Talk:Twisted Fate/@comment-35229418-20150114185921/@comment-1905446-20150116152146

I didn't play when it was used more often, but I've watched older games and am familiar with the general direction TF's kit has taken. It seems that the reason AD was built is that his Q and E scaled entirely on AP, but his W had no AP scaling. I imagine it was also popular during the time when his Q's AP ratio was 50%, meaning there actually was more damage potential on AD if you were willing to take the risks (his AA range was actually lower than it is now, though the range of his Q and R have been reduced).

I think one reason he's not played anymore is that his escape and chase are unreliable or too situational compared to the top ADCs of Season 4. Another reason could be that the AD play style is so radically different from AP (when not in the midst of a duel) that anyone who is familiar with his kit isn't interested in the alternate build. He doesn't bring much to the table when trying to crack open the enemy base or defend his own apart from his ult either.

I think the lack of play AD TF sees is due to the weird niche he fills. The player must be proficient at ADC mechanics, but the champion's kit is more duelist than back line constant damage output. His main damage ability also requires more attention and patience to use effectively than most activatable abilities. IMO, for him to be viable as an ADC, he'd have to have an ult that gave him meaningful seiging or teamfight power. Much like Quinn and Urgot, his kit is just out of character for an ADC.