Ben's Smite Trickster A Comprehensive Guide To Mastering Loki
Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of Smite and specifically talk about Ben's Trickster build. I've noticed many players are curious about how to optimize this god, so I'm here to break it down for you in a way that's easy to understand and implement in your own gameplay. Whether you're new to Smite or a seasoned player looking to refine your strategy, this guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you master Ben's Trickster.
Understanding Ben's Trickster
When we talk about Ben's Trickster, we're actually referring to Loki, the master of deception in Smite. Loki is an assassin known for his incredible burst damage and ability to vanish into the shadows. Mastering Loki, or Ben's Trickster, requires understanding his unique skillset and how to utilize it effectively. His kit revolves around stealth, mobility, and single-target elimination, making him a formidable opponent in the right hands. But why do we call him Ben's Trickster? It's a fun nickname that has stuck within the Smite community, likely stemming from a popular player or streamer known for their exceptional Loki gameplay. So, whether you call him Loki or Ben's Trickster, we're talking about the same sneaky god!
To truly grasp the potential of Ben's Trickster, you need to understand each of his abilities inside and out. His Passive, Behind You!, grants him increased damage when attacking enemies from behind, which is crucial for maximizing his burst potential. His first ability, Vanish, is his signature move, allowing him to become invisible and move around the map undetected. This ability is not only excellent for initiating ganks but also for escaping dangerous situations. The second ability, Decoy, summons a clone of Loki that taunts enemies, drawing their attention away from the real Loki. This can be used to confuse opponents, set up ambushes, or even tank tower shots briefly. His third ability, Assassinate, is a powerful single-target damage ability that applies a bleed effect, further amplifying his damage output. Finally, his ultimate ability, The Charge, allows him to dash a long distance and deal significant damage to a single target. This is perfect for quickly closing the gap on enemies or securing a kill.
Effective gameplay with Ben's Trickster hinges on utilizing these abilities in tandem. Imagine using Vanish to sneak behind an enemy, positioning yourself for that Behind You! damage bonus. Then, unleashing Assassinate followed by The Charge can burst down even the tankiest opponents. The Decoy can be strategically placed to disrupt enemy formations or provide a safe escape route after an engagement. Furthermore, understanding the cooldowns of these abilities is paramount. Knowing when each ability will be available allows you to plan your engagements and avoid being caught in a vulnerable position. A good Ben's Trickster player is always aware of their surroundings, anticipating enemy movements, and calculating the optimal time to strike. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first few games don't go as planned. Experiment with different ability combos, watch how experienced Loki players play, and you'll soon be mastering the art of deception.
Optimizing Ben's Trickster Build
Let's talk about how to optimize Ben's Trickster build to maximize his damage output and survivability. The right build can make or break your game as Loki, turning him from a squishy assassin into a terrifying threat that enemies will fear. When constructing a build for Ben's Trickster, the primary focus should be on damage, penetration, and mobility. Since Loki excels at bursting down single targets, items that amplify his damage and allow him to quickly eliminate enemies are essential. However, survivability also plays a role, as a dead assassin can't deal any damage. Therefore, a balanced build that provides both offensive power and some defensive capabilities is ideal.
To start, core items for any Ben's Trickster build typically include Warrior Tabi, which provides both physical power and movement speed, crucial for getting in and out of fights quickly. The Crusher is another essential item, offering physical power, penetration, and cooldown reduction, allowing you to use your abilities more frequently. Jotunn's Wrath is also a popular choice, as it provides physical power, cooldown reduction, and penetration, further enhancing your ability to burst down enemies. These three items form the foundation of a solid Ben's Trickster build, providing a significant boost to your damage and mobility. After these core items, the build can be tailored to suit your playstyle and the specific match situation.
For additional damage, items like Hydra's Lament can be incredibly effective, as it boosts your damage after using an ability, synergizing perfectly with Loki's ability-based playstyle. Titan's Bane is another excellent option, providing a large amount of penetration, which is essential for dealing damage to tanks and other high-defense targets. Bloodforge can also be considered for its lifesteal and damage, providing some sustain in longer fights. In terms of defensive items, Mantle of Discord is a popular choice, offering magical and physical protections, as well as cooldown reduction. This item can help you survive burst damage and stay in fights longer. Another option is Spirit Robe, which provides protections and damage mitigation, further enhancing your survivability. The order in which you build these items can also vary depending on the game. For example, if you're facing a team with a lot of crowd control, building Mantle of Discord earlier can be beneficial. Experiment with different item combinations and find what works best for you. Remember, the best Ben's Trickster build is one that you're comfortable playing and that suits your individual playstyle.
Mastering Loki's Gameplay: Tips and Tricks
Now, let's delve into mastering Loki's gameplay with some essential tips and tricks. Knowing the right build is only half the battle; the real key to success with Ben's Trickster lies in understanding how to play him effectively. Loki is a high-skill god that requires a strategic approach, good map awareness, and the ability to outmaneuver your opponents. He's not a character you can simply run into a fight with; instead, you need to be patient, calculating, and opportunistic. Effective Loki gameplay revolves around utilizing his stealth and mobility to pick off high-value targets, disrupt enemy formations, and escape dangerous situations.
