We all know that Hwei is a male mage designed for the mid lane, but that will never stop League of Legends players from experimenting with Hwei support.
Due to the nature of the role, in which mage champions with any form of utility can be played — for example, Lux, Morgana, Vel’Koz, and even Zoe — he seems like a viable pick, especially since he packs a handful of spells that buffs and protects his team while crowd controlling opponents.
In a roundtable with media, League of Legends Game Designer Myles “Emizery” Salholm shares Riot’s position on Hwei support.
The thing about Hwei is that his kit is so loaded, so it’s hard to restrict him to one lane. He has three subjects, or stances if you will, creating a total of 10 unique spells.
Serenity spells provide two big benefits to the team. Fleeting Current (WQ) increases the team’s movement speed for a few seconds.
Meanwhile, allies who walk over the Pool of Reflection (WW) will gain a shield, which increases overtime if they linger in its cool waters
On the offensive side, Torment spells are meant to… well… torment your enemies on the Rift.
Landing Grim Visage (EQ) on the first enemy hit causes them to flee for a brief moment, similar to how Vex and Fiddlesticks does it.
If that’s not enough, he has a root in Gaze of the Abyss (EW) that also grants vision. If you prefer to play rough, use Crushing Maw (EE) to displace enemies, pulling them toward the center whilst applying slow.
“We believe he’s going to be a viable support. We’re not going to do anything to prevent that,” said Riot Emizery. “That said, he’s strongest in the mid lane where he’s able to get enough gold and experience.”
Like many mage champions designed for mid, they usually possess AP ratios that scale off items. If these champions are played in support, they starve, and might underperform due to low base values that eventually lose out to traditional enchanters.
“If he’s stronger in support than intended and it hurts his mid lane win rate and pick rate, we’ll take action,” added Riot Emizery.
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