Burn

New to Legends of Runeterra? This guide breaks down the 'Burn' strategy, explaining how it works and key cards to watch out for. Learn to counter it or use it to your advantage!

Hey there! So you've heard about 'Burn' decks in Legends of Runeterra, huh? It's a pretty straightforward but potent strategy that focuses on dealing direct damage to the enemy Nexus, often bypassing their units. Think of it like a wildfire – it spreads fast and aims to overwhelm the opponent before they can set up their own defenses. What is Burn? At its core, Burn is an aggressive playstyle. Instead of chipping away at the enemy's board or slowly building up your own, Burn decks pack a punch with spells and abilities that deal damage directly to the enemy Nexus. The goal is to reduce the enemy Nexus health from 20 to 0 as quickly as possible. Key Mechanics and Cards to Watch For: While the exact cards can vary depending on the region and meta, here are some common elements you'll find in Burn decks: * Direct Damage Spells: These are your bread and butter. Cards that say "Deal X damage to the enemy Nexus" are what Burn decks thrive on. Keep an eye out for spells that might seem small individually but can add up quickly. * Burn-Focused Units: Some champions and units have abilities that trigger direct Nexus damage, either when they attack, when a spell is cast, or through other conditions. For example, you might see champions like Brand or units that have effects similar to the Ignite spell. * Fast Spells and Bursts: Burn decks often rely on casting spells quickly to get that damage in. Be prepared for the enemy to play spells on your turn or during combat to surprise you. * Overwhelm (Sometimes): While not strictly a Burn mechanic, some Burn decks might use units with Overwhelm to push damage through blockers. If a unit has Overwhelm and its attack power exceeds the health of the blocker, the excess damage hits the Nexus. Common Cards You Might See: * Brand the Burning Vengeance: A champion known for dealing damage to the enemy Nexus. * Shyvana's Burnout: A specific ability or spell that deals damage. * Ignite: A classic direct damage spell. * Burning Embers (Season One Mastery): An older card, but it represents the type of effect Burn decks utilize. * Burning Tides: This could refer to a specific card or an event, but the name itself suggests a theme of damage and aggression. How to Play Against Burn: * Heal Your Nexus: If you can, include cards that restore Nexus health. This can be a direct counter to Burn's game plan. * Control the Board: While Burn focuses on Nexus damage, they still need units to apply pressure or enable certain spells. Removing their key units can slow them down significantly. * Be Mindful of Spell Mana: Always consider how much spell mana the opponent has. They might be holding onto a powerful direct damage spell to finish you off. * Armor Up: Some regions have access to cards that grant temporary or permanent armor, which effectively reduces Nexus health. This can be very effective against Burn. How to Play Burn: * Be Aggressive: Don't hold back! Your goal is to end the game quickly. * Prioritize Nexus Damage: If you have a choice between damaging a unit or the Nexus, and the Nexus damage gets you closer to winning, take it. * Resource Management: Even though you're aggressive, make sure you have enough spells or unit abilities to close out the game. Don't overextend too early if it means you won't have the final push. Burn can be a really fun and explosive way to play Legends of Runeterra. It's all about calculated aggression and knowing when to unleash your damage. Good luck out there!