Gnar Review

Hey there, fellow gamers! Today, I want to dive into the wild world of League of Legends and talk about one of my all-time favorite champions, Gnar. This cute but fierce yordle has been around since August 14, 2014, and he’s classified as a Specialist, primarily taking on the role of a Top laner. But why am I so excited to review Gnar? Well, it’s simple. I love playing him, and in my opinion, he’s at his strongest during those midgame skirmishes when the action is intense. His AOE damage and lockdown abilities can turn the tide of any fight in your favor. So, let’s break it all down for you.

Lore

Gnar is not your typical yordle. He’s an excitable little fella whose playful antics can suddenly erupt into a toddler’s tantrum, transforming him into a massive, hulking beast with a thirst for destruction. After being frozen in True Ice for countless years, he’s now exploring a world that he finds exotic and wondrous. Gnar’s a curious creature who revels in danger, whether it’s flinging his bonetooth boomerang or uprooting an entire tree. But don’t let his temper fool you; he’s quick to forgive and is an overall nice guy, as long as others are kind to him in return.

Champion Abilities

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Gnar tick:

Passive – Rage Gene: In combat, Gnar generates Rage. Once it reaches maximum, he undergoes a transformation into Mega Gnar, gaining increased survivability and access to new abilities.

Q – Boomerang Throw / Boulder Toss: Gnar hurls a boomerang that damages and slows enemies on the way out and back. If he catches it on the return trip, the cooldown is reduced. When he’s Mega Gnar, he throws a boulder instead, damaging and slowing the first unit hit.

W – Hyper / Wallop: Gnar’s attacks and spells hype him up, dealing bonus damage and granting him movement speed. As Mega Gnar, he can rear up on his hind legs and smash the area in front of him, stunning enemies.

E – Hop / Crunch: Gnar leaps to a location, bouncing off the head of any unit he lands on and traveling further. Mega Gnar, on the other hand, lands with earth-shattering force, dealing damage in an area around him.

R – Gnar!: Mega Gnar throws everything around him in a chosen direction, dealing damage and slowing enemies. If they hit a wall, they’re stunned and take bonus damage.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gnar

Pros:

Gnar can fit into any team composition.
He’s a safe pick, especially with his ranged abilities.
Gnar is highly mobile.
In Mega Gnar form, he becomes a CC machine.
He excels at taking down tanky opponents.

Cons:

Playing Gnar can be challenging in solo queue.
He requires good setup for his abilities.
Gnar can be difficult to master.
Struggles against champions with gap-closing abilities.
Mini Gnar has poor wave-clear.
Rage management can be tricky.

Best Items for Gnar

In the ever-evolving world of League of Legends, item choices can make or break a champion. Here’s what I’ve found works best for Gnar in 2023:

Trinity Force: This item has been improved and is now a top choice, especially when combined with Lethal Tempo or Conqueror in about 60% of matchups. It offers a well-rounded mix of stats for Gnar to excel.

Divine Sunderer: Still a solid option, but I recommend it less often than Trinity Force now. It can be a good pick when you’re facing opponents who require armor penetration, and you can pair it with Grasp for those tough matchups.

Sterak’s Gage: This item has received a buff, making it a more viable choice again. However, I still prefer Death’s Dance in the top lane. Choose it when you need that extra tankiness.

Spear of Shojin: It’s back! I can’t wait to see how this item synergizes with Gnar. Keep an eye out for potential combos.

Eclipse: It received some nerfs, so I’d only recommend it against squishy opponents now. Trinity Force is a more reliable choice against most matchups.

Best Lanes and Roles for Gnar

So, where does Gnar shine the brightest on the Summoner’s Rift?

Top Lane: If you want to have the potential to almost solo carry a game (especially below high Diamond), then Top Gnar is the way to go. He packs quite a punch in his Mini Gnar form and gains valuable tank stats when he transforms into Mega Gnar. With a bruiser build, you’ll find the perfect balance of tankiness and damage. Top Gnar can fit seamlessly into any team composition, and sometimes, I even go for Eclipse to make those ADCs rethink their life choices.

Mid Lane: Don’t be surprised if you see Gnar in the mid lane; he can be a real beast there too. Try the Immortal Shieldbow crit Gnar with Conqueror for some epic moments. Or, if you’re feeling spicy, you can opt for a full lethality build with Eclipse to give those squishy ADCs and mages a hard time. Gnar’s versatility really shines in the mid lane, but be cautious against champions like Zed and Katarina who can punish you without jungle assistance.

