In today’s adventure, we will be exploring the incredible potential of the Illaoi Swain deck in Legends of Runeterra. This powerful mid-range/control deck has caught the attention of many players since Swain’s significant buff a few patches ago. Although it hasn’t quite reached the top spot in the meta, this deck is definitely one to consider in the current ladder environment. Join us as we delve deep into the mechanics and strategies of this deck and discover its customization potential for the upcoming Runeterra Open event.
Understanding Illaoi Swain: A Mid-Range Control Deck
Illaoi Swain is a versatile deck that combines both mid-range and control playstyles. It offers a wide range of removal options to handle various threats. The deck excels at dealing with both small and large units, thanks to its arsenal of removal spells such as Parlays, Make it Rains, Heavy Metals, Disintegrates, and Scorched Earth. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock powerful card advantage engines like The Leviathan and the Eye of Nagakoboros. These cards will draw Swains and provide additional card draw, linking to the tentacle theme within the deck.
Mastering the Base Strategy
If you haven’t encountered Illaoi Swain before, the base strategy revolves around generating tentacles, controlling your opponent’s board, and ultimately finishing them off with Swain’s might. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the deck’s core mechanics.
Customizing Your Deck for Optimal Performance
One of the deck’s greatest strengths lies in its customization potential. When preparing for the Runeterra Open, you can tailor your deck to target specific matchups or adapt to the meta. Here are some tips for making effective edits:
a. Targeting Jinx Kennen: To counter Jinx Kennen decks, consider removing one Leviathan, a copy of Tentacle Smash, or Riptide Sermon. These changes will streamline your deck’s focus and enhance your chances against this particular opponent.
b. Focusing on Aatrox Vayne: If your main adversary is Aatrox Vayne, you might want to remove a few Mirai Wardens and add in cards like Lord Broadmane, Riptide Rex, or additional Scorched Earths. This adjustment will ensure your deck is well-equipped to handle the brute force of big bruiser decks.
The Base List: A Steadfast Choice
The current deck list we have provided serves as a solid starting point for ladder play. This “middle of the road” list balances our strategy without making any major changes. It incorporates Mirai Wardens and doesn’t go overboard with control-focused cards. It’s an ideal list for beginners venturing into the world of Illaoi Swain and a great option for ladder battles.
Link to Illaoi Swain deck on runeterra.ar: https://runeterra.ar/decks/code/CIBQCAQGFUBAEAYBA4DAMBQGA4OB4IRDAUAQEBQSAEBQGDIBAYDBKAIHAMHAEBQDBYMACAICAYOA
