Nocturne Review
Hey there, fellow gamers! Today, we’re diving into the dark, mysterious world of Nocturne, the champion who’s been striking fear into the hearts of League of Legends players since his release back in 2011. As a player who’s always been drawn to the enigmatic, Nocturne’s shadowy lore and versatile abilities have always piqued my interest. In this article, we’ll explore Nocturne’s backstory, his abilities, and what makes him a formidable force on the Rift. So, why do I want to review this champion? Well, because Nocturne is just downright cool – and we’ll dive into why.
Lore
nocturne
Nocturne, the embodiment of our darkest nightmares, emerges from the depths of terror itself. This shadowy figure is as chaotic as they come, with no face but cold, piercing eyes and wicked blades at the ready. After breaking free from the spirit realm, Nocturne prowls the waking world, feasting on the unique kind of fear that thrives only in the pitch-black darkness. Imagine a figure composed of pure, inky-black darkness, only slightly resembling a human with two arms and a head, its fingers clawed, and its head featuring nothing but two stark, white eyes. From the waist down, it melts into a plume of black smoke.
Decked out in purple or red armor with a gray trim, Nocturne boasts a breastplate and two menacing, spiked pauldrons. His trademark weapons? A pair of massive, curved blades affixed to each forearm. Eerie, right?
Champion Abilities
Let’s break down Nocturne’s terrifying kit:
- Passive – Umbra Blades: Nocturne’s basic attacks periodically strike nearby enemies for bonus physical damage and heal him. It’s a lifeline in the heat of battle.
- Q – Duskbringer: Nocturne hurls a shadowy blade, leaving behind a Dusk Trail. This not only deals damage but also grants Nocturne increased movement speed and attack damage when he’s on the trail. Perfect for chasing down your prey!
- W – Shroud of Darkness: This ability empowers Nocturne’s blades, granting him a passive attack speed boost. When activated, it turns Nocturne into a shadowy wraith, blocking an incoming enemy ability and doubling his passive attack speed. Talk about resilience!
- E – Unspeakable Horror: Nocturne plants a nightmare in his target’s mind, dealing damage and applying fear if they can’t escape the terror in time. A true nightmare-inducing ability!
- R – Paranoia: Nocturne takes the enemy’s vision to the brink of darkness, reducing their sight radius and eliminating ally vision in the process. He can then launch himself at a nearby enemy champion, making for some epic, game-changing plays.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Champion
Now, let’s talk about what makes Nocturne tick in the game.
Pros:
- High DPS
- Amazing ganks
- Strong early game presence
- Fast jungle clearing
- User-friendly kit
- Powerful 1v1 potential
Cons:
- Highly reliant on hitting level 6
- Falls off in the late game
- Works best when focusing a single target
- Timing your shield can be a challenge
Best Items for Nocturne
Choosing the right items can make all the difference when playing Nocturne. Here are some personal recommendations:
Scorchclaw Pup: Ideal for taking on tanky opponents thanks to its percent health damage and a 30% slow on-hit. Great when facing a team with a lack of squishies.
Mosstomper Seedling: Opt for this when building a bruiser. It’s perfect for mixed-team compositions, offering a small shield, tenacity, and slow resist.
Gustwalker Hatchling: If you’re up against squishy champs and going the assassin route, this one’s your jam. The massive movement speed boost is a game-changer.
Stridebreaker: A versatile pick offering health, damage, attack speed, and ability haste. A staple for Nocturne in almost any game. Goredrinker is another option, especially if you prefer a more sustained approach.
Death Dance: It adds damage, armor, and a 120% AD heal. A fantastic complement to your Duskbringer.
Youmuu’s Ghostblade: Offers Nocturne plenty of ability haste for his ultimate. Perfect as a third item in a bruiser build or first item in a lethality build.
Best Lanes and Roles for Nocturne
Nocturne shines as a Jungler, with his unparalleled ability to surprise and eliminate lone wanderers on the map. His speedy and healthy jungle clear makes him a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re farming up a storm or making epic plays, Nocturne’s versatility and pick potential are second to none.
Champion Picks and Counter Picks
Now, let’s talk strategy. Nocturne has some champions he excels against and others he’d rather avoid. Here’s the scoop:
Nocturne dominates the jungle when pitted against champions like Talon and Kha’Zix. His ability to dive in and strike fear into the hearts of his enemies gives him a significant edge.
On the flip side, Nocturne faces his worst nightmares when dealing with Rammus and Ivern. Going up against these tanky foes is a no-no, so it’s best to steer clear of that match-up.
Price of this Champion in 2023
Wondering how much Nocturne costs in 2023? Well, you’re in luck. Nocturne will set you back 3150 Blue Essence or 790 Riot Points.
My Feedback
Now, let’s get personal. As a gamer who’s dabbled with Nocturne, here’s my take. Nocturne boasts an array of abilities that make soloing most champions a breeze while still being a team player in those crucial teamfights. His ease of play makes him a great pick for beginners learning the jungle.
