Riot Games has officially unveiled Ambessa Medarda, one of the key characters from Arcane, as a new champion in League of Legends. As an upcoming top lane specialist, Ambessa brings a unique playstyle to the Rift, focusing heavily on one-on-one duels rather than large team fights.
With her impressive kit, Ambessa will be a serious contender for players who enjoy solo fighting, lane pushing, and precise mechanical execution.Although designed primarily for the top lane, Ambessa’s abilities suggest that she may also be a viable pick for the mid lane or jungle, depending on team composition.
Her role revolves around hunting down and eliminating isolated targets with her signature chain blades, Twin Drakehounds. Uniquely, Ambessa is an energy-based champion, which adds a fresh dynamic to a game that has seen many mana-dependent champions lately.
Ambessa’s Abilities in League of Legends
Ambessa’s kit revolves around mobility and high-impact duels, making her an exciting pick for players who excel at positioning and fast decision-making. Let’s break down her abilities:
Passive – Drakehound’s Step
- After casting an ability, Ambessa can dash in any direction by issuing a movement or attack order.
- She gains a charge after each cast (up to three charges), which lasts for four seconds. While charged, Ambessa gets 100 bonus attack range and 50% increased attack speed.
- Each attack consumes a charge, dealing bonus physical damage and restoring 40 energy.
Q – Cunning Sweep / Sundering Slam
- Cunning Sweep: Ambessa swings her blades forward, dealing 2.2% max health physical damage to enemies at the edge of the strike. Other enemies take 30% less damage. Hitting an enemy readies Sundering Slam.
- Sundering Slam: After preparing the slam, Ambessa strikes downwards, dealing 2.3% max health physical damage to the first enemy hit, with reduced damage to others.
W – Repudiation
- Ambessa gains a shield for 1.5 seconds and braces herself for incoming damage for 0.5 seconds.
- She then slams the ground, dealing physical damage to nearby enemies. The damage increases if she successfully blocks damage from a champion, large monster, or structure during the brace.
E – Lacerate
- Ambessa swings her chains, dealing physical damage and slowing enemies by 99%, decaying over one second.
- Using Drakehound’s Step after Lacerate triggers an additional strike, making her even more elusive.
R (Ultimate) – Public Execution
- Passive: Ambessa gains 10% armor penetration, and her abilities heal her for 10% of the damage dealt.
- Active: Ambessa becomes unstoppable and blinks to the farthest enemy champion in a line. She suppresses the target for 0.75 seconds, slams them into the ground for physical damage, and stuns them for 0.4 seconds.
Key Characteristics
- Energy-based champion: No need to manage mana, allowing for more consistent ability usage.
- High mobility: With dashes integrated into her passive, Ambessa can easily weave in and out of fights.
- Strong in 1v1 situations: Her kit is built for dueling, making her ideal for isolating and picking off enemy champions.
- Low team fight presence: While she excels in solo combat, she may struggle in larger engagements without proper positioning.
Conclusion
Ambessa Medarda is shaping up to be a unique addition to League of Legends, offering a fast-paced, high-mobility playstyle ideal for top lane or jungle players.
Her ability to control fights and quickly reposition will make her a strong solo fighter, perfect for those looking to dominate the lane. Expect her to shake up the meta when she officially joins the Rift in the near future.