The Best ADC to Pair with Fiddlesticks: Unlocking Synergies and Dominating the Rift
The question of the perfect ADC to synergize with a Fiddlesticks support isn’t straightforward, as Fiddlesticks is commonly seen as a jungler. However, if we’re exploring the theoretical potential of a Fiddlesticks support, we can identify ADCs that can truly maximize the unique opportunities his kit provides. Based on current game mechanics and champion interactions, Corki emerges as a standout candidate for the best ADC to partner with a Fiddlesticks support, primarily due to the synergy between Fiddlesticks’s passive and Corki’s mixed damage output. But there are other contenders worth exploring. Let’s break down why Corki leads the pack and examine other potential pairings that could work.
Why Corki and Fiddlesticks Are a Powerful Duo
The core of the Corki/Fiddlesticks pairing lies in Fiddlesticks’ passive, A Harmless Scarecrow. This passive increases magic damage dealt to recently feared enemies. This is where Corki shines. Corki’s Phosphorus Bomb (Q) and Missile Barrage (R) both deal magic damage. Once Fiddlesticks lands a fear, Corki can unleash a devastating burst of magic damage, amplified by the passive, along with his normal attack damage, creating a potent hybrid damage profile.
Corki’s flexible damage type, being mixed (both AD and AP), makes it harder for opponents to itemize effectively against the lane. This also makes them vulnerable in mid to late-game as the mixed damage can melt through front-liners as well. This synergy can turn lane trades dramatically, creating early leads that can translate into a significant advantage for the entire game. Additionally, Corki’s Valkyrie (W) provides the duo with mobility, allowing for safer engagements and disengagements, and a unique way to get out of tricky situations that fiddlesticks might put you into with his aggressive engage.
Other Potential ADC Synergies with Fiddlesticks
While Corki boasts the most direct synergy, other ADCs can also benefit from a Fiddlesticks support:
1. Kog’Maw
Kog’Maw, with his hybrid damage output from Bio-Arcane Barrage (W), also receives increased magic damage during a fear. Although most of his damage is attack damage, the bonus AP damage can significantly improve his burst. Furthermore, with Fiddlesticks’ crowd control, Kog’Maw can consistently attack and reposition, making him a terrifying force. Fiddlesticks fear can allow Kog’Maw to set up perfect positioning.
2. Ezreal
Ezreal’s Mystic Shot (Q) deals magic damage, benefiting from Fiddlesticks’ passive. His mobility also pairs well with the disruptive nature of Fiddlesticks’ crowd control, allowing Ezreal to position safely while dealing consistent damage. Ezreal is a ranged safe option that can kite while fiddlesticks is engaging.
3. Aphelios
While Aphelios’ kit is complex, the consistent damage from his various weapons and his high damage output after a fear from Fiddlesticks can make him dangerous. His multiple weapons and abilities make him a formidable opponent when empowered by the fear. Fiddlesticks can allow Aphelios to set up a kill with a well-timed fear.
Why Not the Meta Picks?
Traditional ADCs that rely primarily on attack damage, such as Ashe, Jinx, or Caitlyn, will certainly benefit from Fiddlesticks’ engage potential. However, their damage output doesn’t directly synergize with his passive in the same way that Corki, Kog’Maw, or Ezreal does. Fiddlesticks’ fear is beneficial for any AD carry, but the increased magic damage synergy is what makes some a better choice. These meta picks won’t be bad, but they won’t be as effective as some other options.
Fiddlesticks Support Playstyle
It’s crucial to note that a Fiddlesticks support playstyle is unconventional. It is reliant on aggressive engages, well-timed fears, and often operates on a high-risk, high-reward basis. For this reason, pairing him with a safe and mobile ADC, like Corki, Ezreal or even a high-damage output champ like Kog’Maw makes the most sense. He’s not a traditional lane support and so the synergy needs to be carefully considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Fiddlesticks actually be played as support?
Yes, but it’s unconventional and requires a good understanding of his kit and aggressive play style. While he’s commonly a jungler, his fear and engage potential can make him a disruptive support. The success relies heavily on proper positioning and timing his crowd control abilities to set up kills for his carry.
