To activate Rift Herald, you must use the Eye of the Herald item, which is dropped upon defeating the Rift Herald monster. Channeling this item for 3.5 seconds will summon the Herald to fight for your team.
Understanding Rift Herald and the Eye of the Herald
The Rift Herald is a powerful neutral objective located in the top side of the Summoner's Rift map in League of Legends, appearing before Baron Nashor. Defeating this monster grants your team a buff and drops a unique item called the Eye of the Herald. This item is essential for summoning the Herald.
- Rift Herald Location: Found in the Baron Pit, typically accessible from the game's start until Baron Nashor spawns (around the 20-minute mark).
- Primary Purpose: Once summoned, Rift Herald is primarily used for pushing lanes and taking down enemy turrets, as it charges into structures, dealing massive damage.
The Activation Process
Activating Rift Herald is a straightforward process once you have secured the Eye of the Herald.
- Obtain the Eye: First, your team must successfully defeat the Rift Herald. The player who lands the final blow, or another ally nearby, can pick up the Eye of the Herald from its remains. Keep in mind that only one player can hold the Eye at a time.
- Choose Your Lane: Decide which lane you want the Herald to push. It's most effective in a lane that has enemy turrets standing, ideally one where your team can support its push.
- Channel the Eye: To summon the Herald, channel the Eye of the Herald for 3.5 seconds. This action consumes the item.
- Crucial Tip: During the channel, your champion will be stationary and vulnerable. Ensure the area is safe from enemy champions and their crowd control abilities, as any interruption (like taking damage from an enemy champion or being affected by stun/root) will cancel the channel, requiring you to restart.
- Summoning: Once the 3.5-second channel is successfully completed, the Eye of the Herald is crushed, and Rift Herald is summoned from the void as your team's ally. It will then proceed down the current lane, prioritizing enemy minions and structures.
Key Details for Activation
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Item Required | Eye of the Herald |
| Source of Item | Dropped by the defeated Rift Herald monster |
| Channel Time | 3.5 seconds |
| Result | Rift Herald is summoned as an allied unit, automatically pushing the lane and attacking enemy turrets. |
| Vulnerability | Champion is stationary and interruptible during channeling. |
Strategic Usage and Benefits
Summoning Rift Herald at the right moment can provide immense pressure and lead to significant advantages for your team.
- Rapid Turret Destruction: Rift Herald's signature attack involves a charge into turrets, dealing a substantial amount of true damage. This makes it incredibly efficient at destroying structures quickly.
- Lane Pressure Creation: Its presence forces enemies to react and defend the lane, which can divert their attention from other objectives like Dragon or Baron, or allow your team to make plays elsewhere on the map.
- Zone Control: While pushing, it can help clear enemy vision around the lane and create a safe zone for your team to operate.
Best Practices for Summoning
- Clear Minion Waves: Before summoning, try to clear the current enemy minion wave to ensure the Herald immediately focuses on the enemy turret.
- Summon with Allies: It's often best to summon the Herald when your team is nearby to protect it and capitalize on the pressure it creates. Enemies will attempt to kill the Herald to prevent turret damage.
- Utilize its Charge: Guide the Herald to ensure it gets its valuable turret charge attacks off. Each charge significantly damages the structure.
