Is Sands Still Worth It? Exploring Mid Lane Builds in Smite

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In discussions about Smite’s meta, especially mid-lane builds, there’s been lots of chatter regarding the usefulness of the Sands starter item. Many players have been questioning whether it’s still relevant or if it’s better to switch to alternatives like Conduit. This topic has ignited a wide range of opinions and experiences, showcasing a split among players. Some are loyal to using Sands for certain gods and scenarios, while others argue that it doesn’t measure up to other starters. The question is whether Sands remains valid or if it’s time to explore new options.

### Summary

  • There are strong supporters of Sands, particularly for cooldown-heavy mages that can optimize its potential.
  • Some players feel that Conduit or Pendulum performs better overall, especially for burst-heavy mid-laners.
  • God selection plays a significant role in whether Sands is worth it, with specific characters benefiting more than others.
  • Player experiences vary widely; some enjoy the item while others recommend more traditional builds.

The Ongoing Discussion: Sands versus Conduit
FatalWarGhost’s initial post ignited an engaging exchange among players discussing the merits and drawbacks of choosing Sands over alternatives like Conduit. This intense debate highlighted how a player’s decision on their starting character often combines personal preference with their selected deity. Some participants argued that, despite Sands providing cool-down reduction and power scaling, it falls short when compared to the immediate damage potential of Conduit, particularly in early game scenarios. For instance, Outso187 claimed that “Conduit is always superior to Sands” due to its immediate damaging capabilities. However, the discussion’s intrigue stemmed from those who contested this viewpoint, asserting that with suitable gods, Sands can deliver a powerful punch, making it more than just a specialized choice.

As a devoted gamer, I’ve discovered a golden spot in the mid-lane – gods who adore sandy starts! Diving into the chatter of fellow gamers, it’s evident that some divine entities truly blossom with a Sand item kickstart. Merlin, for instance, is a standout, thanks to his high cooldown abilities that make him a perfect fit for this sandy start. Kress-cendoll shared his excitement, saying, “Merlin just clicks with it; it’s such a delight to spam abilities at minute five!” This trend suggests that if you’re playing a mage who isn’t all about the burst but leans more towards sustained attacks, sandy could be your secret weapon. This item truly sparkles when combined with abilities that favor prolonged damage or utility, opening up fresh possibilities for strategy and combat.

Players have also pointed out characters that may not typically excel with Sands, yet they flourish due to the unique advantages it offers. For example, Happily_Doomed demonstrated this by using Sands on Anubis, emphasizing its importance in close-call 1v1 encounters. It’s intriguing to observe such varied insights into less common characters that might otherwise be underestimated in the rapidly evolving meta, where professionals and streamers can significantly impact trends.

The Discussed Path Less Taken: Strategic Playstyles
A lively discussion arose due to the diverse strategies players employed during matches. For instance, IllustriousPin4635 outlined their more defensive tactics by selecting Sands mainly for its mana recovery. “I employ this playstyle defensively… thus the mana regen helps me stay in lane until I can return without losing any gold from unused farm.” This highlights the adaptability and personalized nature of building techniques, as it underscores that while some gamers promote aggressive all-in builds, others opt for a patient approach, biding their time to exploit weaker opponents at the perfect moment.

Integrating mana-regen into the gameplay emphasized the necessity of resource management for mid-laners, not just relying on high damage bursts. Some players employ Sands to maintain a steady supply of spells, making it essential in intense team fights where every spell cast could tip the balance between triumph and defeat.

On the Fondness for Cool-downs: Personal Opinions
As more players joined in on the conversation, they began to share their personal stories about Sands’ unique capabilities when it comes to specific gods. TDogeee expressed a common sentiment by exclaiming his enthusiasm for the item, “20% cool-down and 140 power, never running out of mana – it’s a cracking item I adore!” The passion in his comment is evident, demonstrating how diverse player experiences can be. It’s intriguing to see such contrasting views on the same item, contributing to an array of playstyles and lively debates that can transform a standard equipment into a crucial part of the gaming meta.

In addition, players discussed how Sands’ passive abilities contribute significantly to gameplay, resulting in extraordinary plays when combined with items like Soul Gem or Gem of Iso. They mentioned that Archmage’s proc cooldown is quite lengthy, leading them to prefer a steady supply of mana and utility over a quick burst that might be lost following a few unfavorable encounters. The focus here is on tailoring strategies to each player’s unique playstyle rather than strictly following the current meta trends.

As the dialogue unfolds, it becomes clear that the debate over whether Sands is still effective isn’t straightforward. Instead, it presents a complex picture with compelling arguments from both camps. While some players favoring high burst damage opt for Conduit, there’s a significant group championing Sands as a viable pick for certain gods and strategies – a fascinating demonstration of the resourcefulness and inventiveness among Smite gamers. This discussion showcases the rich diversity that fuels the vibrancy of the Smite community, and it serves to remind us all that each player’s journey within the game can be as unique as their choice in starting items.

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2025-03-29 08:15