Riven Review

Hey there, fellow summoners! Today, we’re diving into the world of League of Legends and taking a closer look at a champion who’s been tearing up the rift since her release in 2011. Riven, the Exile, is a force to be reckoned with, and in this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about her. From her lore to her champion abilities, the best ways to play her, and even some cool tricks and facts, we’ve got you covered.

So, why am I excited to review this champion, you ask? Well, Riven is not just cool; she’s flat-out awesome. She’s a highly rewarding and fun champion, excelling in the role of a bruiser. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that I might not be playing League if Riven didn’t exist. That’s how impactful this champion is. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Riven’s world.

Lore

Once a swordmaster in the warhosts of Noxus, Riven climbed the ranks through sheer conviction and deadly efficiency. She earned herself a legendary runic blade and her very own warband. But it was on the Ionian front that her faith in her nation was put to the test and ultimately shattered. Riven severed all ties to Noxus, seeking her place in a fractured world. Now, she’s back, but not by choice, and faces judgment in her former homeland.

Riven was more than just a ruthless and efficient warrior. Her true strength lay in her unwavering conviction. She entered battles without a hint of doubt, no fear of death. Riven is a determined and fiercely devoted individual, driven by her own inner discipline.

Champion Abilities

Riven’s abilities make her a formidable force on the rift. Her passive, Runic Blade, charges her blade, and basic attacks expend those charges to deal additional damage. Here’s a quick rundown of her abilities:

Q – Broken Wings: Riven lashes out with a series of strikes that can be reactivated three times in rapid succession. The third hit knocks back nearby enemies.
W – Ki Burst: Riven emits a Ki Burst, damaging and stunning nearby enemies.
E – Valor: Riven steps forward a short distance and blocks incoming damage.
R – Blade of the Exile: Riven empowers her keepsake weapon with energy, gaining Attack Damage and Range. During this time, she also gains the ability to use Wind Slash, a powerful ranged attack.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Riven

Now, let’s talk about what makes Riven tick. Like any champion, she has her pros and cons.

PROS

Hyper mobile, able to move around the map swiftly.
High skill ceiling, which means there’s always room for improvement.
Extremely fun to play, making her a favorite among many.

CONS

Hard to learn, as her skill cap is quite high.
No true/mixed damage, which means her damage type is somewhat predictable.
No in-lane sustain, making her vulnerable to bad trades.

Best Items for Riven

Okay, summoners, here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make Riven shine on the rift. When it comes to items, I’ve got some personal favorites that have proven their worth in battle.

Black Cleaver: This is my go-to item for Riven. It offers HP for durability and much-needed ability haste. The build path is forgiving, and it’s excellent against tanky opponents.

Serylda’s Grudge: Perfect for sticking to targets and shredding armor. It’s my second choice and works wonders in many situations.

Serpent’s Fang: While not a common buy, it’s effective against enchanters like Karma or Lulu. Plus, it comes from the early Dirk if you decide to build it.

Guardian Angel: A great item that not only provides protection but also offers a stasis effect. This means you can engage risk-free, and your abilities come off cooldown while you’re in stasis.

Ravenous Hydra: My personal favorite for a farm-heavy playstyle. It packs a punch, although it can be a bit pricey.

Youmuu’s Ghostblade: It used to be a favorite, but other lethality items have taken the spotlight. With Riven’s ability haste, the active isn’t as necessary.

Best Lanes and Roles for Riven

Riven feels right at home in the top lane. Her mobility from Broken Wings and Valor makes her a strong laner. She’s got an okay early game and can dominate in the laning phase with the right approach.

Champion Picks and Counter Picks

Alright, summoners, let’s talk matchups. Riven’s a beast against Teemo and Yasuo in the top lane, making their lives miserable. However, Warwick and Quinn are her worst nightmares, so it’s best to steer clear of them.

Price of this Champion in 2023

Before you rush into battle with Riven, let’s take a quick look at her price in 2023. She’s a valuable addition to your champion roster, coming in at 4800 Blue Essence (BE) or 880 Riot Points (RP).

My Feedback

So, here’s my take on Riven. She’s a highly mobile, high-damage champion that can carry her team to victory. Once you’ve mastered her, you’ll be pulling off insane outplays and wreaking havoc on the rift. But, like any champion, she’s not without her downsides.

