Why Smite Players Are Divided on Mages in Solo and Support Roles

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Over the course of its development, Smite has added numerous gods with distinct abilities and functions, which has sparked debates about their placement within the game’s hierarchy. One contentious issue is the use of mages in roles that are typically occupied by tanks, such as solo and support positions. The player base is deeply divided on whether mages belong in these spots or if they disrupt the harmony of team dynamics. User H-1-P-P-Y initiates a lively argument with a post asking players if they’re frustrated by the frequent appearance of mages in roles that seem more appropriate for teams needing a defensive vanguard. Opinions vary from strong criticisms of mages in these positions to unexpectedly positive viewpoints that examine the possibility of hybrid builds. The conversation delves into the impact of team composition, the current state of tanks in the game, and strategies that can result in either success or failure.

Summary

  • Players express frustration with mages in solo and support roles, often highlighting a lack of proper tanking capabilities in their chosen line-up.
  • Some users advocate for flexibility in roles, suggesting that certain mages can provide hybrid builds that contribute positively to team composition.
  • Criticism often focuses on full damage mages who neglect building defenses, leading to substantial disadvantages during late game team fights.
  • The conversation highlights the varying experiences of players across ranked and casual play, indicating that community sentiments may differ based on skill levels and game formats.

The Mage Pandemic: It’s Out of Control!

As a gamer, I often find myself grappling with the issue H-1-P-P-Y brings up: the annoyance of mages overpowering solo and support roles, leaving teams exposed, particularly in the solo lane where having a sturdy frontline is crucial for success. It’s a sentiment many players can relate to. The general consensus among us is that choosing a mage instead of a tank weakens our team, especially in the solo lane, where a robust frontline presence is essential for survival.

For instance, user bvgingy shared their personal experience of dread watching an all-damage Anubis repeatedly underperform when placed in the solo lane. They expressed their frustration by saying, “I only despise full damage solo mains who either feed or manage to make it to late game to be completely useless because we have no frontline.”

Let’s face it—feeding your team is not a wise strategy if you want to contribute to the win column. The common understanding is that characters must adhere to their roles, especially tanks in the front line who should protect squishier characters from harm, while mages unleash their spells from a safe distance.

Flexibility vs. Traditional Roles

In the game, while some players criticize mages for taking on tank roles, others believe that the flexibility of the game allows for innovative positioning and equipment choices. BlinkSavesLives points out that if a mage chooses to build hybrid and tank-focused items, it’s acceptable for them to play support roles. They propose that they don’t mind having a Baron or Hecate-like character in support who builds tank or even hybrid equipment. This perspective highlights the versatility of certain mages, as they can extract utility from their spells even while transitioning into a tank role late in the game. Furthermore, it’s stressed that the decision of who plays what and how they build is just as crucial as the god themselves. Cohesion within the team and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your character are key factors for success—even if it means a mage taking on the tanking role.

The State of Tanks: Underappreciated or Overlooked?

One intriguing point being discussed is the effectiveness of tanks in the game, a topic that many gamers seem to concur with LisaFame: as the game advances, tanks may not always be as crucial due to their difficulty in staying relevant. They explain that “in endgame scenarios, it’s almost impossible to build enough resilience to remain viable as a tank,” which is surprising considering the traditional role of tanks. If conventional tanks aren’t holding their own, perhaps the use of mages, who can deal damage and control crowds, isn’t as questionable as initially thought. In a battlefield dominated by traditional tanks, mages with their strategic bursts might prove to be a game-changer instead. This changing player perspective on tanks indicates that we should reevaluate their role within the game and potentially welcome a future where mages take over when tanks falter.

Casual vs. Ranked: The Four-Way Split

As a fan, I’ve noticed that there seems to be a significant difference between ranked and casual play, and it’s a topic that often comes up in discussions. For instance, players like Raiju_Lorakatse, who mostly engage in unranked Conquest, tend to care less about class distinctions, focusing more on having fun. However, dedicated players voice their concerns that the lack of structure in casual play might lead to bad habits for novice players, potentially creating an unpleasant atmosphere during ranked matches.

These committed players argue that while unranked formats offer a wide variety of god choices, the ranked ladder requires structure to ensure fairness and balance. ThtsTheWaySheGoes sums it up perfectly when she says, “Solo should be front-lining… Support should be protecting the carries and setting up kills.” This viewpoint encapsulates the core issue: in the competitive Smite world, accountability among players is crucial for success.

The disagreement about whether mages or tanks should play a larger role in Smite is intense, but it’s really just a part of a broader discussion on player control, tactics, and the overall gaming experience. The intricate dance between roles and character builds keeps gamers engaged, allowing them to delve into new areas while maintaining a careful balance between their individual character traits and team obligations. As these debates unfold, it will be fascinating to observe how they shape gameplay styles and how players adapt to the ever-changing meta.

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2025-04-04 05:00