Shen Review

Released on March 24, 2010, Shen is not just a champion; he’s an absolute game-changer. Belonging to the Warden class and primarily played in the Top and Support positions, he’s available for 3150 Blue Essence or 790 Riot Points in 2023. Shen is a versatile champion who excels in both defense and offense. He’s not just a powerhouse on the battlefield; he’s also one of the most enjoyable champions to play. In this review, we’ll delve into Shen’s lore, his powerful abilities, the advantages and disadvantages of choosing him, the best items to equip, the ideal lanes and roles for him, champion picks and counter picks, and much more. Whether you’re an experienced League of Legends player or a newbie, Shen is a champion worth considering. Let’s explore why he’s a fan favorite and an iconic figure in the League of Legends universe.

Lore

Among the secretive warriors of Ionia, known as the Kinkou, Shen serves as their leader, the Eye of Twilight. He’s not your typical hotheaded champion; Shen walks the path of dispassionate judgment, seeking to maintain balance between the spirit realm and the physical world. Armed with blades of steel and arcane energy, he’s the protector we all need on the battlefield.

Champion Abilities

Passive – Ki Barrier: Shen’s got an ace up his sleeve – a shield that pops up after casting a spell. It gets even cooler; hitting other champions with it reduces the cooldown. It’s like a magic force field!

Q – Twilight Assault: Shen channels his inner ninja and recalls his spirit blade to deal damage based on the enemy’s max health. If it smacks an enemy champion, they get slowed – talk about a double whammy.

W – Spirit’s Refuge: Think of this as Shen’s personal “no entry” zone. Attacks that target him or his buddies near the spirit blade get blocked. No baddies allowed!

E – Shadow Dash: Shen dashes like a true ninja, taunting enemies in his path. You’ll be dodging projectiles like a pro.

R – Stand United: Shen goes superhero on us, shielding a teammate from incoming damage and teleporting to their location. He’s a one-man rescue team.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Champion

Pros

Shen is a pre-6 ganking powerhouse.
He’s the ultimate counterjungler.
Soloing dragon and Herald is a piece of cake.
Shen brings the fun factor; he’s a blast to play.
Slippery and annoying – like that annoying mosquito.
Mentally challenging – you gotta use your brain.
Ever heard of Coulrophobia? Shen can give it to your opponents.

Cons

Early ganks are a tad weak if you’re not used to them.
Shen is hard to master; you’ll need to put in the hours.
Keep your cool; Shen requires focus and calm.
Be ready for some flaming; not everyone appreciates the ninja’s art.
He’s a bit squishy.
Guardian Angel and revealing champs can give Shen a hard time.

Best Items for Shen

Shen deserves the best, so let’s talk about the items that will make you an unstoppable ninja on the rift.

Heartsteel: This Mythic is your go-to if you want to become an absolute unit. Perfect for lower ELOs.

Radiant Virtue: Get this Mythic if you want to be a team player. You’ll save your teammates and rack up honors.

Jak’Sho, The Protean: If you want to feel like an unstoppable force, this is the tankiest of Mythics.

Divine Sunderer: For those ahead and craving more damage without throwing the game, this Mythic is the answer.

Iceborn Gauntlet: If the enemy team is all about physical damage, grab this Mythic – it’s a lifesaver.

Locket of the Iron Solari: When your team is ahead and your support won’t buy Locket, you step in and save the day.

Evenshroud: If you’re behind but still want to be useful, this Mythic is your best bet.

Best Lanes and Roles for Shen

Shen is a top-lane ninja, but you can build him as a tank or add some damage, depending on your skills. In your ELO, experimenting with different builds could be a game-changer.

Champion Picks and Counter Picks

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty – who Shen rules over, and who gives him nightmares. Top lane is his kingdom, and he thrives against champions like Akshan and Trundle. On the flip side, Vayne and Urgot are the stuff of Shen’s nightmares. Avoid picking fights with them.

Price of this Champion in 2023

In 2023, Shen comes at a store price of 3150 BE or 790 RP. That’s quite a steal for a champion who can take on an entire squad!

