With the preseason here, Riot has implemented a new trinket system which changes the warding game. Although the trinkets are similar to the previous ones, the current trinkets have been buffed with improved range and cooldowns. Let’s take a closer look at them!

Sweeping Lens

The old Sweeping Lens would reveal wards in an area for 4 seconds with a 400 range and the current Sweeping Lens can reveal an area for up to 6 seconds with a 500-1400 range. Not only is there improved range and duration, the cooldowns have improved greatly. The Sweeper cooldown scales with level and starts with a 90 second cooldown and that will go down to 60 seconds. The new Sweeping Lens has increased duration and range so that it can detect wards, stealth champions and traps. These minor changes might not seem like much but it will create a safer way to deny vision. The extra duration could be the difference in clearing 1 or 2 wards. The extra range will result in a less likely chance in getting caught.

The major changes to the Sweeping Lens happen in the upgrade. At level 9, you can upgrade the Sweeping Lens so that it will follow your champion for an addition 10 seconds so that you can detect any wards or stealthed champions. With this change, Riot has taken away the True Sight, which means that it does not give you vision but will detect the wards. Overall, the new changes to the Sweeping Lens will help clear wards safely and efficiently. You should use the Sweeping Lens if you are trying to deny vision. This item is highly recommended to junglers when ganking and supports for clearing wards.

Warding Totem

The new Warding Totem is similar the previous one. The Warding Totem can now hold 2 charges at level 1 and the cooldown scales with levels from 180 seconds to 120 seconds. This new change is equivalent to the previous upgrade. The major changes are that the cooldowns and durations scale down with levels. It does not change much but you will have to keep in mind that there are not any Stealth Wards in the store and you will have to time your ward placement according to the charges of your trinket. This is highly suggested for mid lane and top, placing a ward in bushes will prevent any surprise ganks.

Farsight Alteration

One of my favorite changes is to the Farsight Orb. The Farsight Orb in previous patches provided vision for up to 5 seconds. This trinket was perfect for facechecking bushes. However, the Farsight Orb has been removed completely. Replacing it is the Farsight Totem, which is a new and improved version of the old Farsight Orb.

At level 9, you can alter you Warding Totem into the Farsight Totem. Farsight Totem grants a vision and places a visible, 1-health ward in the selected area. The Farsight Wards are not accounted for by your ward limit and can be placed an infinite amount of times. They also provide permanent vision until they are killed. If you are the type that forgets about dying wards, then this is perfect for you. They provide a lot of vision and they can potentially last the whole game. Highly recommended for any role except support, as they are similar to wards and can be placed anywhere and last infinitely.

We tend to forget to use our trinkets but using them will ultimately help you win the game. By denying and attaining vision, you will be able to predict your opponent's next move and strategize accordingly. Warding is not only up to the support - with everyone warding, you will be surprised at how good your map awareness will be.

Are you into fantasy leagues? Then check out AlphaDraft and put together your allstar lineup!