Champion Picks and Counter Picks

Now, let’s talk about matchups. Here’s a quick rundown of who Gnar excels against and who gives him nightmares:

Wins Against: Trundle and Warwick are top lane champions that Gnar can dominate. His ranged poke and ability to kite make life difficult for these two.

Struggles Against: Akshan and Sylas are Gnar’s worst nightmares. These champions can close the gap quickly and burst Gnar down before he has a chance to react. Avoid these matchups if possible.

Price of this Champion in 2023

Now, if you’re looking to add Gnar to your champion roster, you’ll need to know the price. In 2023, he’ll set you back 4800 Blue Essence or 880 Riot Points.

My Feedback

Gnar is a champ that I always come back to. He’s incredibly versatile, offering damage, poke, sustain, crowd control, and mobility all in one package. What makes him stand out is his ability to play at a distance, making him one of the safest picks for the top lane. Plus, Gnar is a tank killer, and his Mega Gnar form can turn the tides of team fights.

However, there’s no denying that Gnar’s Rage mechanic can be a double-edged sword. You’ll find yourself transforming at times when it’s not ideal for the situation, and that can be frustrating. Also, champions with gap-closers can give Gnar a hard time, so be cautious in those matchups.

Best Guide for Gnar in 2023

For those of you looking for a comprehensive guide on how to master Gnar in 2023, I’ve got a recommendation for you. Check out this guide: Gnar – The Best Guide. It’s packed with tips, builds, and strategies to help you dominate with Gnar.

Now, let’s talk about something a bit more fun – Gnar’s coolest skins.

Best Skins for Gnar

Gnar has a handful of awesome skins, each with its unique charm:

Elderwood Gnar (2022): This skin keeps Gnar’s monstrous nature intact while giving him stunning character models.
Astronaut Gnar (2020): Mega Gnar steals the show with a blend of alien, mushroom, and regular Gnar elements, making this skin a fan favorite.
Snow Day Gnar (2015): Offering great immersion with ice-themed particles and a terrifyingly adorable Mega Gnar.
Gentleman Gnar (2015): A swanky skin with amusing animations and hilarious attacks in both base and Mega forms.
Super Galaxy Gnar (2017): Loved for its anime references and unique abilities but somewhat lacking in character model design.
El Leon Gnar (2016): A budget-friendly option that does the job well with a distinctive Mega Gnar design.
Dino Gnar (2014): Despite its age, it still has some nice features, but it has lost a bit of appeal over time.
SSG Gnar (2018): While a decent skin, it falls short compared to other options and offers little uniqueness.

Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts

Before I wrap this up, here are some neat tricks and facts about our furry yordle:

Gnar, Elise, Jayce, Kayle, and Nidalee are the only champions to be both ranged and melee.
Gnar’s concept draws inspiration from various monstrous transformations in fiction, like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Gremlins, and the Hulk.
Paleontologically speaking, Gnar isn’t a missing link but belongs to the ancestral population of yordles.
In matchups against melee champions, use your range advantage to harass and keep an eye on your Hyper stacks for extra damage.
Delay team fights if possible to stack your Rage Bar, then engage when it’s full for maximum impact.
Always check the minimap before using your Hop/Crunch aggressively to avoid enemy jungler surprises.

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to Gnar, the playful but fearsome yordle. Whether you’re new to the Rift or a seasoned player, Gnar’s versatility and exciting gameplay make him a great pick. Give him a try, experiment with different builds and skins, and enjoy the chaos he brings to the battlefield!

FAQ

Who is Gnar, and what are his abilities?

Gnar is a yordle champion in League of Legends known for his playful but destructive nature. His abilities include a transforming passive (Rage Gene), a boomerang throw (Q), a bonus damage ability (W), a leap (E), and a powerful area-of-effect ultimate (R).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing Gnar?

Advantages of Gnar include versatility, ranged abilities, mobility, and strong crowd control in Mega Gnar form. Disadvantages include the need for good setup, difficulty in managing rage, and struggles against champions with gap-closing abilities.

What are the best items for Gnar in 2023?

Recommended items for Gnar in 2023 include Trinity Force, Divine Sunderer, Sterak’s Gage, Spear of Shojin, and Eclipse, depending on the matchup and playstyle.

Where does Gnar excel in terms of lanes and roles?

Gnar excels as a top laner, where he can be a versatile bruiser. He can also be played in the mid lane, but caution is advised against certain matchups.

Which champions are strong matchups for Gnar, and who does he struggle against?

Gnar performs well against champions like Trundle and Warwick but struggles against Akshan and Sylas, who can close the gap quickly and burst him down.