Lethality build is out, and AP builds are in: Senna is now a top tier healer, and here's how you build her.
Senna has become a force to be reckoned with in the League of Legends meta following her latest rework which dropped last week in Patch 14.16.
Her newfound prowess as an Enchanter has pushed her into the OP-tier of support champions, making her a must-pick for those looking to dominate the Summoner’s Rift.
The Shift to Enchanter: Senna’s Rework Overview
The recent rework has pivoted Senna’s playstyle from a damage-focused marksman to a powerful Enchanter support. With a significant boost to her healing and shielding capabilities, Senna has overtaken other support champions, marking a significant shift in her build and gameplay.
As of patch 14.16, Senna boasts a win rate of 53.36% (stats are live and changing), according to OP.GG, with a pick rate of 18.56% and a ban rate of 9.24%.
But what exactly makes her OP, and how can you make the most of this new and improved Senna?
Breaking down Senna’s rework
Senna’s rework is centered on enhancing her utility while reducing her damage potential. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
- Stats: Her attack speed growth has been halved, reducing her overall damage output.
- Absolution (Passive): Critical strike chance per 20 stacks reduced from 10% to 8%, lowering her crit potential.
- Piercing Darkness (Q): The base heal has been significantly increased, with improved AP and bonus AD scaling. However, the heal no longer scales with lethality, and slows are now more effective with higher AP and AD.
- Last Embrace (W): Root duration has been increased across all levels, enhancing her crowd control.
- Dawning Shadow (R): The base shield and AP ratio have been significantly improved, making her ultimate a stronger defensive tool.
These changes position Senna as a backline support champion who excels at healing, shielding, and providing crowd control, rather than dealing heavy damage.
The optimal build for Senna post-rework
With her rework, Senna’s optimal build has shifted away from AD and lethality, favouring AP and Enchanter items instead. To maximise her potential:
- Rush Item: Prioritise Echoes of Helia for its healing and poke damage.
- Second Item: Follow up with Moonstone Renewer to further enhance her healing and utility.
- Third Item: If the game drags on, consider Dawncore for its boost to Senna’s healing and shielding effects, increasing her sustain in teamfights.
For boots, Ionian Boots of Lucidity or Boots of Swiftness are the best options, depending on your playstyle. As for support items, Dream Maker or Bloodsong can amplify her Enchanter abilities.
Rune choices for maximum impact
The best rune setup for reworked Senna includes:
- Aery for enhanced poke and shielding.
- Manaflow Band and Transcendence to sustain her mana and reduce cooldowns.
- Gathering Storm for scaling AP in longer games.
- Fount of Life and Revitalize to amplify her healing and shielding.
Matchups to Watch Out For
Senna excels against immobile support champions such as Hwei, Renata Glasc, Pantheon, Neeko, Rakan, and Swain.
However, she struggles against engage-heavy supports like Pyke, Blitzcrank, Taric, and Leona, as well as enchanters like Nami and Seraphine.
Senna’s rework has made her one of the most potent support champions in the current meta. If you’re looking to climb the ranks as a support player, now is the perfect time to capitalise on her strengths. Good luck on the Summoner’s Rift!