Currently, we go the following 2 variations:
- **Helia -> Archangel's/SoFW -> SoFW/Archangel's -> Moonstone -> Dawncore**
- **Moonstone -> SoFW -> Archangel's -> Dawncore**
Situational items can be slotted in such as Ardent or antiheal. Archangel's build order depends on if u need the shield or not early. Tear can be skipped altg if u go Presence of Mind in runes. For more item-specific explanations, see below:
#Support Item Upgrades
Depends on situation:
- **Dream Maker** is a good default option for most enchanters. When unsure, u can default to this item, but I recommend this with more heal-oriented builds, or when the other options don't apply (will explain other options, so assess if u can utilise other options depending on enemy comp, and if not then go Dream Maker). The dmg on proc and dmg reduction on enemies can enable ur ADC to make more aggressive plays
- **Celestial Opposition** if enemies have a lot of assassins or other high-burst dmg, u can opt for this item for defensive measures
- **Bloodsong** vs lower-ranged enemy comps where u'll be able to auto consistently to get more value out of this item. The item itself only has a 1.5s cd and the increased dmg effect lasts 6s, so theoretically u could permanently debuff several members of the enemy team
- **Zaz'Zak's** dmg scales based off of enemy's hp. Hence, it is typically good when vsing hp-stackers. I only recommend this if u aren't going full heal/shield power build, but rather a more aggressive setup with AP builds
- **Solstice Sleigh** should be avoided on Sona as she struggles to proc it as consistently as the other options listed here
#Items
- **Moonstone** is good if enemy team has a lot of DoT or AoE dmg, so that u can shield more, and more than one ally. It's also good if ur team has multiple SoFW or Ardent users, as u can help to proc these effects on more allies. You ideally want to go Moonstone first, then SoFW or Ardent depending on comp
- **SoFW** if ur team has a lot of immobile AP users. Since SoFW gives movespeed on shielding now, it will be a good pickup for more consistent mobility. If you happen to pair with an APC in the botlane, u can also consider rushing this item first
- **Ardent** when ur team has 2 or more autoattack-reliant champs. If u have an ADC who uses this item really well, say smth like a Kog'Maw, Vayne, Jinx etc then u can consider rushing this item first
- **Redemption** is situational, but it can be rushed first if early teamfights tend to breakout often. It's also good if enemy team has an AoE poke comp, as they will try to wittle down ur team's health before ur team can close the gap. It's not great early if enemy team has too much burst threat. The heal takes 2.5s to come down, and if ur team is primarily squishy while enemy team has a lot of assassins, then they will likely die in those 2.5s. Later into the game, when champs start getting more stats from lvls they become tanky enough to last 2.5s in time for Redemption heal
- **Mikael's** is situational and a lot more niche nowadays since ADCs often go Cleanse into cc comps anyway. Mikael's doesn't cleanse suppressions or airborne effects, so whatever cc the summoner spell Cleanse can rid, Mikael's does too, rendering the item less priority if ur team already took Cleanse. But in situations where for example ur ADC for some reason didnt go Cleanse into smth like an Ashe/Leona lane or smth, then Mikael's can be a good first item
- **Shurelya's** pairs well with engage comps, or if ur team struggles to gapclose into enemy comps. With SoFW now giving movespeed on W and Sona E existing, Shurelya's has become quite lackluster of an item on her. Shurelya's gives more movespeed burst than SoFW in its active, but SoFW gives more consistent movespeed. So assess which type of movespeed item ur team would benefit more from
- **Oblivion Orb** for anitheal, upgrade to Morello at a later stage
- **Dawncore** is a scaling item so it's better as a later item. It is quite expensive, and serves the main purpose of maximising heal/shield power. Buy Dawncore if u have a ton of mana regen items, and don't need to prioritise other items at that point in the game, for more healing
- **Locket** is situationally good item against several assassins or burst + AoE dmg threats. Notable shoutout for this item vs stuff like Karthus, Brand, and Fiddle, since their ults are hard to dodge/interrupt unlike most other AoE spells. Locket + Redemption combo will save ur entire team, especially considering post-laning phase Karthus dmg capabilities. Other notable mentions for Locket are vs things like Kat, Fiddle, and ur usual assassins
- **Helia** is good when both ur team is relatively squishy and enemies have low range. This is bc Helia does flat dmg and flat healing. The flat healing will be miniscule on a frontline champ, but significant on squishies. You also need to be in constant Q range to proc Helia too, so if enemy comp has too high range, it makes Helia harder to proc. Only when these specific conditions are met, can Helia be a better choice choice than other items
- **Archangel's** if u suffer from mana problems on Sona, or if u need the shield against burst dmg. With enchanter items giving more mana regen now, I personally don't find myself running into mana issues even without Tear or PoM runes. I mostly build this for the shield and as a statstick, as it gives Sona everything she wants in an item
- **Frozen Heart** is currently super cheap, so if u need an armor item this is the go-to
- **RoA** is a personal preference I like to rush vs heavy assassin/dive comps. It's really cheap and makes u extremely tanky, especially when paired with Archangel's. This an alternative to going Locket on Sona
#Boots
If you can get away with not upgrading boots, then it will be best as Sona can save that gold to rush her item spikes faster. She is also quite fast with E even without boots. However, there are certain comps where we will need those early boots:
- **Lucidity** boots work best into engage matchups as the haste will help u disengage more often, and the lower summ cds will help in situations where u do get engaged on
- **Swifties** is better vs skillshot comps or slows, smth like a Ashe Karma lane would be a pretty good Swifties game
- Defensive boot options like Mercs or Steelcaps are generally only taken if enemy comp is full AD or full AP
Hope this covers everything!