Nocturne truly shines in the viability department, especially if you opt for a bruiser build with Stridebreaker and Death Dance. This setup allows you to take down squishy champions while still having plenty of HP to spare. His high DPS means he can dish out a ton of damage, making him a nightmare for enemy ADCs like Miss Fortune and Ashe.
When it comes to teamfights, Nocturne is the real deal, thanks to his ultimate, Paranoia. With it, you can easily pick off the enemy’s backline, leaving the opponents disoriented and in disarray.
Ganking with Nocturne is a joy. His kit allows for some spectacular plays, whether it’s using Paranoia to dive into the action or landing a crucial stun with Unspeakable Horror. Ganking without your ultimate is still viable, but your enemies might have a better chance to escape – unless you strike from the deepest shadows.
Best Guide for Nocturne in 2023
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to master Nocturne, I’ve got just the thing for you. Check out this guide. It’s chock-full of tips and strategies to elevate your Nocturne gameplay.
Best Skins for Nocturne
Nocturne has a slew of skins to choose from, each adding a unique flair to this fearsome champion. Here are some of the standout options:
- Void Nocturne (520 RP): A simple, affordable choice that brings a mystical purple touch to Nocturne’s darkness theme. The splash art may show its age, but it’s still a classic pick.
- Ravager Nocturne (520 RP): Another budget-friendly skin with an improved splash art. It has a Halloween-inspired theme, perfect for the spooky season.
- Frozen Terror Nocturne (975 RP): While it may be from 2011, this skin gives Nocturne an icy makeover with a light blue color scheme. A solid choice if you like a touch of frost.
- Hextech Nocturne (10 Gemstones): Part of the Hextech skin line, this futuristic skin boasts unique animations, especially for Nocturne’s ultimate. A cool pick for those with extra gemstones to spare.
- Haunting Nocturne (975 RP): If you’re in the mood for a Halloween vibe, this skin transforms Nocturne into a spooky ghost seeking vengeance. It’s a classic choice that fits the theme.
- Elderwood Nocturne (1350 RP): With a purple-pink color palette and revamped animations, this skin gives Nocturne a majestic and frightening appearance. A complete reimagining of the champion’s look.
- Cursed Revenant Nocturne (750 RP): This skin turns Nocturne into an apocalypse survivor with a distinct in-game model. The hood and bone saws on his arms give it a unique and affordable touch.
- Eternum Nocturne (1820 RP): The most expensive, but it’s legendary for a reason. A red and silver art style, new attack animations, and ability overhauls make Nocturne feel like a true badass.
Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts
Before we wrap up, here are some fascinating tidbits about Nocturne:
- Nocturne is the only champion to have spoken lines in major cinematics.
- The name “Nocturne” is derived from the French word for “night,” which, in turn, comes from the Latin “nocturnus.”
- His passive, Umbra Blades, is named after the Latin word “umbra,” meaning “shade” or “shadow.”
- Nocturne was the first champion to be previewed at a major event before his release, specifically at PAX East 2011.
To maximize your Nocturne experience, aim to reach level 6 quickly, unleashing the power of your ultimate, Paranoia. As an assassin, target immobile champions who venture alone in side lanes or through the river. Get as close as possible to your target before using Paranoia to ensure they don’t escape. Just be mindful of deep wards!
So, fellow summoners, there you have it – a deep dive into the world of Nocturne, the champion who’s as mysterious as he is deadly. Whether you’re a fan of jungle mayhem or thrilling ganks, Nocturne offers a unique gameplay experience that’s worth exploring. So, dive into the darkness and embrace your inner nightmare with this iconic League of Legends champion!
FAQ
Who is Nocturne in League of Legends?
Nocturne is a champion known for his dark and mysterious lore and versatile abilities. He’s a fearsome presence on the Rift, with a shadowy appearance and wicked blades.
What are Nocturne’s key abilities in the game?
Nocturne’s abilities include Umbra Blades (passive), Duskbringer (Q), Shroud of Darkness (W), Unspeakable Horror (E), and Paranoia (R). These abilities grant him high DPS and great ganking potential.
What are the pros and cons of playing Nocturne?
Pros include high DPS, strong early game presence, and powerful 1v1 potential. However, he is highly reliant on reaching level 6, tends to fall off in the late game, and works best when focusing on a single target.
What are the recommended items for Nocturne in 2023?
Recommended items for Nocturne include Stridebreaker, Death Dance, and Youmuu’s Ghostblade. The choice of items depends on your playstyle and the composition of the enemy team.
What are some champion picks and counter picks for Nocturne?
Nocturne excels against champions like Talon and Kha’Zix but struggles against tanky foes like Rammus and Ivern. It’s important to consider matchups when playing him in the jungle.