Want to dissect Faker's mind-blowing Orianna plays at MSI? Or maybe understand how a minor jungle pathing adjustment swung an entire series? Accessing and effectively using MSI VODs (Videos on Demand) is crucial for anyone serious about improving their League of Legends game, whether as a player, coach, or analyst.
At a glance:
- Learn where to find high-quality MSI VODs, including official and community sources.
- Discover practical techniques for efficiently reviewing VODs to identify key moments and strategies.
- Uncover how to use VODs for personal improvement, team analysis, and understanding meta shifts.
- Avoid common mistakes when analyzing VODs, such as focusing solely on highlight reels.
- Explore various tools and resources to enhance your VOD review process.
Why Bother with MSI VODs?
MSI (Mid-Season Invitational) is more than just a prestigious tournament; it's a concentrated melting pot of regional playstyles, innovative strategies, and high-pressure performances. Analyzing MSI VODs allows you to:
- Learn from the best: Observe how professional players react to different in-game scenarios, make split-second decisions, and coordinate with their teams.
- Spot emerging trends: Identify new champion picks, item builds, and map strategies that could influence the meta.
- Improve your own gameplay: Compare your decision-making to that of professionals and identify areas where you can improve.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the game: Develop a more nuanced understanding of macro play, objective control, and team compositions.
Finding the Right MSI VODs
The first step is locating reliable sources for MSI VODs. Here are some of the best options:
- Official Riot Games Channels: YouTube and Twitch are the primary platforms. Search for "LoL Esports" on YouTube for full VODs, often with English and other language commentaries. Twitch usually archives broadcasts for a limited time (typically 14 days for regular users, longer for subscribers).
- LoL Esports VODs and Highlights: The LoL Esports website often curates specific match VODs and highlight reels.
- Third-Party Aggregators: Websites dedicated to esports VODs often compile matches from various sources. Be cautious and verify the source's reliability and video quality.
- Community Channels: Many content creators and esports organizations maintain their own channels with analyzed VODs, highlights, or player perspectives.
Important Considerations: - Language: Ensure the VOD has commentary in a language you understand (English is the most common for international broadcasts).
- Quality: Prioritize high-resolution VODs with clear audio for optimal viewing and analysis.
- Spoilers: Be mindful of spoilers if you're watching games after they've aired. Consider using browser extensions or settings to hide comments and related content.
Effective VOD Review Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide
Merely watching a VOD isn't enough. You need a structured approach to extract maximum value.
- Pre-Game Prep:
- Context is King: Before diving into the VOD, research the teams involved, their recent performance, and any notable storylines.
- Set a Goal: What are you hoping to learn from this review? Are you focusing on a specific champion, role, or strategy (e.g., Baron control)?
- Note the Patch: Understanding the specific patch version is crucial, as balance changes significantly impact gameplay.
- First Watch: The Big Picture:
- Watch the entire VOD without pausing (unless absolutely necessary). Focus on the overall flow of the game, team compositions, and key objective timings and Watch LCK games here to understand what teams were favored coming into the match.
- Take general notes: Jot down initial impressions about team strategies, standout plays, and potential turning points.
- Second Watch: Deep Dive:
- Focus on your pre-defined goal: Re-watch the VOD, pausing frequently to analyze specific moments.
- Track key metrics: Note down things like ward placements, jungle pathing, item timings, and skill usage. A simple spreadsheet can be helpful.
- Analyze teamfighting: Pay attention to positioning, target prioritization, and ability usage.
- Example: If you're analyzing jungle pathing, track the jungler's starting location, first gank timing, and objective control attempts. Compare this to the opposing jungler.
- Post-Game Analysis:
- Summarize your findings: What did you learn from the VOD? What strategies were effective, and why?
- Identify actionable takeaways: How can you apply what you learned to your own gameplay or coaching?
- Share and discuss: Discuss your analysis with teammates, coaches, or online communities to gain different perspectives.
Using VODs for Different Purposes
The specific approach to VOD analysis depends on your goals:
- Personal Improvement: Focus on identifying your own mistakes and comparing your decision-making to that of professional players. Watch VODs of players who main your role and champion to learn their nuances.
- Team Analysis: Analyze opponent VODs to identify their tendencies, preferred strategies, and potential weaknesses. Prepare counter-strategies and practice them in scrims.
- Meta Analysis: Watch multiple VODs from different regions to identify emerging meta trends and potential counter-picks.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Confirmation Bias: Don't only look for evidence that supports your existing beliefs. Be open to new ideas and perspectives.
- Cherry-Picking Highlights: Focusing solely on highlight reels provides a skewed view of the game. Analyze the entire VOD to understand the context behind those plays.
- Overcomplicating the Analysis: Start with the basics and gradually delve into more complex concepts.
- Ignoring the Fundamentals: Don't get so caught up in advanced strategies that you neglect the fundamentals of the game (e.g., warding, farming).
Tools and Resources to Enhance Your VOD Review
- Riot Games API: Allows you to access detailed match data, including player stats, item builds, and objective timings.
- OP.GG, Mobalytics, U.GG: These websites provide valuable insights into champion win rates, pick rates, and build orders.
- Replay Recording Software (e.g., OBS Studio): Allows you to record your own games for self-analysis.
- Note-Taking Apps (e.g., Notion, Evernote): Organize your VOD review notes and findings in a structured manner.
Practical Example: Analyzing a Specific Play
Let's say you want to understand how a team successfully executed a Baron steal in an MSI VOD.
- Locate the Baron Fight: Fast-forward to the point in the VOD where the Baron fight begins.
- Observe Team Positioning: Pay attention to where each player is positioned relative to the Baron pit and their teammates.
- Analyze Ward Placement: Note the ward coverage around the Baron pit. Did the team have vision of the enemy jungler?
- Track Cooldowns: Observe which players have used their key abilities (e.g., Smite, crowd control) before the Baron is killed.
- Identify the Stealer: Who stole the Baron, and how did they do it? What were the circumstances that allowed them to execute the steal?
- Consider Alternative Scenarios: What could the defending team have done differently to prevent the steal?
Quick Answers: Common Questions About MSI VODs
- Q: Are MSI VODs free to watch?
- A: Yes, official Riot Games VODs on YouTube and Twitch are typically free to watch.
- Q: How long are MSI VODs available?
- A: YouTube VODs are usually available indefinitely. Twitch archives broadcasts for a limited time (typically 14 days for regular users).
- Q: Can I download MSI VODs?
- A: Downloading directly from YouTube or Twitch may violate their terms of service. Consider using third-party tools, but be mindful of copyright restrictions.
- Q: What's the best way to take notes while watching VODs?
- A: Experiment with different methods (e.g., handwritten notes, digital documents, spreadsheets) to find what works best for you.
Actionable Close: Unlock Your Potential with VOD Analysis
Mastering the art of VOD analysis is a game-changer for anyone serious about League of Legends. By following the techniques outlined in this guide, you can unlock a wealth of knowledge and gain a competitive edge. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and start watching those MSI VODs – your journey to improvement starts now!