Elder Dragon: Who is the Elder Dragon in LoL?

Elder Dragon is one of the most significant neutral objectives in League of Legends that offers game-changing rewards to the team that slays it. This formidable beast makes its entrance on the Rift towards the late game and its acquisition is often enough for a landslide victory.

Understanding the Elder Dragon's mechanics, its powerful buff, and strategies for contesting it are crucial for aspiring Summoners seeking to climb the ranks.

When does the Elder Dragon spawn?

The Elder Dragon emerges on Summoner's Rift after a team has slain 4 Elemental Drakes claiming one of the elemental souls. 

Location: Like all other dragons, the Elder Dragon spawns within the Dragon Pit situated in the bot-lane river.

Which Buffs does the Elder Dragon grant?

Aspect of the Dragon: The Elder Dragon buff is a temporary enhancement that lasts 150 seconds and grants all surviving members of the team the following devastating effects:

• True Damage Burn: All attacks and abilities deal a true damage burn over time.
• Execution: Champions below 20% max health are instantly executed upon being hit by attacks or abilities from those who possess the Elder Dragon buff.

Contesting the Elder Dragon

• Map Control is Vital: Successfully contesting the Elder Dragon requires careful planning and proper warding around the Dragon Pit ^[1] to establish vision control.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Deciding when it's advantageous to go for the Elder Dragon can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Teams must weigh the risks and potential rewards of focusing on this objective.
• Teamwork is Key: Slaying the Elder Dragon demands coordination between teammates. Setting up for the kill, bursting it down quickly, and protecting the buffed carries requires effective communication and synergy.

The Elder Dragon buff provides a massive power spike, often leading to victories for the team that secures it. Teams that effectively leverage the true damage burn, empowered recalls, and execution can push lanes hard, take down inhibitors, and ultimately close out the game.

However, it's essential to remember that the Elder Dragon is a challenging objective. Teams that overcommit and fail to secure it risk giving their opponents a significant advantage.

References

1. [1] "LoL wiki Dragon Pit page". leagueoflegends.fandom.com. Retrieved October 05, 2024