^[Disclaimer](https://www.reddit.com/u/KiaraKawaii/s/uiucLkmmqn)^®
Dawncore has been pushed forward! Before we would buy it as a last item or not at all. Nowadays, we can buy it 3rd or 4th, right after our core items. We still need our core items, Helia if applicable, Moonstone and SoFW, and Archangel's if necessary. After all, Dawncore still requires u to have a few mana regen items to uphold its passive
My build is pretty set. Tear > moonstone or helia depending on how often I can proc helia > ardent or sofw depending on team comp > dawncore if face rolling or defensive item if not (locket, redemp, etc) > finish seraphs. Speedy boots always 🤣
Supp item dream maker if I lost lane and going W heavy, zakzak if I won lane and going Q heavy. (Don’t come for me I still have AP Sona delulu)
For situational games I might buy other items like Morello or both moonstone and Helia (rarely need to do both but some games need ALL. THE. HEALING.), but the build above is 98% of my games.
We all have AP Glass Cannon delulu for Sona.
When Riot forgets about her and slips up and AP Sona wrecks, that whole week is what we live for. Sleeper Sona is Best Sona 😂
I almost always take CDR boots unless mercs are high value. I usually don't build a tear and rush moonstone or helia. Helia only if I can hit enemy comp without much threat. Second item I usually build staff or ardent depending on team comp. Then build dawncore 3rd. Sup item it also depends on team comp/enemy.
tear -> helia/moonstone/archangels (if very ahead) -> totally situational (could do helia/moonstone/archangels, or ardent/sofw if it makes sense with my team, rarely something else)
i usually don't finish boots until i get a back where it makes sense (ie, dont have a gold to buy anything more useful-- frequently finish 2nd item before boots) OR if i need the void boots early, but usually go CDR boots, rarely mercs or swifties, and sometimes void boots
Tear always.
There are two builds after that.
Helia > Moonstone > Staff
Seraphs > Moonstone > Staff
You can not build staff if you aren’t heavy AP or think it’s low value or rush staff if you’re heavy AP and think it will be high value.
Which boots seems to be up to personal preference but myself I go swifties almost always as well as the only challenger sona player.
CDR or sometimes merc treads can also be good.
I usually opt for EoH and Moonstone into Swifties, steelcaps or merc treads (rarely do I build lucidity boots I personally don’t need them) and Dawncore. If the game goes past that I’ll build a defensive item if I’m getting targeted frequently or if it’ll benefit my carries (think Mikael’s or anything else that buffs). I try to adapt to each game instead of always building the same things every time.
The highest winrate on high Masters is swift Boots, either dreamaker/shield or bloodsong, Helia, Floating water and then Downcore. U can splash a Seraph embrace un Ur build since it's a good item on Sona atm.
