League of Legends Swarm Beginner Guide

Swarm is Riot Games’ latest addition to their Summer Event, introducing a fresh and exciting PvE Bullet Heaven game mode that you can enjoy solo or with friends. Each session is designed to be brisk, typically lasting under 20 minutes.

This game features a selection of eight champions, including popular characters like Seraphine and Jinx. Your main objective in Swarm is to fend off waves of enemies for 15 minutes before facing off against a boss to advance. The game includes four distinct maps, each with its own challenges and scenery; completing one allows progression to the next.

For newcomers, Swarm may initially seem daunting. However, with the right guidance and a few strategic tips, anyone can quickly adapt and enhance their gameplay. We’ve gathered a series of helpful strategies and insights to kickstart your journey in Swarm.

For those intrigued by this guide, there’s plenty more to explore. Dive deeper into Swarm and discover additional resources and articles at the 1v9 Blog, where we continually share expert advice and in-depth content about this thrilling game mode.

1. Understand the Map’s Mechanics and Plan a Route

Each map within “Swarm” presents unique layouts and strategic demands, meaning tactics that work on one might not be as effective on another. Despite these differences, the overarching objective is to survive by strategically gathering and destroying boxes for loot drops.

Outskirts Map Strategy: Focus on the battery mechanic. When it spawns, grab it to activate the cannon for defensive firepower. Consider timing your use of the battery to coincide with the appearance of mini-bosses, maximizing the cannon’s impact when you need it most.

Subterranean Lab Tips: Make use of the freeze zones, which can be life-savers in tight situations. Master the art of pivoting between the top and bottom sides of the map based on the availability of these zones. Regular map checks will help you identify which zones are active and plan your movements accordingly.

Beachhead Approach: If you’re playing a melee champion, position yourself near the beach where the cannons can provide substantial support by thinning out enemy ranks. For those preferring mobility, like playing Miss Fortune, leveraging her agility across different map parts might work, though holding ground at the beach often yields better results.

By understanding each map’s specific features and adapting your strategy accordingly, you can significantly enhance your survival and success rates in Swarm.

2. Spam Your E

As you dive into “Swarm,” understanding when to utilize your abilities can significantly affect your gameplay. While you unlock your E and Ultimate abilities at levels 3 and 6 respectively, and can enhance them with various augments, initial hesitation to use these powerful tools is common but can be counterproductive.

Maximizing Your E Ability: For beginners, it’s advisable to use your E ability liberally to manage large groups of enemies effectively. Reserve it for these moments rather than wasting it on single targets. This approach helps you control the battlefield and conserve resources for more significant threats.

Tailoring Usage Based on the Champion: The decision to spam your E can depend on the champion you’re playing. While it might be beneficial for champions like Jinx, who is excellent for beginners due to her straightforward and impactful E, other champions, such as Briar, may require a more calculated approach due to the nuanced nature of her abilities.

Learning Through Experience: As you gain more experience and upgrade your abilities, you’ll develop a better sense of when it’s best to deploy your E or Ultimate. This knowledge comes with playing numerous rounds, allowing you to optimize your usage based on the situation and specific champion mechanics.

Employing your E strategically will enhance your effectiveness in combat and contribute to your overall success in the game.

3. Avoid Chokepoints and Walls

Mastering movement and positioning within Swarm is crucial for long-term survival and effectiveness. One key strategy involves a deep understanding of the map’s layout to identify and avoid major chokepoints.

Steering Clear of Chokepoints: Chokepoints can quickly become perilous as they allow enemies to trap and overwhelm you. By staying aware of these areas and avoiding them, you maintain better control over the flow of combat, enhancing your ability to manage enemy waves.

Cautious Use of Walls: While hugging walls may seem like a safe bet, especially when abilities are on cooldown, this tactic can often backfire by limiting your escape options. However, walls are not entirely to be avoided; they can be strategic pathways for collecting important loot drops like health potions. The key is to use walls judiciously—balancing between taking cover and trapping yourself.

