Unit Types

In Legends of Runeterra, understanding the different types of units is fundamental to mastering deckbuilding and gameplay. Units are the backbone of your army, the creatures and individuals you summon to the battlefield to attack your opponent's Nexus and defend your own. Each unit card possesses unique stats, abilities, and keywords that define its role and potential impact.

The most basic distinction among units is their origin: they are either Champions or regular Followers. Champions are powerful, unique cards that represent iconic figures from the League of Legends universe. They have a level-up condition, and once met, they transform into a more potent version of themselves, often with a new ability or significantly increased stats. Each champion can only be included a maximum of three times in a deck, and you can only have one of each specific champion card. Followers, on the other hand, are the rank-and-file soldiers, creatures, and allies that support your champions. You can include up to three copies of any non-champion follower card in your deck.

Beyond this primary classification, units can be further categorized by their Keywords. These are special abilities that grant units unique effects. Some of the most common and impactful keywords include:

Attack: Units with this keyword can attack the enemy Nexus or block enemy attackers. All units have this inherent ability unless otherwise specified.
Barrier: Grants a shield that absorbs the next instance of damage.
Overwhelm: Excess damage dealt to a blocker is applied to the enemy Nexus.
Quick Attack: Deals damage to its blocker before the blocker deals damage.
Scout: When attacking, I strike first, and if I survive, I strike again.
Spellshield: Blocks the next enemy spell that would target this unit.
Toss: Adds two Sea Monsters to your deck. (Region-specific, but illustrates a unique effect).
Ephemeral: This unit dies when it is summoned or after it attacks.
Fearsome: Can only be blocked by units with Fearsome.
Elusive: Can only be blocked by other Elusive units.

Furthermore, units have two core stats: Attack Power and Health. Attack Power determines how much damage a unit deals when it attacks or blocks. Health determines how much damage a unit can withstand before being destroyed. These stats are crucial for combat calculations and determining the effectiveness of your units in battle.

Understanding these unit types and their associated keywords is essential for effective deckbuilding. For instance, a deck focused on aggressive strategies might prioritize units with Overwhelm and Quick Attack, while a control-oriented deck might focus on units with Spellshield and high Health to create resilient blockers. Champions are often the centerpiece of a deck, and their level-up conditions and abilities should be synergized with the rest of your chosen cards. By mastering the nuances of unit types, you unlock the full strategic depth of Legends of Runeterra.