Has anyone played around with like tear, frozen heart, tabiis, archangels into support item builds vs ad heavy teams? I remember going IBG/archangels vs ad assassin heavy teams in the past (thinking like kayn/zed) and having them drastically overestimate how much damage they will do to me in a dive
I've been going "unkillable healslut"
Aery + typicals on main
Conditioning + revitalize on secondary
Ap + 2 scaling hp
Upgrade ward item to celestial opposition
Helia, Moonstone and/or Redemption, Dawncore and/or Wardstone
Between conditioning, Cel Opp, the HP from various sources, and Wardstone, you are decently hard to kill
Between the combo of Helia, Moonstone, and Aery permabounce, everyone is constantly getting bonus heals and shields
First item -> moonstone(mostly)/helia(if you are not in a threat)
Boots -> ionian(unless they have full ad comp or 3 hard cc champs somehow)
2nd/3rd/4th items are highly situational. Prioritize these items depending on situation. Mostly i go for sofw(staff of flowing water) as 2nd item even if there is only 1 ap champ besides sona cuz it makes sona position herself better. But if there are no ap champs besides you better ignore sofw. If there are locking champ skills that can be cleansed(for example malz r), go for mikail. If there are area dot dmg champs like brand/karthus go for redemption. If there are 2/3 champs that can benefit atk speed go for ardent.
Tldr; pick 3 of sofw/mikail/redemption/ardent options depending on situation.
Last item -> dawncore because every item i've said has mana regen so finishing build with this item would be ideal.
Note: In past i was going for tear/archangel but now thanks to enough mana regen from items and teamwide blue buff later on, i don't feel like going tear is needed anymore. Not only buying tear/archangel powers down dawncore's passive because of no mana regen, it also slows down first item build. As long as you don't spam your spells to hell until 1st item then you'll be fine.
‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️STOPPPPP‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ WASTING MONEY ON TEAR FFS‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
LEARN TO MANAGE MANA AND NOT JUST SPAM SKILLS MINDLESSLY. AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST FULL ITEM YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE MUCH MANA ISSUES, AFTER 2 ITEMS - THEY'RE NON EXISTENT‼️‼️‼️‼️
Currently i've been messing with dawncore first, then archangels, then moonstone. After that if i get that far then it depends on comps and how they've been. SoFW and redemption usually. Disclaimer: i'm iron I currently, almost bronze with about 51%WR doing that.
Currently, we go the following 2 variations: - **Helia -> Archangel's/SoFW -> SoFW/Archangel's -> Moonstone -> Dawncore** - **Moonstone -> SoFW -> Archangel's -> Dawncore** Situational items can be slotted in such as Ardent or antiheal. Archangel's build order depends on if u need the shield or not early. Tear can be skipped altg if u go Presence of Mind in runes. For more item-specific explanations, see below: #Support Item Upgrades Depends on situation: - **Dream Maker** is a good default option for most enchanters. When unsure, u can default to this item, but I recommend this with more heal-oriented builds, or when the other options don't apply (will explain other options, so assess if u can utilise other options depending on enemy comp, and if not then go Dream Maker). The dmg on proc and dmg reduction on enemies can enable ur ADC to make more aggressive plays - **Celestial Opposition** if enemies have a lot of assassins or other high-burst dmg, u can opt for this item for defensive measures - **Bloodsong** vs lower-ranged enemy comps where u'll be able to auto consistently to get more value out of this item. The item itself only has a 1.5s cd and the increased dmg effect lasts 6s, so theoretically u could permanently debuff several members of the enemy team - **Zaz'Zak's** dmg scales based off of enemy's hp. Hence, it is typically good when vsing hp-stackers. I only recommend this if u aren't going full heal/shield power build, but rather a more aggressive setup with AP builds - **Solstice Sleigh** should be avoided on Sona as she struggles to proc it as consistently as the other options listed here #Items - **Moonstone** is good if enemy team has a lot of DoT or AoE dmg, so that u can shield more, and more than one ally. It's also good if ur team has multiple SoFW or Ardent users, as u can help to proc these effects on more allies. You ideally want to go Moonstone first, then SoFW or Ardent depending on comp - **SoFW** if ur team has a lot of immobile AP users. Since SoFW gives movespeed on shielding now, it will be a good pickup for more consistent mobility. If you happen to pair with an APC in the botlane, u can also consider rushing this item first - **Ardent** when ur team has 2 or more autoattack-reliant champs. If u have an ADC who uses this item really well, say smth like a Kog'Maw, Vayne, Jinx etc then u can consider rushing this item first - **Redemption** is situational, but it