Learning Through Experience: Developing an intuitive sense of movement will come with time and experience. By continuously playing and paying attention to the map dynamics, you’ll learn the best routes and strategies for each scenario, ultimately improving your gameplay and decision-making skills in Swarm.

4. Utilize the Mini-Map Effectively

Integrating the mini-map into your gameplay is an indispensable skill in “Swarm.” This tool is not only crucial for navigating the map but also for strategizing and avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

Stay Informed with the Mini-Map: Regularly checking the mini-map helps you anticipate enemy spawns and movements, ensuring you’re never caught off guard. This awareness is crucial to avoid being trapped in disadvantageous parts of the map without an escape route.

Strategic Use of Abilities: By keeping an eye on the mini-map, you can better manage your Ultimate’s cooldown. Knowing when and where the next threats will appear allows you to save your most powerful abilities for the most challenging encounters, such as large monsters whose defeat yields significant rewards like cards for free upgrades.

Optimize Combat and Upgrades: Promptly taking on large monsters as they appear on the mini-map can be highly advantageous. Quick elimination of these foes not only prevents them from overwhelming you but also secures valuable drops that enhance your capabilities in the game.

By consistently using the mini-map to stay one step ahead of the game, you can make informed decisions that maximize your effectiveness and improve your overall performance in Swarm.

5. Prioritize Destroying Loot Boxes

Throughout “Swarm,” you’ll notice loot boxes scattered across the map, often tucked near the edges and walls. These boxes are not just random scenery; they are essential resources for advancing in the game.

Collect Vital Resources: Breaking these boxes is crucial as they contain valuable items that can significantly influence your game’s progress. Keep an eye out for coins, which are useful for securing better upgrades in subsequent rounds. However, the real game-changers are the health packs found within these boxes.

Strategic Health Management: Health packs can restore your health, pivotal during critical moments or intense rounds. Remembering the locations of these packs is key, especially when your health dips below 50%. Returning to these spots to replenish your health can be the difference between surviving a tough round or being overwhelmed by enemies.

Leverage XP Orbs: Additionally, these boxes might contain vacuum orbs, which attract uncollected XP towards you. This can be a significant boost, especially if you’ve missed collecting XP during hectic moments, potentially escalating your level dramatically.

Effective Pathing Strategy: Actively seek out and destroy these boxes as you navigate the map. This proactive approach ensures you maintain a steady supply of health and other valuable items, enabling you to endure longer and reach higher levels. Neglecting these resources could lead to a quick defeat, so prioritize them to enhance your chances of success in Swarm.

6. Invest Credits Wisely After Each Round

A crucial strategy in Swarm is the effective management and expenditure of your credits after each game. Make your way to the Upgrades section in the Swarm event area and judiciously allocate those hard-earned credits to enhance your gameplay.

Tailor Upgrades to Your Style: Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy in “Swarm.” What works for one player might not suit another, so it’s essential to select upgrades that complement your personal playstyle. While we provide suggestions, feel free to diverge based on what you believe will most improve your performance.

Opt for Impactful Upgrades: If your strategy focuses on maximizing damage, consider prioritizing upgrades that enhance movement speed, expand area effect, or increase the number of projectiles. These upgrades not only boost your basic attack capabilities but also synergize well with weapon upgrades you encounter during the game, thereby multiplying their effectiveness.

Strategic Spending: Spend your credits thoughtfully, choosing upgrades that promise the highest return on investment based on your approach to the game. This targeted investment strategy ensures that you maintain a competitive edge, increasing your chances of advancing to higher levels and achieving greater success in Swarm.

Conclusion

mastering the Swarm mode in League of Legends involves a combination of strategic gameplay, keen awareness, and adaptability. By understanding the unique mechanics of each map, effectively utilizing your abilities, navigating the environment smartly, keeping a vigilant eye on the mini-map, strategically destroying loot boxes, and wisely investing in upgrades after each game, you can greatly enhance your performance and enjoyment of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the scene, these tips provide a solid foundation for tackling the challenges of “Swarm” and thriving amidst its chaotic battles. Remember, each game is an opportunity to refine your strategies and tailor your approach, leading to more satisfying and successful gameplay experiences.Swarm is Riot Games’ latest addition to their Summer Event, introducing a fresh and exciting PvE Bullet Heaven game mode that you can enjoy solo or with friends. Each session is designed to be brisk, typically lasting under 20 minutes.

