What two key factors should always guide your itemization or build path choices during a match?

The two key factors that should always guide your itemization or build path choices during a match are the current game state and enemy team composition, and your champion's or character's inherent role, power curve, and your team's needs.

First, the current game state and enemy team composition demand constant situational awareness and adaptability. The 'game state' refers to the evolving conditions of the match, including resource disparities, current objectives being contested, and the overall tempo of play. 'Enemy team composition' involves analyzing the specific characters your opponents have chosen, their collective strengths, weaknesses, damage types (such as physical, magical, or true damage), crowd control abilities, and the items they are building. For instance, if the enemy team primarily deals magical damage, building magic resistance items becomes a priority. Conversely, if an opponent's core strategy relies on healing, an item that applies 'healing reduction' – an effect that diminishes the effectiveness of incoming healing – would be crucial to counteract their sustain. This factor emphasizes reacting effectively to specific threats and opportunities as they emerge throughout the game.

Second, your champion's or character's inherent role, power curve, and your team's needs dictate foundational build decisions. Your 'champion's or character's inherent role' refers to its primary function and design purpose, such as being a damage dealer, a tank (designed to absorb damage), or a support (focused on aiding teammates). The 'power curve' describes how your character's strength scales throughout the game, often reaching specific 'power spikes' – points where they gain significant statistical advantages or new abilities from leveling up or completing certain items. Understanding these spikes is vital for timing item purchases. 'Your team's needs' considers what statistical contributions or tactical effects your team requires to be effective as a whole. For example, a damage-dealing character will prioritize items that amplify their offensive statistics like attack damage or ability power to reach their power spikes quickly. However, if your team is lacking front-line defense, even a character not typically built as a tank might need to incorporate some defensive items to balance the team's overall resilience. This factor ensures your build path aligns with your character's optimal performance and contributes meaningfully to your team's strategy.