Smolder is a Bot-lane champion requiring strategic gameplay to maximize effectiveness. Here's the comprehensive build guide:

Core Build Stats:

• Win Rate: 50.8% (based on 1,134 matches)
• Best Matchups: Kai'Sa (54.5%), Mel (53.4%), Kalista (52.5%)
• Worst Matchups: Kog'Maw (32.4%), Nilah (36.4%), Aphelios (38.9%)

Optimal Build:

Summoner Spells:

• Flash
• Barrier

Runes:

• Primary: Fleet Footwork, Presence of Mind, Legend: Haste, Coup de Grace
• Secondary: Gathering Storm, Transcendence
• Shards: Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, Health

Item Build Order:

1. Essence Reaver
2. Ionian Boots of Lucidity
3. Spear of Shojin
4. Rapid Firecannon
5. Lord Dominik's Regards
6. Bloodthirster

Skill Order: Q > W > E

Key Tips:

• Conserve W usage when enemy CC is available
• Secure level 2 advantage for early trading
• Maximize Passive stacks through consistent attacks
• Take E at level 2 for potential all-in opportunities

Best Support Synergies:

• Nami (52.1% WR)
• Thresh (49.3% WR)
• Karma (47.6% WR)

Alternative Builds:

Arcane Comet Build (48.7% WR):

• Same summoner spells
• Primary: Arcane Comet, Manaflow Band, Absolute Focus, Scorch
• Secondary: Biscuit Delivery, Magical Footwear
• Core items remain similar with Boots of Swiftness

Trinity Force Build (42.9% WR):

• First item: Trinity Force
• Second: Ionian Boots
• Third: Manamune
• Follow with standard late-game items

Situational Items: Adjust defensive items based on enemy composition and consider matchup-specific rune modifications, particularly in the defensive shard slot (Armor vs Magic Resist).

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