Glacial Shroud: The Discontinued League of Legends Armor Item
Glacial Shroud was a core defensive item in League of Legends that provided a unique combination of armor, mana, and cooldown reduction. It served as an essential component for tanky champions and mages before its removal in patch V10.23.
Core Stats:
- 250 Mana
- 20 Armor
- 10% Cooldown Reduction
- Total Cost: 900 gold (250 combine cost)
Recipe Components:
- Cloth Armor
- Sapphire Crystal
The item was 101.85% gold efficient, making it a cost-effective choice for early-game itemization.
Notable Item Evolution:
- Built into key items like Iceborn Gauntlet, Righteous Glory, and Zeke's Convergence
- Replaced by Glacial Buckler upon removal
- Underwent multiple balance changes, including adjustments to armor (20-45), mana (250-500), and cooldown reduction (10-20%)
Strategic Value: Glacial Shroud was particularly valuable for fighters and tanky mages who needed a combination of defensive stats and ability haste. Its affordable price point made it an attractive early purchase that could be upgraded into more powerful items later in the game.
Lore: According to legend, the Glacial Shroud originated from a mythical frozen loom located in Valoran's easternmost pole, crafted entirely from pure ice.
Notable Patch Changes:
- V10.23: Removed from the game
- Multiple cost adjustments throughout its lifetime
- Several stat balancing iterations affecting armor, mana, and cooldown reduction values
- Recipe modifications to accommodate new item combinations and game balance
The item remained a staple defensive choice until its eventual removal, leaving a lasting impact on League of Legends' itemization history.