One of the most fundamental tips for mastering Loki's gameplay is to always be aware of your positioning. Since Loki excels at attacking from behind, you should constantly be trying to flank your enemies and get into a position where you can maximize your damage output. Use Vanish to sneak around the map, taking advantage of blind spots and natural terrain to remain undetected. When engaging an enemy, try to position yourself behind them to take advantage of his passive, Behind You!, which grants increased damage when attacking from the rear. Another crucial aspect of Loki gameplay is managing your cooldowns effectively. Loki's abilities have relatively long cooldowns, so you need to be mindful of when you use them. Don't waste your abilities on low-priority targets or in situations where you're likely to be caught out of position. Instead, save them for high-value targets or for escaping dangerous situations. Practice predicting enemy movements and timing your abilities accordingly.
Map awareness is paramount when playing Ben's Trickster. Knowing where your enemies are, where they're likely to be, and what they're doing is crucial for making informed decisions. Constantly check the minimap, pay attention to enemy rotations, and communicate with your team to stay informed. This will allow you to identify opportunities to gank lanes, secure objectives, and pick off isolated enemies. Another useful trick is to use your Decoy strategically. The Decoy can be used to bait enemies into traps, disrupt their formations, or even tank tower shots briefly. Experiment with different Decoy placements to see what works best in various situations. For example, placing a Decoy in a choke point can force enemies to either walk around it or waste an ability destroying it, giving you an advantage. Finally, remember that patience is key. Loki is not a character that excels in prolonged fights. He's a burst damage assassin, so your goal is to quickly eliminate a target and then get out. Don't overstay your welcome in fights, and be prepared to disengage if the situation turns sour. By mastering these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to dominating the battlefield with Ben's Trickster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Ben's Trickster
Let's discuss some common mistakes to avoid with Ben's Trickster. Even with a solid build and a good understanding of his abilities, there are certain pitfalls that many Loki players fall into. Recognizing and avoiding these mistakes is crucial for improving your gameplay and maximizing your effectiveness as Ben's Trickster. These errors often stem from a lack of patience, poor positioning, or an overreliance on certain abilities. Understanding these pitfalls can significantly elevate your performance and help you become a more consistent and impactful Loki player.
One of the most common mistakes is being too aggressive early in the game. Loki is a late-game assassin who excels at bursting down targets in the mid-to-late game. Trying to force fights early on, before you've built up your damage, can often lead to getting killed and falling behind. Instead, focus on farming and getting your core items online. Use your stealth to avoid ganks and look for opportunities to steal jungle camps. Patience is key in the early game, and you should only engage in fights when you have a clear advantage. Another frequent mistake is misusing Vanish. Vanish is Loki's primary escape tool and should be used judiciously. Many players use Vanish to initiate fights, which can leave them vulnerable if the fight goes south. Instead, try to save Vanish for escaping dangerous situations or for repositioning during a fight. Using Vanish to initiate can also alert the enemy team to your presence, making it harder to surprise them later. Proper Vanish usage is crucial for both offensive and defensive plays.
Another common mistake is neglecting to ward. Vision is essential for any role, but it's especially important for an assassin like Loki. Warding allows you to track enemy movements, anticipate ganks, and identify opportunities to pick off isolated targets. Not warding leaves you vulnerable to ganks and makes it harder to make informed decisions. Make sure to purchase wards regularly and place them in strategic locations, such as jungle entrances and around objectives. Furthermore, many Loki players make the mistake of focusing solely on damage items and neglecting survivability. While Loki's primary role is to burst down targets, he's still a squishy assassin who can be easily killed if caught out of position. Building some defensive items can significantly increase your survivability and allow you to stay in fights longer. Items like Mantle of Discord or Spirit Robe can provide valuable protections and crowd control reduction, making you harder to kill. Balancing damage items with defensive items is crucial for a well-rounded Ben's Trickster build. Finally, a common pitfall is failing to adapt your build and playstyle to the specific game situation. Every game is different, and what works in one game may not work in another. Be prepared to adjust your build based on the enemy team composition, their item builds, and the overall flow of the game. For example, if the enemy team has a lot of crowd control, building items with crowd control reduction can be beneficial. If they have a lot of tanks, building items with penetration is essential. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable Ben's Trickster player.
Final Thoughts on Ben's Smite Trickster
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to playing Ben's Smite Trickster, or Loki, effectively! Mastering this god takes time and practice, but with the right knowledge and dedication, you can become a true master of deception on the battlefield. Remember, Ben's Trickster is all about strategic positioning, burst damage, and outsmarting your opponents. By understanding his abilities, optimizing your build, and avoiding common mistakes, you'll be well-equipped to dominate your games.
Loki, or Ben's Trickster, is a challenging but rewarding god to play. He requires a different playstyle than many other characters in Smite, but his ability to quickly eliminate targets and disappear into the shadows makes him a formidable opponent in the right hands. The key to success with Loki is understanding his strengths and weaknesses, and playing to his advantages. His stealth and mobility allow him to control the pace of the game, picking off enemies when they least expect it. However, he's also vulnerable if caught out of position, so awareness and careful planning are essential.
Ultimately, becoming a proficient Ben's Trickster player is about more than just knowing the right build or ability combos. It's about developing a deep understanding of the game, anticipating enemy movements, and making smart decisions in the heat of battle. It's about being patient, calculating, and always looking for the opportunity to strike. With consistent practice and a willingness to learn, you'll be able to unlock the full potential of Ben's Trickster and become a true force to be reckoned with in Smite. So go out there, embrace the shadows, and start deceiving your enemies – you'll be surprised at how much fun you can have as Ben's Trickster! Good luck, and have fun mastering this elusive god!