Talk:Malphite/@comment-94.134.214.26-20120611085134

Interesting too see that people now found out that he is actually a really strong champ, in the jungle and also solo top. 2-3 months ago you didnt see him anywhere maybe in the jungle but that was really really rare.

And why? Because he doesnt just faceroll through the enemies team killing everyone and his strenght is not so obvious. That he basically halves the damage of an AA dependant champ isnt something that you see quickly in the heat of the fight. Also you can start with cloth armor and 2 potions and ward from the very beginning because you wont lose ANY health from the small camps. The 2 potions for the buffs and youre fine. With a good leash you will be at full health when you leave your jungle. And 2 aoe spells one permanent the other fairly cheap and scaling off armor (and everyone needs armor in the jungle) is just a great thing you have and makes him actually pretty fast. Not Udyr/Skarner/Mundo/Shyvana fast but his sustain makes up for it imo. His ganks pre level 6 arent super awesome but he still has a fairly good slow which is also a speed buff for him so that really helps. Post level 6 he becomes a total terror when his ult is up because he can just jump you from miles away before you can even react and then also deal alot of damage and slowing you on top of that.

For top he is a great counterpick to certain strong bullys that usually just beat you 1vs1. Say you face an Irelia, Darius, Olaf or Riven. Theyre all really strong 1vs1 and usually win their lane by trading (Irelia not so much but later she will) blows with their lane oponent and coming out ahead. But you cant do that with Malphite. His shield just makes him win every trade when you use his kit right. You cant just straight 1vs1 them but when they full engage you more do a guerilla or hit-and-run tactic. They will barely break you shield and you make them useless with slow and AS debuff (theyre all kinda AS dependant). But also when you dont counter your top he is a really save pick because of his innate tankiness and sustain.