Neeko Review
Hey there, fellow summoners! Today, we’re diving into the world of League of Legends to explore the charming and versatile champion, Neeko. As a passionate gamer, I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts on this unique character. Neeko is more than just another face in the crowd; she’s a versatile burst mage with a knack for blending in and turning the tides of battle. I’ve been rocking AD Neeko since her PBE release, and I can’t wait to tell you all about her. So, join me in this journey as we delve into the world of Neeko!
Lore
Hailing from a long-lost tribe of vastaya, Neeko can blend into any crowd by borrowing the appearances of others, even absorbing something of their emotional state to tell friend from foe in an instant. No one is ever sure where—or who—Neeko might be, but those who intend to do her harm will soon witness her true colors revealed, and feel the full power of her primordial spirit magic unleashed upon them.
Neeko has a very jovial and fun-going personality. She is somewhat innocent and unaware of the dangers that surround her. She does not comprehend most of human society and relationships, and some of the words, so she usually creates chaotic scenarios thanks to her naivety.
Champion Abilities
- Passive – Inherent Glamour: Neeko can look like an ally champion. Taking damage from enemy Champions or casting damaging spells breaks the disguise.
- Q – Blooming Burst: Neeko throws a seed dealing magic damage. The seed blooms again on hitting champions or killing units.
- W – Shapesplitter: Neeko passively deals bonus magic damage every third attack. Neeko can activate to send a clone in a direction.
- E – Tangle-Barbs: Neeko slings a tangle that damages and roots everything it passes through. If the tangle kills an enemy or passes through a champion, it becomes larger, faster, and roots for longer.
- R – Pop Blossom: After a short preparation, Neeko leaps into the air. Upon landing, nearby enemies are damaged and knocked up. The preparation is hidden if Neeko is disguised.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Neeko
Pros:
- Game-changing ult
- Easy to pick up
- Good at roaming
- Great waveclear
- High outplay potential
- Good crowd control
- High burst
- Great at sidelaning safely
Cons:
- Falls off in the late game
- Delayed ultimate
- Squishy
- Low range
- Struggles when behind
Best Items for Neeko
Neeko’s itemization is crucial to her success on the Rift. Here are some top choices:
Hextech Rocketbelt: A core item for Neeko, offering survivability and cooldown reduction.
Luden’s Tempest: Ideal for matching waves with strong wave-clear champions.
Morellonomicon: A valuable item for magic penetration and healing reduction.
Zhonya’s Hourglass: Situational but can provide safety and playmaking opportunities.
Void Staff: Ensures damage output, especially against magic resist.
Rabadon’s Deathcap: Core for boosting AP and snowballing potential.
Demonic Embrace: Great for tankiness and burning down HP stacking champs.
These items will empower Neeko to shine in various situations, but remember to adapt based on your in-game circumstances.
Best Lanes and Roles for Neeko
Neeko’s versatility is one of her most appealing traits. She can be a jack-of-all-trades across various lanes and roles. The majority of players opt for the mid lane, but there are some other exciting options to explore. Personally, I enjoy playing her in the mid and support roles. Where do you play her? Let’s dive into the possibilities together.
Champion Picks and Counter Picks
Now, let’s talk about champion matchups. Neeko excels in certain situations but can struggle against others. Here are some insights:
Neeko dominates her lane when facing champions like Renata Glasc and Leona. Her kit allows her to outmaneuver and outdamage them, making for a rewarding experience. However, things take a different turn when she encounters Taric and Twitch. These two can turn the tables and give Neeko a hard time, so be cautious and consider your choices.
Price of Neeko in 2023
In 2023, Neeko is priced at 4800 Blue Essence (BE) or 880 Riot Points (RP). It’s a reasonable cost for a champion with such adaptability and unique abilities, making her an appealing choice for those looking to add her to their roster.
My Feedback
I’ve discovered that Neeko can be a surprisingly effective support. She can disengage using Tangle-Barbs and Pop Blossom, while her Shapesplitter allows for strategic warding without the fear of getting caught. Moreover, her escape mechanism sets her apart from other mages.
However, Neeko’s shorter range can be a bit challenging, particularly when facing long-range mages. She’s also quite squishy and tends to fall off in the late game, so you’ll need to seize opportunities early. One downside is that she’s currently off-meta, which can lead to unwarranted blame when things aren’t going well. So, having a thick skin and muting negative players can be crucial.
Best Guide for Neeko in 2023
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to mastering Neeko in 2023, I’ve got just the thing for you. Check out this helpful guide to refine your Neeko skills and dominate the Rift.
Best Skins for Neeko
Neeko offers a range of captivating skins, each with its unique charm:
- Winter Wonder Neeko: This skin channels an icy theme, featuring snowflake-themed animations for her Q and E abilities.
- Star Guardian Neeko: Bursting with cuteness, this skin offers character model changes, new particles, sound effects, emotes, and animations.
- Shan Hai Scrolls Neeko: A favorite for many, this skin showcases her connection to nature with a sun-crowned theme and captivating animations.
Each skin adds a new layer of appeal to Neeko, making her all the more enjoyable to play.
Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts
Here are some neat tricks and fun facts about Neeko:
- In her trailer, the frog jumping off a cliff references George the Suicidal Frog.
- She was the last champion released in 2018.
- The icon for Shapesplitter was reused for the Teamfight Tactics item Neeko’s Help, a nod to her.
- Neeko waves at jungle camps when she walks near them.
Remember, never transform into another champion if you’re spotted by the enemy – it’s a dead giveaway! Use the speed boost from Shapesplitter to flank in team fights and land a game-changing Pop Blossom. When using Tangle-Barbs, aim for it to pass through as many enemy minions as possible for a longer root duration on champions.
Neeko is an exciting champion with plenty of tricks up her sleeves, and she’s a blast to play on the Rift. So, why not give her a try and explore her shapeshifting world?
I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into Neeko, the delightful shapeshifter of League of Legends. Whether you’re looking for a versatile mid laner, a support with a twist, or just some fun in a flashy new skin, Neeko has got you covered. Good luck, fellow summoners, and may your games be filled with the magic of the Vastaya!
FAQ
Who is Neeko in League of Legends?
Neeko is a versatile champion with the ability to disguise herself as an ally, making her a shapeshifting mage known for her unique playstyle and magical abilities.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing Neeko?
Neeko has a game-changing ultimate, good waveclear, and high burst damage, but she falls off in the late game and can be squishy. Her delayed ultimate can also be a challenge, and she struggles when behind in the game.
What are the best items for Neeko in 2023?
Some recommended items for Neeko include Hextech Rocketbelt, Luden’s Tempest, Morellonomicon, Zhonya’s Hourglass, Void Staff, Rabadon’s Deathcap, and Demonic Embrace, which can empower her in various situations based on the game circumstances.
Where is the best lane or role to play Neeko in League of Legends?
Neeko is versatile and can be played in various lanes and roles, with mid and support being popular choices. However, her adaptability allows her to fit into different positions depending on your preferences and team composition.
What are some tips and tricks for playing Neeko effectively?
It’s important to use Neeko’s disguise ability wisely and not transform when the enemy can spot you. Utilize her speed boost from Shapesplitter to flank in team fights and aim for Tangle-Barbs to pass through as many enemy minions as possible for a longer root duration on champions.