Mastering Movement and Mayhem: Understanding Attack Move and Attack Move Click in League of Legends
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The difference between Attack Move and Attack Move Click in League of Legends boils down to an extra click. Attack Move (often bound to “A” by default) requires you to press the button and then left-click to confirm the area where you want to search for a target. Attack Move Click (which can also be bound to a key, often also “A”) skips that left-click confirmation. You simply press the key, and your champion will automatically attack the nearest target to your cursor. This subtle difference dramatically impacts player efficiency, especially when kiting or focusing on positioning.
Deciphering Attack Move
Attack Move is a fundamental mechanic that allows players to automatically attack the nearest enemy within a specified range. The key to understanding Attack Move lies in how it prioritizes targets. When you activate Attack Move and left-click, the game checks for the closest enemy unit to your cursor. If an enemy is within auto-attack range, your champion will begin attacking it. If no enemy is in range, your champion will move towards the click location until one is found.
How Attack Move Works
- Initiation: Press the designated Attack Move key (default is “A”).
- Confirmation: Left-click on the desired area. This area isn’t a specific target, but rather a zone within which the game will search for a target.
- Target Acquisition: The game identifies the closest enemy unit (champion, minion, ward, etc.) to your cursor within your champion’s attack range.
- Attack: Your champion attacks the acquired target. If no target is available, your champion will move towards the left-click location.
Advantages of Using Attack Move
- Precision: The left-click allows for a degree of control over the general area you want to target.
- Range Indicator: Pressing the Attack Move key often displays your champion’s attack range, providing valuable information for positioning and kiting.
- Safer Movement: If you miss-click away from enemies, you move towards that spot instead of standing still.
Demystifying Attack Move Click
Attack Move Click takes automation a step further. It essentially streamlines the Attack Move process by eliminating the need for the left-click confirmation. When activated, your champion will immediately attack the closest enemy unit to your cursor. This seemingly small change significantly impacts gameplay, particularly in fast-paced combat scenarios.
How Attack Move Click Works
- Initiation: Press the designated Attack Move Click key (often re-bound to “A”).
- Automatic Target Acquisition: The game identifies the closest enemy unit to your cursor within your champion’s attack range.
- Attack: Your champion attacks the acquired target. If no target is available, your champion will move towards where the cursor was when you hit the key.
Advantages of Using Attack Move Click
- Efficiency: Removing the left-click reduces the number of actions required, allowing for faster and more responsive kiting and positioning.
- Speed: In team fights, Attack Move Click enables quicker target acquisition and damage output.
- Reduced APM (Actions Per Minute): Simplifies the mechanics, allowing players to focus on other aspects of the game, such as map awareness and decision-making.
Choosing the Right Tool: Attack Move vs. Attack Move Click
The best choice between Attack Move and Attack Move Click depends on individual preference and play style. Attack Move offers more control and a visual indicator of your attack range, making it suitable for players who prioritize precision. Attack Move Click prioritizes speed and efficiency, making it ideal for players who want to optimize their mechanics and reduce APM. Experiment with both options in practice mode to determine which best suits your needs. Many high Elo players have even set both to keys next to eachother to use both depending on the situation.
Related Concepts: Kiting and Auto-Attack Resetting
Both Attack Move and Attack Move Click are crucial tools for kiting, which involves maintaining distance from enemies while dealing damage. Efficient kiting requires precise movement and auto-attacks, and these mechanics facilitate this.
Understanding auto-attack resetting also enhances effectiveness. Some champions have abilities that reset their auto-attack timer, allowing for faster damage output. Combining auto-attack resets with Attack Move or Attack Move Click can significantly increase DPS (Damage Per Second).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about attack move and attack move click in League of Legends.
1. What does “attack move” actually do?
Attack Move makes your champion attack the nearest enemy unit to the location you click after pressing the attack move key. If there are no enemies in range, your champion will move to that location and attack anything that comes into range during the move.
2. How do I bind Attack Move and Attack Move Click?
Go to Settings > Hotkeys > Player Movement. You’ll find options to bind both “Player Attack Move” and “Player Attack Move Click” to your preferred keys.
3. Is there a difference between auto-attacking and using Attack Move?
Yes. Auto-attacking involves right-clicking on a specific target. Attack Move targets the nearest enemy to your cursor, offering more flexibility in chaotic situations.
4. Why do pro players use Attack Move so often?
Pro players use Attack Move because it provides a reliable and efficient way to kite, maintain spacing, and maximize damage output while minimizing risk. It also reduces the chance of mis-clicking and accidentally moving into a dangerous position.
5. Can I use Attack Move to target wards or plants?
Yes. Attack Move will target any enemy unit within range, including wards, plants, and even Teemo’s mushrooms.
6. Does attack move click work on structures?
Yes, attack move and attack move click will work on any enemy target including minions, champions, wards, plants and structures such as towers and inhibitors.
7. What is “Player Attack Only Click”?
“Player Attack Only Click” forces your character to attack only when your cursor is directly over a valid target. It prevents unintentional movement if you miss your target with a right-click. This can be setup at Settings > Hotkeys > Player Movement.
8. Is Attack Move Click better than regular Attack Move?
Neither is strictly “better.” Attack Move Click is faster and more efficient for some players, while Attack Move offers more precision for others. It comes down to personal preference and play style.
9. Does Attack Move prioritize champions over minions?
No, Attack Move targets the closest enemy unit regardless of type. You must position your cursor carefully to prioritize specific targets. However, there are settings in-game that allow you to adjust these settings.
10. How can I improve my kiting with Attack Move?
Practice consistently! Focus on rhythmically alternating between movement commands and Attack Move commands. Use custom games to practice kiting jungle camps or dummy targets.
11. Can I use Attack Move to attack towers?
Yes, you can use Attack Move to attack towers, inhibitors, and other structures.
12. Does Attack Move work with on-hit effects?
Yes, auto attacks triggered by Attack Move will apply on-hit effects, such as those from items like Blade of the Ruined King or Wit’s End.
13. Does champion size affect my auto attack range?
Yes, larger champions have a larger hitbox and consequently a greater auto-attack range in practice. Remember, though, that this change in range due to champion size is only relative to the champion’s center and is not explicitly mentioned in the champion’s attack range stat.
14. What champions have the longest auto attack range in League of Legends?
Caitlyn has the longest auto attack range at level 1 (650). At level 18, Tristana has the longest permanent auto attack range (661).
15. What if I want to learn more about the strategy behind gaming?
For more insights into the learning and strategy of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society website. They study how people learn, develop expertise, and build communities through game-related activities. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
By mastering Attack Move and Attack Move Click, you’ll gain a significant advantage in League of Legends, enabling you to kite more effectively, improve your positioning, and maximize your damage output. Experiment, practice, and find what works best for your play style. Good luck on the Rift!