This game features a selection of eight champions, including popular characters like Seraphine and Jinx. Your main objective in Swarm is to fend off waves of enemies for 15 minutes before facing off against a boss to advance. The game includes four distinct maps, each with its own challenges and scenery; completing one allows progression to the next.

For newcomers, Swarm may initially seem daunting. However, with the right guidance and a few strategic tips, anyone can quickly adapt and enhance their gameplay. We’ve gathered a series of helpful strategies and insights to kickstart your journey in Swarm.

For those intrigued by this guide, there’s plenty more to explore. Dive deeper into Swarm and discover additional resources and articles at the 1v9 Blog, where we continually share expert advice and in-depth content about this thrilling game mode.

1. Understand the Map’s Mechanics and Plan a Route
Each map within “Swarm” presents unique layouts and strategic demands, meaning tactics that work on one might not be as effective on another. Despite these differences, the overarching objective is to survive by strategically gathering and destroying boxes for loot drops.

Outskirts Map Strategy: Focus on the battery mechanic. When it spawns, grab it to activate the cannon for defensive firepower. Consider timing your use of the battery to coincide with the appearance of mini-bosses, maximizing the cannon’s impact when you need it most.

Subterranean Lab Tips: Make use of the freeze zones, which can be life-savers in tight situations. Master the art of pivoting between the top and bottom sides of the map based on the availability of these zones. Regular map checks will help you identify which zones are active and plan your movements accordingly.

Beachhead Approach: If you’re playing a melee champion, position yourself near the beach where the cannons can provide substantial support by thinning out enemy ranks. For those preferring mobility, like playing Miss Fortune, leveraging her agility across different map parts might work, though holding ground at the beach often yields better results.

By understanding each map’s specific features and adapting your strategy accordingly, you can significantly enhance your survival and success rates in Swarm.

2. Spam Your E
As you dive into “Swarm,” understanding when to utilize your abilities can significantly affect your gameplay. While you unlock your E and Ultimate abilities at levels 3 and 6 respectively, and can enhance them with various augments, initial hesitation to use these powerful tools is common but can be counterproductive.

Maximizing Your E Ability: For beginners, it’s advisable to use your E ability liberally to manage large groups of enemies effectively. Reserve it for these moments rather than wasting it on single targets. This approach helps you control the battlefield and conserve resources for more significant threats.

Tailoring Usage Based on the Champion: The decision to spam your E can depend on the champion you’re playing. While it might be beneficial for champions like Jinx, who is excellent for beginners due to her straightforward and impactful E, other champions, such as Briar, may require a more calculated approach due to the nuanced nature of her abilities.

Learning Through Experience: As you gain more experience and upgrade your abilities, you’ll develop a better sense of when it’s best to deploy your E or Ultimate. This knowledge comes with playing numerous rounds, allowing you to optimize your usage based on the situation and specific champion mechanics.

Employing your E strategically will enhance your effectiveness in combat and contribute to your overall success in the game.

3. Avoid Chokepoints and Walls
Mastering movement and positioning within Swarm is crucial for long-term survival and effectiveness. One key strategy involves a deep understanding of the map’s layout to identify and avoid major chokepoints.

Steering Clear of Chokepoints: Chokepoints can quickly become perilous as they allow enemies to trap and overwhelm you. By staying aware of these areas and avoiding them, you maintain better control over the flow of combat, enhancing your ability to manage enemy waves.

Cautious Use of Walls: While hugging walls may seem like a safe bet, especially when abilities are on cooldown, this tactic can often backfire by limiting your escape options. However, walls are not entirely to be avoided; they can be strategic pathways for collecting important loot drops like health potions. The key is to use walls judiciously—balancing between taking cover and trapping yourself.