One of the notable downsides is that Riven lacks built-in sustain, which means you have to trade effectively and avoid bad trades. Moreover, mastering her can be a bit of a challenge, and her predictable playstyle demands extra effort compared to some of the easier top laners in the meta.

Best Guide for Riven in 2023

If you’re looking to master Riven, I’ve got a fantastic guide for you. Check out this in-depth guide. It’s a valuable resource for honing your Riven skills and climbing the ranks.

Best Skins for Riven

As we all know, looking good on the rift is essential, so let’s dive into Riven’s wardrobe and check out her skins.

Redeemed Riven: This skin, released in 2011, is often criticized for offering little beyond a hood and lacking new animations or particles. It’s considered somewhat overpriced.
Crimson Elite Riven: Another 2011 release, this skin’s unappealing color palette and absence of new animations or particles make it less popular among Riven fans.
Battle Bunny Prime Riven: Released in 2022, this skin was seen as somewhat disappointing due to its lackluster thematic execution and uninspired animations.
Battle Bunny Riven: Released in 2012, this skin is appreciated for its particle changes but is considered somewhat outdated compared to other Riven skins.
Arcade Riven: Released in 2015, this skin boasts a great design but can feel slightly clunky for Riven, making it more suitable for casual players.
Championship Riven: Released in 2016, this skin is highly praised for its smooth feel, clear particles, and a unique ultimate animation that sets it apart.
Sentinel Riven: Released in 2021, this is a high-quality skin with a few minor sound cue issues. It features a clean character model and distinct particles.
Pulsefire Riven: Released in 2018, this skin offers a unique energy blade and clean visual and audio cues, making it a solid choice for Riven enthusiasts.
Valiant Sword Riven: This skin, released in 2016, is known for its sword-themed aesthetic, clean cues, and a subtle initial ultimate activation.
Dragonblade Riven: Released in 2014, this skin provides a crisp experience with clear animations and striking fire particles.
Spirit Blossom Riven: Released in 2020, it combines crispness with an awe-inspiring aesthetic, featuring beautiful visuals and thematic animations.
Dawnbringer Riven: A legendary skin released in 2017, it’s highly praised for its clean animations, character model, and the most impressive ultimate animation among Riven skins.

Champion’s Tricks and Interesting Facts

Before we wrap things up, here are some fun facts and tricks for Riven:

Riven’s dance resembles the Water Dance of Braavos from Game of Thrones.
Runic Blade used to be called ‘Art of War.’
Ki Burst used to be called ‘Ki Shout.’
During development, she was simply called Marth or Exile.
Riven is the past participle of the English verb “to rive,” meaning to split or tear apart violently.
Riven, the Exile, might be referencing Myst.

Here’s a gameplay tip: weave auto-attacks while using your abilities, particularly your Broken Wings (Q), to deal increased damage thanks to your Passive. Keep an eye on the indicator and make those auto-attacks count.

Lastly, in team fights, be aware that Riven can get kited easily. To prevent this, you should flank the enemy and attack from the side. As a strong duelist, play aggressively throughout the laning phase and go for trades when the enemy can’t trade back.

That’s a wrap for our Riven deep dive, summoners. Get out there, master this Exile, and unleash her full potential on the rift. Good luck, and may your blades always be sharp!

FAQ

Who is Riven in League of Legends and what is her lore?

Riven, the Exile, is a champion in League of Legends. She was a Noxian swordmaster who severed ties with Noxus, and her lore revolves around her journey in a fractured world.

What are Riven’s abilities and how should I play her?

Riven’s abilities include Q (Broken Wings), W (Ki Burst), E (Valor), and R (Blade of the Exile). She’s a high-mobility, high-damage champion best suited for the top lane.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing Riven?

Pros include her high mobility and fun gameplay, but cons include a steep learning curve and lack of in-lane sustain.

What are the best items for Riven in 2023?

Recommended items for Riven include Black Cleaver, Serylda’s Grudge, Guardian Angel, Ravenous Hydra, and Youmuu’s Ghostblade.

What are some champion picks and counter picks for Riven?

Riven excels against champions like Teemo and Yasuo but struggles against Warwick and Quinn in the top lane.