Scaling: What does it mean to scale in online games?

In video games, scaling refers to how a champion, item, or ability gets stronger or more effective as the match progresses. This concept is common in genres like MOBAs, where players can upgrade their characters and items by gaining experience, leveling up, or using better gear, making them more powerful. Examples of traits that scale throughout the game include damage output, health, movement, and more.

In games like League of Legends ^[1], specific champions have a reputation for scaling well, meaning they age nicely and become strong as they gain levels and items, making them a threat in the late-game phase. People often compare champions that scale well with characters that may be strong at the start of matches but get overwhelmed against those that scale better. Scaling forces people to strategize and plan out their tactics to reach a powerful state by the end of the match.

What are examples of champions that scale well in League of Legends?

Kayle is one of the best scaling champions in the game. This top-lane character becomes stronger as the game progresses, thanks to her having numerous forms. Because of these forms, she becomes more powerful as she levels up and gets better items. From level 16 onwards, Kayle deals area-of-effect ranged attacks with quick speeds, making it almost impossible to defeat her alone.

Another example of a champion that scales well is Kassadin ^[2]. While he doesn’t have transformations like Kayle, he gets high-powered when he reaches level 16 because this is when he unlocks the third level of his ultimate attack, which increases its damage output and lowers its cooldown. Since Kassadin will have numerous items with him by then, opponents will have a hard time fighting against him.

References

1. [1] "League of Legends official website". www.leagueoflegends.com. Retrieved September 05, 2024
2. [2] "Kassadin Champion page". www.leagueoflegends.com. Retrieved September 05, 2024