2. Why is Fiddlesticks often considered weak in the early game?
Fiddlesticks is weak early because he needs to reach level 6 to unlock his Ultimate (Crowstorm). Until then, he lacks the mobility and sustain required to be impactful. Also, before level 4 his abilities are weak. This makes him a vulnerable target for aggressive enemies before these key power spikes.
3. What is the importance of Fiddlesticks’ passive?
Fiddlesticks’ passive, A Harmless Scarecrow, is crucial. It increases magic damage dealt to recently feared targets, making him a strong ally with magic damage-dealing champions like Corki. It also makes enemies near stationary for an opportune kill.
4. How does Corki’s mixed damage benefit from Fiddlesticks’ fear?
Corki’s Phosphorus Bomb (Q) and Missile Barrage (R) deal magic damage, which is amplified by Fiddlesticks’ passive when hitting a feared target. This significantly increases Corki’s burst damage and allows him to melt through enemies who don’t build magic resist. This is a direct synergy that is unique compared to other ADCs.
5. What makes Kog’Maw a good partner for Fiddlesticks?
Kog’Maw’s Bio-Arcane Barrage (W) deals bonus magic damage based on the target’s max health and can be further amplified by Fiddlesticks’ fear. He also benefits from the fear allowing him to kite and reposition freely during the fear. This fear enables him to consistently output high amounts of damage while repositioning effectively.
6. Why is Ezreal a decent option alongside Fiddlesticks?
Ezreal’s Mystic Shot (Q) does magic damage that scales with Ability Power, benefiting from Fiddlesticks’ passive. His Arcane Shift (E) also provides safety, which allows for aggressive engages from fiddlesticks. Ezreal’s mobility and poke damage can be very helpful when playing with an aggressive Fiddlesticks support.
7. Is there any ADC that should be avoided with Fiddlesticks support?
ADCs who rely purely on attack damage and don’t have AP damage are less effective with Fiddlesticks. Champions like Vayne, Lucian, or Draven, while being high-damage options, do not synergize as well as the champions mentioned above with his magic damage passive, although his crowd control is always useful. This doesn’t make them bad options, just less synergistic.
8. How should you play Fiddlesticks as a support?
Playing Fiddlesticks as support involves aggressive engages with your Terrify (Q), and then positioning well in lane to enable kill opportunities. Focus on controlling the lane with your crowd control and vision denial, while being cautious of his lack of sustain. Early in lane he will not be strong and needs to be played carefully.
9. Is Fiddlesticks a high-skill champion?
Fiddlesticks can be easy to pick up, but mastering him is challenging. His crowd control requires good timing, and his squishy nature needs precise positioning. He is a high-skill ceiling champion that benefits from experienced players who can take advantage of his high-risk, high-reward style.
10. Does Fiddlesticks need tank items to be effective?
While you can build tanky items on Fiddlesticks, many players find glass cannon builds more effective. Prioritizing magic penetration and damage allows you to maximize the damage from his abilities. This can allow for quick eliminations and snowball potential.
11. What are the best counters to Fiddlesticks support?
Fiddlesticks is weak to champions who can interrupt his Ultimate or engage effectively, such as Udyr, Briar, or Diana. These champions can disrupt his early game and make it difficult for him to land his fear.
12. Who does Fiddlesticks counter in the bot lane?
Fiddlesticks counters immobile or melee champions that have trouble disengaging when he is approaching. He also counters champions with low mobility who cannot escape his fear.
13. Is the ADC role the easiest in League of Legends?
No, the ADC role is considered one of the most challenging roles due to the high number of champions in the bot lane. Learning positioning, trading, and farming are crucial for success. Also, in many cases you are vulnerable and need to play as a team with your support.
14. What is the most aggressive ADC to play?
Graves is often considered the most aggressive ADC, followed by Draven, and Miss Fortune. These champions excel in lane trades and early-game pressure. They require a different style than other ADCs in that they are less reliant on farm and more reliant on early aggression to set up a lead.
15. What makes Corki an uncommon ADC choice?
Corki’s unconventional playstyle and mixed damage make him less popular. He requires good mechanical skill and an understanding of his power spikes. But when mastered, he becomes a powerful lane bully. His mixed damage can also confuse the enemy when they are trying to build armor and magic resist.