The Best Support Champions in Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas
In the fast-paced world of multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), the role of a support champion is often underestimated. While they may not always get the spotlight, their contributions are crucial to securing victories. A well-played support champion can turn the tide of a game, protecting allies, controlling key objectives, and setting up enemies for easy takedowns. With so many support champions to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are the best. In this article, we’ll explore the best support champs in popular MOBAs, highlighting their unique abilities and playstyles.
What Makes a Support Champion Great?
Before diving into the list, it’s essential to understand what makes a support champion stand out. A great support champion should excel in the following areas:
Crowd Control (CC): Abilities that can lock down enemies, such as stuns, roots, or silences, are invaluable in team fights.
Healing and Protection: The ability to sustain allies through healing or shields ensures they can stay in fights longer.
Map Awareness and Vision: Placing wards and controlling key areas of the map can prevent enemy ambushes and secure objectives.
Flexibility: A good support champion should be able to adapt to different situations and team compositions.
Top Support Champions in MOBAs
1. Leona (League of Legends)
Leona is a prime example of a tanky support champion with exceptional crowd control. Her Zenith Blade and Solar Flare allow her to lock down enemies for seconds, giving her team an easy setup for kills. Her Eclipse provides a shield, making her a formidable frontline presence. Leona is a must-pick in competitive play due to her ability to dictate team fights.
2. Dazzle (Dota 2)
Dazzle is a versatile support hero known for his Shallow Grave, which prevents allies from dying in critical moments. His Weave ability allows him to heal multiple targets at once, making him a lifesaver in prolonged fights. Dazzle’s Poison Touch also adds a layer of damage over time, making him a well-rounded pick.
3. Braum (League of Legends)
Braum is a defensive support champion with a unique kit. His Unbreakable shield can block skill shots and auto-attacks, protecting his carry or mid laner. Braum’s Glacial Toss and Winter’s Bite provide consistent crowd control, while his Glacial Fissure can zone enemies effectively. His ultimate, Glacial Prison, is a game-changer in team fights.
4. Oracle (Dota 2)
Oracle is a highly mobile support hero with a focus on utility. His False Promise can save allies from deadly abilities, while his Purifying Flames provide both healing and damage. Oracle’s Fate’s Edict allows him to silence enemies and reduce their magic resistance, making him a valuable asset in late-game team fights.
5. Thresh (League of Legends)
Thresh is one of the most iconic support champions in MOBAs. His Hook is a powerful tool for engaging or disengaging, and his Flay allows him to slow enemies or speed up allies. Thresh’s Damnation gives him a unique trading advantage in lane, and his ultimate, The Box, traps enemies for an easy setup.
How to Play Support Champions Effectively
While the best support champs have incredible abilities, their effectiveness depends on the player’s skill and game sense. Here are some tips to maximize your impact as a support player:
Communicate with Your Team: Coordinate with your team to set up ambushes or secure objectives.
Ward, Ward, Ward: Vision control is crucial in MOBAs. Always place wards in key areas to prevent enemy ganks.
Positioning is Key: Stay behind your frontline and focus on protecting your carries. Avoid overextending unless you’re sure it’s safe.
Use Your Abilities Wisely: Save your CC and defensive abilities for critical moments, such as when your carry is being targeted