21/9/0
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„

Tl;DR: Copy the Mastery chart at your discretion for a fun time!
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Skill Sequence

Here's an explanation of Hecarims' ability sequence.
(Or click here to skip this chapter)
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„
  • Hecarim gets a lot of easy farm from his Rampage at low cost. The damage output is pretty consistant, the cooldown is low, and the mana cost is decent. Getting this first is a good way to start a game.
  • Spirit of Dread is an interesting ability that heals Hecarim for a percentage amount based on how much damage is dealt to nearby foes when active. This ability also deals a small amount of damage as well, and gives Hecarim high sustain in teamfights, especially with Ravenous Hydra, Rampage, and Onslaught of Shadows. This is a decent ability, but has low priority early to mid game.
  • Devastating Charge is a really good ability to max early, and is therefore taken second, as it offers high damage, good mobility, and melee kiting potential, because after you charge / hit someone, they're stunned, giving you a moment to kite them. Movement speed is important in this play.
  • Onslaught of Shadows can jump many walls on Summoner's Rift, and is a fantastic gap closer. This ability also provides a means for more distance to synergize with Devastating Charge, and also really helps in teamfights because it provides a short Area of Effect Fear, as well as doing more damage, which adds to his Spirit of Dread.
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„

TL;DR: Start with Q, then R > E > Q > W, with a spare point in Q early.
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Summoner Spells

Summoner Spells
Ghost is good in general on Hecarim, what with his Warpath and Devastating Charge.
Teleport is AMAZING on Hecarim if you grab Mobility Boots with Enchantment: Homeguard. If you hit anyone right after you teleport, whether you use Devastating Charge or not, they're likely to die quickly, due to your extreme mobility. REMEMBER: Should the teleport scene quickly become dangerous, you CAN stop casting it mid-teleport by casting it again!
Ignite is a decent replacement for Teleport.
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„

TL;DR (wtf): Ghost for speed, Teleport with Enchantment: Homeguard, Ignite can replace Teleport.
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Items and When to Use Them

Here's a quick run-through of when to buy what items.
(Or click here to skip this chapter)
Warning: this section may be slightly incorrect with the cheat sheet. Please PM me if so, I'm still trying to edit the other sections.
â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„
Red:



Orange:

Yellow:




Green:




Blue:



Purple:
Mobility Boots (with Enchantment: Furor): First Item, enchantment makes it red
Phantom Dancer: Third Item, good if you go for Youmuu's Ghostblade
Bloodthirster: Third Item, awesome damage/lifesteal

Ravenous Hydra: Second Item always, amazing farming/pushing/sustain

Mobility Boots (with Enchantment: Homeguard): First Item, good with Teleport
Statikk Shiv: Third Item, synergizes well with Youmuu's Ghostblade
Trinity Force: Third Item, if you have tons of gold and want to have fun
Infinity Edge: Third Item, if you have tons of gold and want huge damage

Mobility Boots (with Enchantment: Alacrity}: First Item, a nice boost in speed
Sword of the Occult: Fourth Item, cheap and high risk. Only buy if you're 98% sure.
Zephyr: Fourth Item, safe damage and Synergizes with Warpath
Mercurial Scimitar: Fourth Item, anti-CC/AP, good with big damage items

Spirit of the Elder Lizard: Fifth Item, Deals true damage with abilities
Last Whisper: Fifth Item, good with big damage items
Frozen Mallet: Fifth Item, good health and chasing abilities

Youmuu's Ghostblade: Final Item, amazing active and balanced stats
Maw of Malmortius: Final Item, provides big damage and Magic Resist
Blade of the Ruined King: Final Item, big damage stats with lifesteal

And finally, here's what a final build could look like:

Item Sequence

Bloodthirster 3400
Ravenous Hydra 3300
Mobility Boots 1000
Zephyr 3100
Spirit of the Elder Lizard 2000
Maw of Malmortius 3100

â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„â–„

Tl;DR: Just follow the cheat-sheet and make them taste the Painbow.
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Team Work and Strategy

Here's some examples of Team fights and Strategy
Q.) The enemy team is near yours and trying to initiate a 5v5 teamfight. If your ultimate is up, do you engage?
Spoiler: Click to view
Q.) They're in our base, and about to take our turret! If any of my team goes in, they'll die, making the fight a (2v3/3v4/4v5)! We don't have the upper hand, should I still initiate???
Spoiler: Click to view
Q.) An enemy is low! Do I pick them off or let someone else do it??
Spoiler: Click to view
I see them at the Baron, and my Onslaught of Shadows is up! What do I do???
Spoiler: Click to view
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Conclusion

Thank you for reading my guide to Rainbowdash Hecarim! I hope you enjoyed the guide! Feedback for improvements would be greatly appreciated!

Disclaimer: This guide has been tested on Summoner's Rift for Normal 5v5's. This guide is not recommended for Dominion, ARAM, 3v3, or Ranked play. Using it for such may have a higher chance of failure. This guide is not perfect and changes will be noted in the Changelog.
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Changelog

09/02/2013
11:47 AM-
Published Guide
12:03 PM-
Added Picture
01:35 PM-
Added "Teamwork and Strategy", "When to Use This Guide", and Tweaked title names and other misc. typos
01:41 PM-
Edited starters, added a substitute in masteries section
02:02 PM-
Added alternative items to cheat-sheet and temporary disclaimer in Items chapter
02:13 PM-
Edited Title
04:00 PM-
Fixed Cheatsheet error
07:05 PM-
Slight item edit
09:45 PM-
Masteries edit in alternatives cheat-sheet
10:10 PM-
Added Personal Request
09/03/2013
04:42 PM-
Edited Sword of the Occult in Item info
09:59 PM-
Fixed a large column/spoiler issue
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A Personal Request

For those of you who viewed my match history, or wondered how I achieved Silver III, I'll tell you this about myself. I am a decent player. I make good calls and usually good plays. However, my positioning is a little bit off, and my early game decision-making is horrible at times. I'm asking that, if you're reading this and think you can help, please PM me. I am looking to improve so I can make at least Gold V for the Season, and I know at this rate I won't. Thank you for reading this.
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League of Legends Champions:

Teamfight Tactics Guide