Overview
Build order matters more than most players realize. Buying the right item at the right time can swing a lane, secure an objective, or turn a losing teamfight. The game is not about what you build — it's about when you build it. For a complete reference on itemization, visit the LoL Fandom Items page.
A general rule of thumb: complete one full item before starting the next. Sitting on three unfinished components makes you weaker than an opponent with one completed item and a half-finished second one. The only exception is boots, which are time-gated by your first recall.
Starting Items
Your starting item determines your early game sustain and trading pattern. Doran's Blade (AD, health, lifesteal) is the standard for melee laners and ADCs. Doran's Ring (AP, mana regen, health) is the default for mages. Doran's Shield (health regen, damage block) is the defensive start for melee champions against poke-heavy matchups.
Corrupting Potion provides sustain through three charges that restore health and mana over time, popular on mana-hungry champions like Kassadin and Ryze. Cull is a scaling start for ADCs who want extra gold generation and a small amount of AD. Always buy two health potions with your starting gold.
Early Game
Your first recall is the most important of the game. Ideally you want 1300 gold for a Lost Chapter (mages) or Noonquiver (ADCs), plus boots. If you have less, buy components that build into your Mythic and basic boots. T1 boots (300 gold) are cost-efficient for dodging skillshots and reducing gank vulnerability.
Refillable Potion is a good upgrade on your first back for sustained laning. Dark Seal is a snowball option for AP champions — it stacks AP on takedowns and is gold-efficient even without stacks. Never sit on a large amount of unspent gold, as stats are most valuable in the early game when base stats are low.
Mid Game
The mid game (levels 9-13, around 15-25 minutes) is when you complete your Mythic item and boots. Your Mythic should be finished by 15-18 minutes in a decent game. After that, start working on your first Legendary item. This is also the time to buy your first Control Ward on every back.
Tier 2 boots should be completed before or right after your Mythic. The movement speed, combined with the boot's unique stat (tenacity, attack speed, magic pen, etc.), provides enormous value for the cost. Delaying boots to complete a damage item is almost always a mistake.
Late Game
In the late game (level 16+), you should have a complete Mythic, boots, and three Legendary items. The final item slot is flexible. Consider Elixirs of Sorcery, Iron, or Wrath for a stat boost before critical fights. For a general overview of game mechanics and item strategy, reference the Wikipedia League of Legends article. If you reach full build and have extra gold, you can sell your boots for a sixth Legendary item that provides a movement speed passive, like Cosmic Drive for AP champions or Phantom Dancer for ADCs.
Selling boots is only worth it after you have 6 completed items and are at the very end of the game. The loss of movement speed is significant, so buy an item that compensates with a speed passive. At this stage, Redemption, Elixirs, and Guardian Angel become key for objective teamfights.
Gold is a resource like health or mana — spend it as soon as possible. A 2000-gold bank is 2000 gold of stats you don't have. Back when you have enough for a meaningful purchase, spend it, and use your new powerspike to dominate the next fight.