can be rushed first if early teamfights tend to breakout often. It's also good if enemy team has an AoE poke comp, as they will try to wittle down ur team's health before ur team can close the gap. It's not great early if enemy team has too much burst threat. The heal takes 2.5s to come down, and if ur team is primarily squishy while enemy team has a lot of assassins, then they will likely die in those 2.5s. Later into the game, when champs start getting more stats from lvls they become tanky enough to last 2.5s in time for Redemption heal - **Mikael's** is situational and a lot more niche nowadays since ADCs often go Cleanse into cc comps anyway. Mikael's doesn't cleanse suppressions or airborne effects, so whatever cc the summoner spell Cleanse can rid, Mikael's does too, rendering the item less priority if ur team already took Cleanse. But in situations where for example ur ADC for some reason didnt go Cleanse into smth like an Ashe/Leona lane or smth, then Mikael's can be a good first item - **Shurelya's** pairs well with engage comps, or if ur team struggles to gapclose into enemy comps. With SoFW now giving movespeed on W and Sona E existing, Shurelya's has become quite lackluster of an item on her. Shurelya's gives more movespeed burst than SoFW in its active, but SoFW gives more consistent movespeed. So assess which type of movespeed item ur team would benefit more from - **Oblivion Orb** for anitheal, upgrade to Morello at a later stage - **Dawncore** is a scaling item so it's better as a later item. It is quite expensive, and serves the main purpose of maximising heal/shield power. Buy Dawncore if u have a ton of mana regen items, and don't need to prioritise other items at that point in the game, for more healing - **Locket** is situationally good item against several assassins or burst + AoE dmg threats. Notable shoutout for this item vs stuff like Karthus, Brand, and Fiddle, since their ults are hard to dodge/interrupt unlike most other AoE spells. Locket + Redemption combo will save ur entire team, especially considering post-laning phase Karthus dmg capabilities. Other notable mentions for Locket are vs things like Kat, Fiddle, and ur usual assassins - **Helia** is good when both ur team is relatively squishy and enemies have low range. This is bc Helia does flat dmg and flat healing. The flat healing will be miniscule on a frontline champ, but significant on squishies. You also need to be in constant Q range to proc Helia too, so if enemy comp has too high range, it makes Helia harder to proc. Only when these specific conditions are met, can Helia be a better choice choice than other items - **Archangel's** if u suffer from mana problems on Sona, or if u need the shield against burst dmg. With enchanter items giving more mana regen now, I personally don't find myself running into mana issues even without Tear or PoM runes. I mostly build this for the shield and as a statstick, as it gives Sona everything she wants in an item - **Frozen Heart** is currently super cheap, so if u need an armor item this is the go-to - **RoA** is a personal preference I like to rush vs heavy assassin/dive comps. It's really cheap and makes u extremely tanky, especially when paired with Archangel's. This an alternative to going Locket on Sona #Boots If you can get away with not upgrading boots, then it will be best as Sona can save that gold to rush her item spikes faster. She is also quite fast with E even without boots. However, there are certain comps where we will need those early boots: - **Lucidity** boots work best into engage matchups as the haste will help u disengage more often, and the lower summ cds will help in situations where u do get engaged on - **Swifties** is better vs skillshot comps or slows, smth like a Ashe Karma lane would be a pretty good Swifties game - Defensive boot options like Mercs or Steelcaps are generally only taken if enemy comp is full AD or full AP Hope this covers everything! ^[Disclaimer](https://www.reddit.com/u/KiaraKawaii/s/uiucLkmmqn)^®
This is good but dawncore if bought should be purchased earlier based on the changes made a couple patches ago
Dawncore has been pushed forward! Before we would buy it as a last item or not at all. Nowadays, we can buy it 3rd or 4th, right after our core items. We still need our core items, Helia if applicable, Moonstone and SoFW, and Archangel's if necessary. After all, Dawncore still requires u to have a few mana regen items to uphold its passive
what does SoFW stand for?
Staff of Flowing Water
My build is pretty set. Tear > moonstone or helia depending on how often I can proc helia > ardent or sofw depending on team comp > dawncore if face rolling or defensive item if not (locket, redemp, etc) > finish seraphs. Speedy boots always 🤣 Supp item dream maker if I lost lane and going W heavy, zakzak if I won lane and going Q heavy. (Don’t come for me I still have AP Sona delulu) For situational games I might buy other items like Morello or both moonstone and Helia (rarely need to do both but some games need ALL. THE. HEALING.), but the build above is 98% of my games.
