Gwen Review

Hey there, fellow summoners! Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of Gwen, the mystical champion who’s been rocking the Rift since her debut in April 2021. Gwen falls under the Slayer class, and her positions are primarily Top and Middle. You might be wondering why I’m so stoked to review this champion. Well, I’ll spill the beans: Gwen’s unique playstyle is like a breath of fresh air, reminding me of the thrill I get from playing Riven. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes Gwen tick.

Lore

Gwen’s story is nothing short of magical. She started as a doll brought to life by ancient, mystical forces. The Hallowed Mist, a powerful and protective magic, flows through her scissors, needles, and sewing thread. Gwen carries the love of her creator’s creator with her every step of the way.

But that’s not all; her essence also holds a fragment of Isolde’s soul, embodying kindness, love, and joy. Gwen is a doll with a personality straight out of a fairy tale – polite, graceful, kind, and ever so curious about the world around her. She’s just a newcomer in the grand scheme of things, and the thought of her own mortality terrifies her. Gwen’s on a mission to battle the Black Mist and protect the world she was born into, especially from the likes of Thresh and Viego.

Champion Abilities

Let’s break down Gwen’s kit, starting with her passive, “A Thousand Cuts.” Gwen’s attacks deal bonus magic damage based on her target’s health, and she even heals a bit when damaging champions with it.

Next up, her Q ability, “Snip Snip!” Gwen snips her scissors up to 6 times in a cone, dealing magic damage. Units at the center take true damage and receive her passive on each snip.

Her W, “Hallowed Mist,” summons mist that shields Gwen from enemies outside of it. No one can target her until they step into the mist.

Gwen’s E, “Skip ‘N Slash,” allows her to dash a short distance, granting Attack Speed, increased attack range, and magic damage On-Hit for a brief period. Hitting an enemy during this time partially refunds the ability’s cooldown.

Lastly, her ultimate, “Needlework,” sees Gwen hurl a needle to slow enemies, deal magic damage, and apply “A Thousand Cuts” to hit champions. This ability can be cast up to two more times, throwing additional needles and dealing more damage if she hits an enemy between each cast.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gwen

Pros:

• Outplay Potential
• A Blast to Play
• Strong Splitpusher
• Tank Shredder

Cons:

• Limited Mobility in Teamfights
• Vulnerable to Ganks
• Squishy in Teamfights

Best Items for Gwen

Now, let’s talk about Gwen’s gear. She’s got a few favorite items in her arsenal:

 Nashor’s Tooth: This item is a must-have for Gwen. It provides on-hit effects that synergize perfectly with her kit. Plus, it offers a good chunk of AP, making it a go-to first or second item.

 Sorcerer’s Shoes: These boots are perfect for Gwen, adding some much-needed penetration to her AP damage. Since her Q converts only 50% of the center damage to True Damage, the added magic penetration really shines.

 Guinsoo’s Rageblade: Gwen loves this item, as it enhances her passive and E on-hit damage. It also gives some AP to bridge into her late-game AP items and is simply a fun item to use.

 Blade of the Ruined King: If you’re looking to shred tanks, BotRK is your go-to. It makes Gwen’s auto-attacks deal % current health damage and slows enemy champions on the 3rd hit while giving you a speed boost.

 Void Staff: When your opponents start stacking MR, this item is your ticket to cutting through their defenses. With MR items becoming more effective, Void Staff’s magic penetration becomes invaluable in the mid game. Plus, it won’t break the bank at 2800 gold.

 Cosmic Drive: As the final piece of the puzzle, Cosmic Drive grants Gwen 100 AP, substantial ability haste, and a dose of movement speed. This combo helps her zip around teamfights with ease.

Best Lanes and Roles for Gwen

Gwen is most at home in the top lane. However, she does require some careful play, especially in the early game when she’s rather fragile. You’ll need to dance around the bulkier foes, much like you would with Riven. Avoid getting caught out by champions like Mordekaiser, who can punish you hard. Solid wave management is your best friend in top lane.

While Gwen can hold her own in the mid lane against some casters and ADCs, she does struggle against assassins and duelists. Her W doesn’t provide much protection when champions like Talon, Katarina, or Yasuo are in her face. In such cases, it’s best to exercise caution and consider your matchups.

Champion Picks and Counter Picks

Now, let’s talk about champion matchups. Gwen shines against champions like Briar and Tahm Kench in the top lane. On the flip side, she’s not particularly fond of Akali and Poppy, who can give her a run for her money. So, it’s wise to steer clear of those matchups.

Price of this Champion in 2023

In 2023, you can unlock Gwen for 4800 Blue Essence or 880 Riot Points. A worthy investment if you’re looking for a versatile champion with a unique playstyle.

My Feedback

Having spent some quality time with Gwen, I can confidently say that she’s a champ with tremendous versatility. Whether you’re leaning towards an AP Bruiser build that melts enemy teams late-game or adopting a frontline tank role that outdamages ADCs, Gwen can do it all. It’s all about choosing the right build path and adapting to your team’s needs. She’s a remarkable champ that can make a significant impact when played correctly.

Best Guide for Gwen in 2023

For those of you eager to master Gwen, I’ve got a stellar guide to share with you. Check out this guide by Darky, a high-elo Gwen expert: Gwen Guide. It’s packed with valuable insights and tips to elevate your Gwen gameplay.

Best Skins for Gwen

• Cafe Cuties Gwen (1350 RP, Released in December 2021): This skin transforms Gwen into an adorable maid working at a cafe. It boasts crisp animations, new audio and visual effects, and a unique recall animation, making it one of Gwen’s top skins.
• Space Groove Gwen (1350 RP, Released in April 2021): Gwen’s first skin is part of the Space Groove skin line, casting her as a galactic hero with an 80’s disco-style outfit. It offers fresh visual effects, sound effects, animations, and recall animations. While it lacks additional voice lines, it’s still a visually stunning skin.

Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts

• Gwen was the first of three champions released in 2021, all tied to Viego’s return and the ongoing Ruined King story.
• She’s the second champion with heterochromia, with one teal eye and one violet eye, following in the footsteps of Zoe.
• Gwen will briefly walk in her doll form if you let her transform during her joke animation.
• There’s even a Gwen easter egg within “Ruined King: A League of Legends Story.”
• When playing Gwen, remember to go in for a “Snip Snip!” Q combo when you have plenty of stacks. And always keep the minion wave close to your side of the map to give you the upper hand in trades.

FAQ

Who is Gwen in League of Legends?

Gwen is a mystical champion introduced in April 2021, belonging to the Slayer class, primarily played in the Top and Middle lanes. She has a unique playstyle and a fascinating lore.

What are Gwen’s key abilities?

Gwen’s abilities include “A Thousand Cuts” (passive), “Snip Snip!” (Q), “Hallowed Mist” (W), “Skip ‘N Slash” (E), and “Needlework” (R). Each ability has its own unique effects and uses.

What are Gwen’s strengths and weaknesses?

Gwen excels at outplay potential, split-pushing, and dealing with tanky champions. However, she has limited mobility in teamfights, is vulnerable to ganks, and can be squishy in group engagements.

What are the best items for Gwen in League of Legends?

Gwen’s core items include Nashor’s Tooth, Sorc Shoes, Guinsoo’s Rageblade, Blade of the Ruined King, Void Staff, and Cosmic Drive. These items synergize well with her kit and playstyle.

Where does Gwen excel in terms of lanes and matchups?

Gwen is best suited for the top lane, but she can also play in the mid lane. She excels against certain champions like Briar and Tahm Kench but struggles against assassins and duelists. It’s crucial to consider matchups and exercise caution in unfavorable ones.