Fiddlesticks Review
Hey there, fellow summoners! Today, we’re diving into the eerie and enigmatic world of League of Legends with a focus on one of my personal favorites, Fiddlesticks. This terrifying scarecrow-like champion has been haunting the Rift since its release on February 21, 2009. In this review, we’ll explore Fiddlesticks’ lore, champion abilities, advantages, disadvantages, the best items to make him shine, and the ideal lanes and roles to unleash his horrors upon the enemy team. Plus, we’ll reveal some secret tricks and fascinating facts about this ghastly champion. So, if you’re into dark aesthetics and spine-chilling gameplay, you’re in for a treat!
One of the most compelling aspects of Fiddlesticks is its striking aesthetic. If you’re a fan of champions with a dark and ominous vibe like I am, then Fiddlesticks is right up your alley. Other champions that share this sinister aesthetic, such as Karthus, Shaco, Nocturne, and Shyvana, are also among my favorites. For me, the champion’s appearance matters, and when it aligns with my tastes, I have a blast playing them. So, if you’re into champions that send shivers down your spine and love a touch of the macabre, then keep reading, because Fiddlesticks might just become your new favorite nightmare on the Rift.
Lore
Something ancient, something terrible stirs in Runeterra, and its name is Fiddlesticks. This ageless horror lurks at the edges of mortal society, drawn to places thick with paranoia, where it feasts upon the terrorized souls unlucky enough to cross its path. Fiddlesticks is a nightmarish figure, resembling a grotesque scarecrow, with a burlap sackcloth concealing its horrifying face—only two glowing red eyes and a mouth full of jagged metal teeth peek through. The creature is a hodgepodge of rusted scrap metal, with extra arms occasionally sprouting from its body. One of these extra limbs even wields a deadly sawblade. Beware the sounding of the crow, for Fiddlesticks has returned.
Fiddlesticks Abilities
Let’s delve into the macabre kit that makes Fiddlesticks a true terror on the battlefield:
Passive – A Harmless Scarecrow: Fiddlesticks’ trinket is replaced by scarecrow effigies.
Q – Terrify: Fiddlesticks strikes fear into the hearts of its enemies. Damaging foes with spells while unseen or targeting an enemy with Terrify’s activation causes them to flee in terror.
W – Bountiful Harvest: Fiddlesticks drains the life force from nearby enemies, dealing bonus execute damage at the end of the duration.
E – Reap: With a sinister slash of its scythe, Fiddlesticks slows all enemies in its path and silences those unfortunate enough to be hit at the center of the slash.
R – Crowstorm: Fiddlesticks summons a murder of crows that swirl around it, dealing continuous damage to all nearby enemy units. This ultimate can turn the tide of teamfights and send your opponents running in terror.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Champion
Now, let’s weigh the pros and cons of summoning Fiddlesticks to the Rift:
Pros:
- Good poke potential with E.
- Exceptional in teamfights.
- Versatile enough for a support role.
- Safe laning with the crowd-control of Q and sustain from W.
Cons:
- Reduced healing from W when draining minions.
- Vulnerable early game.
- High mana consumption.
- Slow auto-attack speed can lead to missed minion kills.
Best Items for Fiddlesticks
Alright, summoners, let’s gear up our creepy scarecrow with the best items:
Night Harvester: This item provides insane burst damage and synergizes beautifully with Dark Harvest, helping you secure kills on low-health targets. With added ability haste and bonus movement speed when damaging champions, Night Harvester is a sinister choice.
Hextech Rocketbelt: My personal favorite Mythic item for Fiddlesticks, it offers mobility and outplay potential. The dash can aid in landing Crowstorm, and you get extra magic penetration for each legendary item you build.
Liandry’s Anguish: Ideal for dealing with tanky enemies, thanks to its burning % health passive. While it lacks health, it provides ample mana, ability haste, and bonus ability haste for each legendary item you craft.
Sorcerer’s Shoes: A must for Fiddlesticks due to his scaling with magic penetration. These boots ensure you dish out significant damage once you’ve got them equipped.
Best Lanes and Roles for Fiddlesticks
So, where should you unleash the terror of Fiddlesticks? Let’s explore his optimal lanes and roles:
Jungle: Fiddlesticks primarily thrives in the jungle. His ease of use and lack of demanding mechanics make him a great pick for beginners. Plus, focusing on macro play, warding, and jungle tracking can set you on the path to climbing the ranks. With his devastating Crowstorm, he’s a menace in teamfights.
Top Lane: While unconventional, Fiddlesticks can work in the top lane, but it heavily depends on matchups. Consider building full tank with items like Heartsteel and Spirit Visage for better survivability and focus on draining with your W.
Mid Lane: Playing Fiddlesticks mid can be both fun and annoying for your opponents. His laning phase can be challenging due to his unique mage playstyle, but his damage potential makes it worthwhile if you master him in this off-role.