My Feedback

Why Should I Play Shen? Well, there are plenty of reasons:

Strong laning phase: Shen shines right from the get-go, and that early game power is hard to beat.
High impact in SoloQ: He can turn the tide of battle and secure those wins.
Fluid blade mechanics: Shen’s abilities make you feel like a real ninja.
Exceedingly fun to play: Nothing beats that thrill of taunting enemies and saving allies.
Teaches map awareness: You’ll become a better player with Shen as he encourages you to keep an eye on the whole map.
Versatile champion: Shen can adapt to different scenarios.
High skill ceiling: The more you play, the more you learn, and the more you can achieve.
Dual-wielding Ninja: Need we say more? You’ll be a ninja with two swords – it’s just awesome.

Best Guide for Shen in 2023

For those who want to master the art of Shen, I’ve got a killer guide for you. Check out this guide to maximize your ninja skills: Shen Build. It’s got all the insights you need to become a Shen expert.

Best Skins for this Champion

Every champion deserves to look good on the rift. Here’s a rundown of the best skins for Shen:

Yellow Jacket Shen (520 RP): A Scorpion homage that has a strong fanbase, though the purple base particles may not match the theme perfectly.
Blood Moon Shen (750 RP): A cool character model, but the base particles don’t do justice to the aesthetic.
Frozen Shen (520 RP): A unique aesthetic with purple base animations that might not fully complement the theme.
TPA Shen (750 RP): Thematically strong with a unique appearance and satisfying bat animations. However, it may not hold up in the long run.
PsyOps Shen (1350 RP): New Q and animations are highlights, but some particle colors and exposed arms are minor design issues.
Warlord Shen (975 RP): Simple and effective samurai aesthetic, a strong character model, and a variety of chromas make it a solid choice.
Pulsefire Shen (1350 RP): Impressive splash art and particles, but the character model and ninja aesthetic might not appeal to everyone.
Infernal Shen (1350 RP): Despite the basic theme, this skin looks badass, and the chromas add variety. Watch out for potential confusion with the ultimate.
Surgeon Shen (975 RP): An unconventional surgeon theme with a good character model and amusing design choices. Loved by the Shen community.
Shockblade Shen (1350 RP): Elevating the ninja aesthetic, a perfect character model, a wide range of chromas, and an impressive backing animation make this skin the top choice.

Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts

Here are some cool tidbits about Shen:

Shen is written as 慎 shèn [ʂə̃n˥˩] in Chinese localization, meaning “caution.”
Shen was the first champion to use energy as a resource for abilities.
Shen’s dance references the Tai chi 24-form, showcasing his mastery of martial arts.
Shen leads the surviving Kinkou, but there’s a great conflict of interest with Zed’s Order of Shadow, which defies Ionia’s sacred balance.

Remember, when playing Shen, don’t let the enemy poke you down. Keep an eye on the minimap, and be prepared to save your low-health allies with your ultimate, Stand United. Always be ready to strike with precision and protect your team with unyielding resolve.

FAQ

Who is Shen in League of Legends, and what are his abilities?

Shen is a leader of the Kinkou in Ionia, known as the Eye of Twilight. His abilities include a shield (Ki Barrier), a blade attack (Twilight Assault), a zone-blocking skill (Spirit’s Refuge), a dash and taunt (Shadow Dash), and a global teleport with a shield (Stand United).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing Shen in League of Legends?

Pros include his pre-6 ganking ability, counterjungling prowess, and the versatility to solo objectives. He’s also fun and mentally challenging to play. However, he can be hard to master, is somewhat squishy, and vulnerable to certain counterpicks and items.

What are the recommended items for Shen in League of Legends?

Recommended items for Shen include Heartsteel, Radiant Virtue, Jak’Sho, Divine Sunderer, Iceborn Gauntlet, Locket of the Iron Solari, and Evenshroud. The choice depends on your playstyle and the match’s circumstances.

Where is Shen best played, and what roles can he fill in League of Legends?

Shen is primarily a top-lane champion but can be built as a tank or damage dealer depending on your skills and team composition. Experimenting with different builds can be advantageous in various situations.

Who are Shen’s champion picks and counterpicks in League of Legends?

Shen excels against champions like Akshan and Trundle in the top lane but struggles against Vayne and Urgot. It’s essential to know which champions to pick fights with and which to avoid when playing as Shen.