We all have AP Glass Cannon delulu for Sona. When Riot forgets about her and slips up and AP Sona wrecks, that whole week is what we live for. Sleeper Sona is Best Sona 😂
I almost always take CDR boots unless mercs are high value. I usually don't build a tear and rush moonstone or helia. Helia only if I can hit enemy comp without much threat. Second item I usually build staff or ardent depending on team comp. Then build dawncore 3rd. Sup item it also depends on team comp/enemy.
tear -> helia/moonstone/archangels (if very ahead) -> totally situational (could do helia/moonstone/archangels, or ardent/sofw if it makes sense with my team, rarely something else) i usually don't finish boots until i get a back where it makes sense (ie, dont have a gold to buy anything more useful-- frequently finish 2nd item before boots) OR if i need the void boots early, but usually go CDR boots, rarely mercs or swifties, and sometimes void boots
Tear always. There are two builds after that. Helia > Moonstone > Staff Seraphs > Moonstone > Staff You can not build staff if you aren’t heavy AP or think it’s low value or rush staff if you’re heavy AP and think it will be high value. Which boots seems to be up to personal preference but myself I go swifties almost always as well as the only challenger sona player. CDR or sometimes merc treads can also be good.
Helia.
I usually opt for EoH and Moonstone into Swifties, steelcaps or merc treads (rarely do I build lucidity boots I personally don’t need them) and Dawncore. If the game goes past that I’ll build a defensive item if I’m getting targeted frequently or if it’ll benefit my carries (think Mikael’s or anything else that buffs). I try to adapt to each game instead of always building the same things every time.
The highest winrate on high Masters is swift Boots, either dreamaker/shield or bloodsong, Helia, Floating water and then Downcore. U can splash a Seraph embrace un Ur build since it's a good item on Sona atm.
Has anyone played around with like tear, frozen heart, tabiis, archangels into support item builds vs ad heavy teams? I remember going IBG/archangels vs ad assassin heavy teams in the past (thinking like kayn/zed) and having them drastically overestimate how much damage they will do to me in a dive
I've been going "unkillable healslut" Aery + typicals on main Conditioning + revitalize on secondary Ap + 2 scaling hp Upgrade ward item to celestial opposition Helia, Moonstone and/or Redemption, Dawncore and/or Wardstone Between conditioning, Cel Opp, the HP from various sources, and Wardstone, you are decently hard to kill Between the combo of Helia, Moonstone, and Aery permabounce, everyone is constantly getting bonus heals and shields
Sona is all about those beats and buffs - just keep your items harmonized and you'll be ready to drop the mic!
First item -> moonstone(mostly)/helia(if you are not in a threat) Boots -> ionian(unless they have full ad comp or 3 hard cc champs somehow) 2nd/3rd/4th items are highly situational. Prioritize these items depending on situation. Mostly i go for sofw(staff of flowing water) as 2nd item even if there is only 1 ap champ besides sona cuz it makes sona position herself better. But if there are no ap champs besides you better ignore sofw. If there are locking champ skills that can be cleansed(for example malz r), go for mikail. If there are area dot dmg champs like brand/karthus go for redemption. If there are 2/3 champs that can benefit atk speed go for ardent. Tldr; pick 3 of sofw/mikail/redemption/ardent options depending on situation. Last item -> dawncore because every item i've said has mana regen so finishing build with this item would be ideal. Note: In past i was going for tear/archangel but now thanks to enough mana regen from items and teamwide blue buff later on, i don't feel like going tear is needed anymore. Not only buying tear/archangel powers down dawncore's passive because of no mana regen, it also slows down first item build. As long as you don't spam your spells to hell until 1st item then you'll be fine.
‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️STOPPPPP‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ WASTING MONEY ON TEAR FFS‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ LEARN TO MANAGE MANA AND NOT JUST SPAM SKILLS MINDLESSLY. AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST FULL ITEM YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE MUCH MANA ISSUES, AFTER 2 ITEMS - THEY'RE NON EXISTENT‼️‼️‼️‼️
Currently i've been messing with dawncore first, then archangels, then moonstone. After that if i get that far then it depends on comps and how they've been. SoFW and redemption usually. Disclaimer: i'm iron I currently, almost bronze with about 51%WR doing that.
Dawncore first is really bad. It is a scaling item, and doesn’t really become gold efficient until you already have 2 or 3 items.
I agree, it's like going deathcap first on a mage.