Learning Through Experience: Developing an intuitive sense of movement will come with time and experience. By continuously playing and paying attention to the map dynamics, you’ll learn the best routes and strategies for each scenario, ultimately improving your gameplay and decision-making skills in Swarm.

4. Utilize the Mini-Map Effectively

Integrating the mini-map into your gameplay is an indispensable skill in “Swarm.” This tool is not only crucial for navigating the map but also for strategizing and avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

Stay Informed with the Mini-Map: Regularly checking the mini-map helps you anticipate enemy spawns and movements, ensuring you’re never caught off guard. This awareness is crucial to avoid being trapped in disadvantageous parts of the map without an escape route.

Strategic Use of Abilities: By keeping an eye on the mini-map, you can better manage your Ultimate’s cooldown. Knowing when and where the next threats will appear allows you to save your most powerful abilities for the most challenging encounters, such as large monsters whose defeat yields significant rewards like cards for free upgrades.

Optimize Combat and Upgrades: Promptly taking on large monsters as they appear on the mini-map can be highly advantageous. Quick elimination of these foes not only prevents them from overwhelming you but also secures valuable drops that enhance your capabilities in the game.

By consistently using the mini-map to stay one step ahead of the game, you can make informed decisions that maximize your effectiveness and improve your overall performance in Swarm.

5. Prioritize Destroying Loot Boxes

Throughout “Swarm,” you’ll notice loot boxes scattered across the map, often tucked near the edges and walls. These boxes are not just random scenery; they are essential resources for advancing in the game.

Collect Vital Resources: Breaking these boxes is crucial as they contain valuable items that can significantly influence your game’s progress. Keep an eye out for coins, which are useful for securing better upgrades in subsequent rounds. However, the real game-changers are the health packs found within these boxes.

Strategic Health Management: Health packs can restore your health, pivotal during critical moments or intense rounds. Remembering the locations of these packs is key, especially when your health dips below 50%. Returning to these spots to replenish your health can be the difference between surviving a tough round or being overwhelmed by enemies.

Leverage XP Orbs: Additionally, these boxes might contain vacuum orbs, which attract uncollected XP towards you. This can be a significant boost, especially if you’ve missed collecting XP during hectic moments, potentially escalating your level dramatically.

Effective Pathing Strategy: Actively seek out and destroy these boxes as you navigate the map. This proactive approach ensures you maintain a steady supply of health and other valuable items, enabling you to endure longer and reach higher levels. Neglecting these resources could lead to a quick defeat, so prioritize them to enhance your chances of success in Swarm.

6. Invest Credits Wisely After Each Round

A crucial strategy in Swarm is the effective management and expenditure of your credits after each game. Make your way to the Upgrades section in the Swarm event area and judiciously allocate those hard-earned credits to enhance your gameplay.

Tailor Upgrades to Your Style: Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy in “Swarm.” What works for one player might not suit another, so it’s essential to select upgrades that complement your personal playstyle. While we provide suggestions, feel free to diverge based on what you believe will most improve your performance.

Opt for Impactful Upgrades: If your strategy focuses on maximizing damage, consider prioritizing upgrades that enhance movement speed, expand area effect, or increase the number of projectiles. These upgrades not only boost your basic attack capabilities but also synergize well with weapon upgrades you encounter during the game, thereby multiplying their effectiveness.

Strategic Spending: Spend your credits thoughtfully, choosing upgrades that promise the highest return on investment based on your approach to the game. This targeted investment strategy ensures that you maintain a competitive edge, increasing your chances of advancing to higher levels and achieving greater success in Swarm.

Conclusion

mastering the Swarm mode in League of Legends involves a combination of strategic gameplay, keen awareness, and adaptability. By understanding the unique mechanics of each map, effectively utilizing your abilities, navigating the environment smartly, keeping a vigilant eye on the mini-map, strategically destroying loot boxes, and wisely investing in upgrades after each game, you can greatly enhance your performance and enjoyment of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the scene, these tips provide a solid foundation for tackling the challenges of “Swarm” and thriving amidst its chaotic battles. Remember, each game is an opportunity to refine your strategies and tailor your approach, leading to more satisfying and successful gameplay experiences.