Maokai is a versatile tank support champion who excels at engaging enemies and protecting teammates. While his AP-focused builds are less prominent now, he remains effective with a tank-oriented playstyle.

Core Abilities and Usage

• Level 1 Skill Choice:
  • W (Twisted Advance): Best for early jungle invades and securing kills
  • E (Sapling Toss): Useful for vision control and bush checking
  • Q (Bramble Smash): Most versatile option for both engage and disengage

Skill Prioritization

1. Q (Bramble Smash)
2. W (Twisted Advance)
3. E (Sapling Toss)
4. R (Nature's Grasp)

Passive (Sap Magic)

• Heals Maokai on auto attacks after ability usage
• Healing scales with maximum health
• Cooldown reduces when hit by or using abilities
• Crucial for sustain in teamfights

Ultimate Usage (Nature's Grasp)

• Send roots at 90-degree angles for faster, more reliable hits
• Follow up on teammate's CC for best results
• Use to zone enemies or control objective areas

Build Path

Starting Items

• Relic Shield
• 2 Health Potions

Core Items

• Evenshroud
• Knight's Vow
• Locket of the Iron Solari

Situational Items

• Abyssal Mask (vs heavy AP)
• Frozen Heart (vs auto attackers)
• Randuin's Omen (vs crit builders)

Playstyle Tips

• Focus on peeling for carries in teamfights
• Use saplings for vision control
• Coordinate engages with your jungler
• Maximize passive healing in extended fights
• Position to protect backline while threatening enemy carries

Note: Build paths should adapt to enemy team composition and game state.

This simplified tank support build emphasizes team utility and survivability, making Maokai an effective frontline presence while providing crucial crowd control and protection for carries.

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