Champion Picks and Counter Picks
Now, let’s talk strategy. Fiddlesticks excels against some champions and struggles against others:
Favorable Matchups: Fiddlesticks reigns supreme in the jungle against champions like Zed and Wukong. They’ll have a tough time dealing with the terror he brings to the Rift.
Challenging Opponents: Beware of Udyr and Nocturne, as they can make your life miserable. It’s best to avoid facing them if possible.
Price of this Champion in 2023
In 2023, Fiddlesticks can be unlocked for 1350 Blue Essence or 585 Riot Points. This makes him quite accessible for players who want to add this nightmarish champion to their collection.
My Feedback
As a dedicated gamer who’s spent countless hours in the League of Legends world, I can confidently say that Fiddlesticks is a hidden gem. His dark and eerie aesthetic might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s precisely what makes him so appealing. In a meta filled with mechanically demanding champions, Fiddlesticks often flies under the radar during ban phases. With the new item changes, he’s performing exceptionally well, boasting a win rate of over 53%, despite his relatively low play rate of only 4%.
What makes Fiddlesticks stand out is his versatility. While he can be a formidable support, it’s worth noting that he might face some challenges in the laning phase before hitting level 6, unless your jungler lends a helping hand.
Furthermore, playing Fiddlesticks is an absolute blast. Landing a game-changing Crowstorm or scoring a quadra or pentakill is a thrill like no other. Plus, his low play rate means you won’t often find him picked or banned, making him an excellent dark horse pick for those who master him. So, if you’re into strategic gameplay and enjoy instilling fear in your opponents, give Fiddlesticks a shot—you won’t be disappointed.
Best Skins for this Champion
Now, let’s take a look at the best skins for Fiddlesticks:
- Union Jack Fiddlesticks: While detailed up close, it might seem plain in-game and is exclusively available during the Olympics.
- Bandito Fiddlesticks: Lost a bit of its charm after a rework but still maintains its sombrero-wearing, outlaw aesthetic.
- Pumpkinhead Fiddlesticks: A Halloween-themed skin that’s easily recognizable and fits the champion’s theme perfectly.
- Spectral Fiddlesticks: Offers fantastic value with new animations and a haunting appearance, all at a reasonable price.
- Fiddle Me Timbers: This iconic pirate-themed skin boasts a catchy name and a unique look that sets it apart.
- Risen Fiddlesticks: A fancy skin with beautiful animations, although it might be slightly overshadowed by others on this list.
- Dark Candy Fiddlesticks: Embrace the holiday spirit with this Christmas-themed skin, complete with festive animations and an affordable price.
- Praetorian Fiddlesticks: Initially doubted, this skin impresses with its robotic design, holograms, and slick voice lines.
- Star Nemesis Fiddlesticks: Almost takes the top spot with its demonic jester appearance and a unique familiar, but minor issues hold it back.
- Surprise Party Fiddlesticks: The iconic skin that remains the top choice. It combines a goofy yet terrifying murder clown aesthetic with memorable voice lines.
Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts
Finally, let’s wrap up with some intriguing facts and tricks about Fiddlesticks:
- Fiddlesticks’ dance references the Scarecrow’s dance from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum.
- He appears to be left-handed, adding an eerie touch to his character.
- In an April Fools’ Day patch (V1.0.0.115), there was a playful mention of a skin called “8-bit-tlesticks,” a nod to the 8-bit era of video games.
Now, you’re armed with all the knowledge you need to embrace the horrors of Fiddlesticks in League of Legends. So, go out there, terrify your enemies, and remember, fear is your greatest ally on the Rift!
FAQ
Who is Fiddlesticks in League of Legends?
Fiddlesticks is a terrifying scarecrow-like champion known for its dark aesthetic and eerie gameplay. It was released on February 21, 2009, and is a nightmarish figure with unique abilities.
What are Fiddlesticks’ champion abilities and roles?
Fiddlesticks’ abilities include Terrify, Bountiful Harvest, Reap, and Crowstorm. It excels in the jungle but can also be played in top and mid lanes. Its versatility and devastating Crowstorm make it a menace in teamfights.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing Fiddlesticks?
Pros of Fiddlesticks include good poke potential, exceptional teamfight capabilities, and versatility as a support. Cons include reduced healing from W when draining minions, vulnerability in the early game, and high mana consumption.
What are the best items for Fiddlesticks in 2023?
Recommended items for Fiddlesticks in 2023 include Night Harvester for burst damage, Hextech Rocketbelt for mobility, Liandry’s Anguish for dealing with tanky foes, and Sorcerer’s Shoes for magic penetration.
Which skins and interesting facts should I know about Fiddlesticks?
Notable Fiddlesticks skins include Surprise Party Fiddlesticks and Spectral Fiddlesticks. Interesting facts include its dance reference to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and an April Fools’ Day mention of an “8-bit-tlesticks” skin.