As the League of Legends EMEA Championship is set to commence on January 13th, a new strategic dilemma has emerged: Voidgrubs or the first drake. This question has become central to early game tactics, especially with the introduction of new jungle camps and changes to Summoner’s Rift.
The Voidgrubs Strategy
Voidgrubs, appearing alongside the first drake five minutes into the game, offer unique benefits. Each of the three sets grants players a buff that increases damage against structures. The culmination of slaying six Voidgrubs summons Voidmites, further aiding in structural damage. Their strategic value cannot be understated.
Opinions from the Pros
- Mark “Markoon” Van Woensel (Rogue): Emphasizes the importance of preventing the opposition from claiming all six Voidgrubs due to the significant advantage it confers for split pushing.
- Joel “Irrelevant” Miro Scharoll (SK Gaming): Suggests that while the first drake is a safer bet, denying the enemy five Voidgrubs is crucial.
- Rasmus “Caps” Borregaard Winther (G2 Esports): Finds Voidgrubs a compelling objective, especially if a team can secure several, opening up creative play opportunities.
- Andrei “Odoamne” Pascu (GIANTX): Believes Voidgrubs’ impact is situational, depending more on team composition and the enemy’s split-push potential.
Balancing Risk and Reward
Teams must delicately balance the potential rewards of Voidgrubs with the risks involved. The decision largely hinges on the game’s draft and the specific strengths of each team’s composition.
Commitment Is Key
If a team opts for Voidgrubs, the consensus is to fully commit to obtaining all six for maximum benefit. Thomas “Kirei” Yuen, coach of Team Heretic, advises taking whatever advantage is possible without significant losses.
Voidgrubs or First Drake?
As the 2024 LEC Winter Split approaches, the Voidgrubs versus first drake decision will be a focal point for teams and fans alike. This new strategic element adds another layer of depth to the game, and it will be interesting to see how teams adapt and exploit these options in the evolving meta.