Ivern Review

Hey there, fellow gamers! Today, we’re diving into the world of League of Legends and taking a closer look at Ivern, the tree-hugging, forest-loving champion. Ivern, also known as Bramblefoot or the Old Woodsman, was released on October 5, 2016, and belongs to the Controller class, primarily excelling in the Jungle and Middle positions. Now, you might be wondering why I want to review this champion, and it’s simple – Ivern is one of the most unique and intriguing characters in the League. He’s not your typical solo objective-crushing jungler; instead, he’s all about support and teamwork. So, let’s explore the lore, abilities, advantages, and disadvantages of Ivern, and find out what makes him tick!

Lore

Picture this: Runeterra, a land teeming with life and secrets. In the midst of this mystical realm roams Ivern, the half-man, half-tree known as Bramblefoot. He’s not your average Joe, or rather, your average tree-hugging forest dweller. Ivern has a special connection with the natural world, befriending everything from the smallest insects to the grandest of beasts. He enriches the forests, shares his cryptic wisdom with any mortal he encounters, and, on occasion, entrusts gossipy butterflies with his secrets. Ivern’s appearance is as unique as his personality – his entire body is living wood, complete with moss and mushrooms, and his head boasts two magnificent horn-like protrusions, making him look like a forest spirit.

Ivern Abilities

Now, let’s dive into what makes Ivern truly exceptional – his abilities.

Passive – Friend of the Forest: Ivern can’t attack or be attacked by non-epic monsters. He can create magical groves on jungle camps, which grow over time. Once these groves are fully grown, Ivern can free the monsters, earning gold and experience.

Q – Rootcaller: Ivern conjures a vine that deals damage and roots enemy targets. His allies can dash to the rooted target, setting up some fantastic plays.

W – Brushmaker: In brush, Ivern and nearby allies deal bonus magic damage. He can also activate this ability to create a patch of brush, adding a layer of strategy to the battlefield.

E – Triggerseed: Ivern places a shield on an ally that explodes after a short duration, slowing and damaging enemies. This shield even refreshes if it doesn’t hit any foes, offering excellent utility.

R – Daisy!: Ivern summons his loyal Sentinel friend, Daisy, to join the fray. He can command Daisy to attack or move, adding an extra layer of control to team fights.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Champion

Okay, time to spill the beans about Ivern’s strengths and weaknesses, in my humble opinion.

Pros:

• Ivern is just plain fun to play, offering a unique and refreshing experience.
• People often underestimate his power spike at level 6, catching foes off guard.
• He brings a solid amount of crowd control (CC) to the table.
• Stealing jungle camps is a walk in the park for Ivern.
• With his CC and shields, he’s a tough nut to crack.

Cons:

• Ivern can’t leash for his team, which can be frustrating for some.
• Prepare to face some pre-game flaming for your “Troll Pick.”
• He’s pretty squishy without his shield, so positioning is crucial.
• If not played properly in the early game, he can struggle.

Best Items for Champion

Now, let’s talk gear. What should you equip Ivern with to maximize his potential?

 Zhonya’s Hourglass: Zhonya’s Hourglass is arguably Ivern’s best secondary item. It’s a lifesaver, especially against his number one counters – champions packing lethality and burst damage. Running Zhonya’s can save you from becoming a sitting duck. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with Perfect Timing. Consider picking up Seeker’s Armguard early if you’re facing a full lethal/AD team. You can even build it as your first item for added tankiness and survivability.

 Cosmic Drive: Cosmic Drive has been a staple for Ivern players ever since its introduction. With 30 Ability Haste and 100 AP, it keeps Ivern’s shields and crowd control up consistently, boosting his damage and mobility. It’s usually your second item unless you want to be more aggressive or defensive (e.g., Rabadon’s or Zhonya’s).

 Rabadon’s Deathcap: If you’re looking to dish out maximum damage, Rabadon’s Deathcap is your go-to. It not only boosts your damage but also provides high health shields and widens the gap between your team and the opponents. Consider this item if you’re ahead, winning, or just hungry for destruction. However, be cautious of its hefty price tag, as it can strain your gold income. I typically build it as the third item.

 Shadowflame: Now, here’s an interesting twist – Shadowflame. Despite being a direct counter to Ivern, it’s a solid choice when you’re facing champions or items that rely heavily on shields, such as Lulu or Sterak’s Gage. Sometimes, embracing your enemy’s strength can work in your favor.

 Banshee’s Veil: I tend to grab Banshee’s Veil when I’m up against a fed enemy AP champion like Lux or Evelynn. This item’s spell shield can ruin their day, especially Evelynn’s charm. Use it wisely to stay one step ahead of the opposition.

Best Lanes and Roles for Champion

Now, where should you take Ivern for a spin? Here’s my take on it.

