The Ultimate Guide: Who is the Best Starter in RAID: Shadow Legends?
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Choosing the right starter champion in Raid: Shadow Legends is crucial for your early game progress. It can dramatically impact your ability to clear campaign stages, progress in dungeons, and even compete in the arena. So, the burning question is: Who is the best starter champion in Raid Shadow Legends? The clear and concise answer is Kael.
While you have a choice between four champions – Athel, Elhain, Galek, and Kael – Kael consistently outperforms the others, making him the go-to choice for the vast majority of new players. He shines in virtually every aspect of the early game, and even remains viable in mid to late game scenarios, particularly against the Clan Boss. Let’s delve deeper into why Kael reigns supreme.
Why Kael is the Best Starter
Powerful Area-of-Effect (AOE) Damage
Kael’s A2 ability, “Acid Rain,” delivers powerful AOE damage. This is essential for clearing waves of enemies quickly in campaign battles, dungeons and arena fights. It allows you to progress through content much more efficiently compared to single-target focused champions.
Potent Poison Abilities
Kael’s A1 ability, “Dark Bolt,” and his A3 ability, “Venomous Blade,” apply poison debuffs. These poison debuffs are crucial in dealing significant damage, especially to bosses, as they inflict damage based on the enemy’s maximum health. This is especially important for progression in the Dragon’s Lair dungeon and the Clan Boss.
Versatility
Kael’s versatility allows him to fit into almost any team composition. He is excellent for farming, dungeon progression, arena battles, and even for tackling the Clan Boss, where his poison is invaluable. This eliminates the need to immediately find a replacement, allowing you to focus on building your roster around him.
Easy to Build
Kael is relatively easy to gear up and master, making him accessible for newer players who might be overwhelmed with the nuances of the game’s mechanics. His simple yet effective skillset requires minimal investment to see results. Focus on Accuracy, Speed, Health, and Defense to see his damage output skyrocket.
Longevity
Even as you progress into the late game, Kael remains a valuable asset. While he may not be your main damage dealer in all scenarios, he continues to be a reliable option in certain fights. He can also serve as an exceptional character for Faction Wars being the only Dark Elf starter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the other starter champions, and why are they not as good as Kael?
The other starters are Athel, Elhain, and Galek. While they are not bad, they generally lack the versatility and utility of Kael. Athel is a decent single target damager, Elhain has some AOE potential but is not as strong, and Galek is often considered the weakest of the four with limited use outside of early campaign farming. Kael’s combination of AOE and poison makes him superior for overall progress.
2. Is Kael viable in late game?
While Kael’s effectiveness does diminish in certain late-game areas, he remains viable in several scenarios. His poison abilities are still valuable against the Clan Boss, and he can be effective in Faction Wars and secret rooms. He will still provide you value while you acquire better champions.
3. What stats should I prioritize on Kael?
For Kael, focus on these stats in the early to mid-game: Accuracy, Speed, Health, and Defense. Accuracy ensures his poison debuffs stick, Speed allows him to take more turns, and Health and Defense increase his survivability. Attack is important to increase direct damage but his poison will be the bulk of his output.
4. Can Kael be used in an Unkillable team?
While Kael’s role is limited, yes, he can be used in some unkillable team compositions, although he will not be the main source of damage, he will provide poison damage. Kael’s poison abilities work well with teams designed to keep allies alive indefinitely, mainly against the Clan Boss.
5. Is there a legendary version of Kael?
Yes! Supreme Kael is the legendary version of Kael and provides superior stats and abilities. He is available from the new Legendary Starter Champions, alongside Supreme Galek, and Supreme Athel. He’s definitely a great champion if you manage to get him.
6. What is the best stage to farm with Kael?
The best stage to farm with Kael early game, and even in the late game, is Brimstone Path (Chapter 12), stage 6. This stage offers the best experience per energy ratio. Run this on Brutal if you can and if you are not able to run on Brutal, run it on hard instead. Nightmare will be less efficient.
7. Does Kael need Accuracy for poison?
Yes, Accuracy is crucial for Kael’s poison debuffs. Without sufficient accuracy, his debuffs will often be resisted by enemies, rendering him much less effective. Increase his accuracy to apply poison consistently.
8. What gear sets should I use on Kael?
Early on, Speed and Lifesteal sets are very effective on Kael to help him survive and heal during battles. As you progress, focus on gear with Accuracy, Speed, Critical Rate, and Critical Damage substats.
9. Can Kael be used in the Arena?
Yes, Kael is very good in the Arena, particularly in early and mid-game. His AOE damage and poison abilities can be very effective at clearing teams. Kael’s arena usage falls off in the end game.
10. What are the best masteries for Kael?
Masteries greatly enhance his effectiveness. For offense tree, go for Warmaster if you have sufficient crit rate. If not go for Giant Slayer. For the support tree, Lore of Steel, Sniper, and Eagle Eye will all enhance Kael’s accuracy and survivability.
11. How do I unlock Kael if I didn’t pick him at the beginning?
Kael can be obtained from Mystery, Ancient, and Primal Shards. If you have not started the game you can pick him as your starter. He is also available from free shards in various events.
12. Is Kael good for Clan Boss?
Yes, Kael is extremely valuable against the Clan Boss. His poison debuffs are very effective, dealing damage based on the boss’s max HP. He remains a good option for early and mid-game clan boss teams.
13. Can Kael be used in Doom Tower?
Yes, Kael can be used in Doom Tower, mostly in Secret rooms that require Dark Elf rare characters. He can still be used on normal mode if you are new to the game, but his effectiveness will be lower than some of the more dedicated characters.
14. What is the difference between Kael and Dark Kael?
Dark Kael is an Epic champion from the same faction with different skills and higher stats. While Dark Kael is also viable, he is not a starter champion. Dark Kael is obtained from Doom Tower Secret Rooms.
15. Who should I focus on after leveling up Kael?
After maxing Kael to 6 stars, focus on farming more gear, and start working on champion that compliments Kael’s weakness. Champions like Coldheart, who you can get as a rare champion, and Deacon Armstrong who can be summoned using ancient shards would be a great asset to any roster.
Conclusion
In summary, Kael is unequivocally the best starter champion in Raid: Shadow Legends. His AOE damage, poison abilities, versatility, and ease of build make him the ideal choice for new players. While other starters have their merits, Kael’s ability to excel in so many aspects of the game makes him the clear winner. Choosing him will set you on the right path for success in the world of Teleria. By focusing on his key stats and utilizing his skills effectively, you’ll have a reliable and powerful champion that can carry you far. Good luck, and may the shards be ever in your favor!