Battle Point Cost
Hero Fragment Cost
Diamond Cost
Introduction
It's been a while but I am back. Many has changed in the patches such as buffs and nerfs to the heroes but today's topic is about Yi Sun-Shin, Spirit of Navy. I know, Yi Sun-Shin has always been "out of meta" so this could be the "off-meta" hero which means it's less viable but more fun. Moskov is still the best marksman but it's been really boring seeing or playing Moskov in every single game. In this case, winning is not the actual motive here, but to have fun. Don't get me wrong, you can still get high win rates with "off-meta" heroes such as Yi Sun-Shin.
Yi Sun-Shin is an unique type of marksman which has global harass/finisher/assist , good roaming and ganking, something you won't see with other marksman.
Lore
Chungmugong Yi Sun-shin was a famous general in an Asian kingdom. He was extremely loyal and of prowess. At the time when the nation was in danger, Yi Sun-sin built a powerful navy and created the iron armored ‘turtle ship’, making indelible contribution to Korea Kingdom for dominating around sea areas. ‘Wherever iron turtle ships sail on, the sea areas belong to me.’ said Yi. Yi was excellent at ‘overtaking majority with the minority’. Under the leadership of Him, Korean navy defeated over 330 enemy warships with only 12 ships, gaining the great triumph of Battle of Myeongnyang. To this day, the legend of this Asian general still lives on in the people’s hearts.
Abilities
A bonus for a marksman to have melee basic attack with bleed effect. The amazing part of this passive is that you could slow your enemies with bleed as well.
ALL of your abilities has bleed effect, which means slows as well. The slow isn't huge but it can trigger your item, Blade of Despair.
-There will be a ship in the base where you can board, gets bonus movement speed and special ability. Extremely good for ganking.
-Gap closing/kiting ability, overall decent. The only downside is that the cooldown isn't fast like Moskov's gapclosing ability.
-While on Turtle Ship, you can stun the target and deals physical damage which is very good for ganking.
-Recommend to max this first, harassing/wave clear decently.
-Always manually aim, hold for longer range/higher damage.
-Global ultimate that fire three waves of attack to ALL enemies whether in vision or not.
-After enemy got the boots, it's impossible to hit with this ability if they walk straight, but it can be really powerful when enemies are standing together especially in teamfight.
-Make use of this ultimate early game to harass/picking out last hits/finisher.
Pros and Cons
Pros +
- Global ultimate
- Bleed effect with slow
- Good harasser
- Fairly stronger early game compare with other marksman
- Good ganker
- Decent damage
Cons -
- Everything here is because Yi Sun-Shin isn't in meta..
- Which is not the case here
- Outscales by every other marksman
Items and Battle Spells
The one and only.
Haas's Claw- Every marksman need. Lifesteal and attack damage.
Boots- You can go with armor or attack speed.
Scarlet Phantom- Best attack speed item you could find in game, deadly with Berserker's Fury.
Berserker's Fury- Deadly with Scarlet Phantom, best crit item.
Blade of Despair- Huge attack damage, attack speed and Despair effect.
Last item- Defensive/Offensive item depends on how the game goes.
There is only 3 viable spell. Flicker for offensive/defensive use. Purify for defensive use or Retribution for snowballing- clearing the jungle quickly, etc.
Game Plan
Early Game
Just like any other marksman, you can solo mid if you want to, side lanes are fine as well. Start either with Tier 1 jungle item (for more exp on jungle monsters) or magic necklaces for mana regen. Whenever you hit level 4, try to put your attention more to the map so you know what's going on. You can help your teammates in a fight with Mountain Shocker (Ultimate) or picking off last hits and get yourself a lead. Don't be greedy and wait till your team is done, use it as soon as possible whenever they are about to clash a mini teamfight, the slow and bleed effect could help. When your turtle ship is available, don't hesitate to board it and look for ganks. It could be deadly with your team follow up. Take advantage of the early game with your abilities.
Mid/Late Game
Mid Game- I would highly encourage to 5v5 instead of split lanes and push, you do not want to reach late game with Yi Sun-Shin, every other marksman outshines and outscales him. Its best to end the game as soon as possible before enemy gets their core/end game items. Mountain Shocker is extremely powerful in a teamfight especially when enemy are sticking close together. You will most likely win a fair 5v5 teamfights most of the time. But when it comes to end-game, it's almost impossible to out-damage enemy judging based on a same skill level marksman.
Don't be frustrated, if Yi Sun-Shin isn't your playstyle, you could always try another but there is no harm in trying everything. You will never know until you try. Have fun and see you guys next time.