Support Ivern seems solid. I’ve tested him out a bit, and he excels in specific matchups. His shield can negate trades effectively, especially when combined with his range advantage. It can be super oppressive if you have a ranged ally by your side.

However, I believe Jungle is still his bread and butter. Ivern’s passive doesn’t quite shine in other roles, and as a jungler, he can secure enough gold to support various build paths, whether it’s on-hit or AP-heavy. Plus, you can always opt for a typical support build if your team needs it.

Champion Picks and Counter Picks

Let’s talk strategy. Who should you pick Ivern against, and who should you avoid?

Ivern shines against champions like Gwen and Poppy, often dominating these matchups. On the flip side, champions like Skarner and Fiddlesticks can give Ivern a run for his money. It’s best to steer clear of these formidable foes if you want a smoother game.

Price of this Champion in 2023

Before we wrap things up, let’s chat about the price tag. In 2023, Ivern costs 4800 Blue Essence (BE) or 880 Riot Points (RP) in the store. So, if you’re looking to add this unique champion to your roster, you know what to expect.

My Feedback

Now, it’s time for my personal take on Ivern. Ivern is undoubtedly a unique and polarizing champion in League of Legends. I’ve had some remarkable moments with him, where he felt like a hidden gem in my champion pool. His adaptability to various team compositions and his ability to provide peel and set up early ganks efficiently have led to some memorable victories.

However, there are moments when I find Ivern less exciting, especially when he’s relegated to being a “shield bot.” While it’s essential to protect and empower your teammates, it can feel limiting in terms of personal agency and impact on the game. Ivern’s strengths lie in teamwork, so he may not be the best choice for players who prefer carrying games individually.

Best Guide for Ivern in 2023

For those of you looking to dive deeper into Ivern’s gameplay, I recommend checking out this comprehensive guide for 2023: Ivern Guide. It’s packed with insights and strategies to help you master this unique champion.

Best Skins for this Champion

Before we say goodbye, let’s talk about some stylish skins for Ivern:

• Dunkmaster Ivern: Released on April 4, 2019, this skin transforms Ivern into a basketball player, complete with cool visual effects, animations, and a unique sound theme. It even offers eight chromas for customization.
• Candy King Ivern: Launched on October 4, 2016, this skin turns Ivern into a candy-coated creature from the Sugar Rush universe. It might seem quirky at first, but it provides a surprisingly satisfying experience with candy-themed visuals, additional voice lines, and a voice filter.
• Old God Ivern: Released on December 12, 2020, this skin stands out as one of Ivern’s best. It adopts a menacing, coven-inspired theme, offering eight chromas and a unique voice filter. It adds a darker and more epic dimension to Ivern’s appearance.

Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts

To wrap things up, here are some fun and fascinating facts about Ivern:

• Did you know that “Ivern” is an anagram of “Riven”? Quite the wordplay there!
• In patch V9.20, Ivern became the first champion to have its range type changed, from Melee to Ranged.
• If you summon Daisy and make Ivern dance, Daisy will join in the dance, making for a delightful sight.
• Daisy’s animations were borrowed from the Blue Sentinel, complete with a dance that references “Open the Door” by Im Chang-jung.
• To steal buffs from the enemy jungler at level 1, use Ivern’s Brushmaker (W) and Smite. Placing an early ward in the enemy’s jungle can help you spot their starting point and make buff theft easier.

So, there you have it, fellow gamers – a deep dive into the world of Ivern, the tree-hugging champion of League of Legends. Whether you’re new to Ivern or a seasoned player, I hope you found this article informative and entertaining. Now, go out there and embrace the forest with Ivern!

FAQ

Who is Ivern in League of Legends?

Ivern, also known as Bramblefoot, is a unique champion released in 2016 who excels in the Jungle and Middle positions. He has a special connection with nature and is all about support and teamwork.

What are Ivern’s key abilities?

Ivern’s abilities include his passive, “Friend of the Forest,” which allows him to create groves on jungle camps, and skills like “Rootcaller,” “Brushmaker,” “Triggerseed,” and his ultimate, “Daisy!” These abilities provide crowd control, shields, and strategic advantages.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing Ivern?

Pros of playing Ivern include his unique and fun gameplay, solid crowd control, and the ability to secure jungle camps easily. However, cons include his vulnerability early in the game and occasional pre-game criticism for his unorthodox playstyle.

What are the best items for Ivern in 2023?

Recommended items for Ivern include Zhonya’s Hourglass for survivability, Cosmic Drive for ability haste, Rabadon’s Deathcap for damage, Shadowflame situationally against shield-heavy opponents, and Banshee’s Veil against strong AP champions.

What are the best roles for Ivern and who should you pick or avoid when playing him?

Ivern is most effective as a jungler, but he can also be played as a support. He excels against certain champions like Gwen and Poppy but struggles against champions like Skarner and Fiddlesticks. Players should pick him in the right matchups to maximize his potential.