Gragas Support Guide: Complete Tank Build & Strategy for Patch 14.16.1
Gragas brings significant impact as a support champion, combining crowd control abilities with surprising durability and damage potential. While unconventional, his versatile kit makes him an effective tank support.
Core Strengths:
- Strong crowd control capabilities
- High durability
- Good damage output
- Versatile engage and disengage options
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Ability Prioritization:
- Q - Barrel Roll: Primary poke tool and zone control
- E - Body Slam: Main engage tool and CC
- W - Drunken Rage: Take one point early, max last
- R - Explosive Cask: Take at levels 6/11/16
Key Mechanics:
- E-Flash combination for unexpected engages
- Q-R combo (barrel into ultimate) for maximum CC chain
- Passive (Happy Hour) management for sustained lane presence
Essential Items: Starting:
- Steel Shoulderguards
- 2 Health Potions
Core Build:
- Evenshroud
- Winter's Approach
- Plated Steelcaps/Mercury's Treads
Situational Items:
- Knight's Vow (vs heavy AD)
- Abyssal Mask (vs heavy AP)
- Randuin's Omen (vs crit-based champions)
- Force of Nature (vs magic damage)
Laning Strategy:
- Use Q to zone enemies from farm and maintain bush control
- Conserve mana early game
- Look for E-Flash engage opportunities when enemy key abilities are on cooldown
- Coordinate with ADC for optimal engage timing
- Position barrels to force favorable movements from enemies
The key to mastering Gragas support lies in practice and understanding his combo potential. While challenging to execute perfectly, his ability to impact teamfights and create opportunities makes him a rewarding choice for dedicated players.