Neeko Revamped: A New Era of Surprises in the Rift
The advent of patch 13.22 in League of Legends signified a pivotal shift for many champions, including Neeko, the Curious Chameleon. After being sidelined for seasons, the developers have bestowed upon her a transformational rework that has skyrocketed her pick rate. Her passive, Chameleon Illusion(P), has evolved into an essential tool for ambush strategies and unforeseen plays, enhancing her map presence and solidifying her status in player strategies.
Smite: The Double-Edged Sword
An unusual interaction has surfaced between Neeko’s passive ability and the summoner spell Smite. This synergy, while potentially lethal, leaves Neeko in a precarious stance against cunning junglers. A viral Reddit video showcases how an opposing Jarvan IV can utilize Smite to execute Neeko when she’s disguised as a minion, exploiting the true damage evolution that this summoner spell can unleash.
Implications of the Passive in the Jungle and in Lane
While Neeko’s passive affords her a tactical edge in lane, jungle encounters become treacherous terrain. The champion can use her transformation to dodge champion-targeted abilities, but in doing so, she becomes susceptible to the true damage of evolved Smite, which can effortlessly dispatch minions.
Neeko’s Defensive Play and Her Potential at Worlds 2023
Despite this setback, Neeko continues to prove her mettle on the battlefield. During Worlds 2023, G2 Esports’ mid laner, Rasmus “Caps” Winther, leveraged Neeko’s passive to execute a masterful dive, mitigating turret damage and subverting expectations.
Turns out you can kill Neeko with smite when she is disguised as a minion
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“Mastering the Meta: Strategic Play for Neeko Against Smite Interactions”
Neeko players should remain vigilant of this Smite interaction and either exploit or safeguard against its enemy utilization. With astute and strategic gameplay, Neeko can maintain her standing in the current metagame.