Smolder & Pyke Synergy

Smolder ADC and Pyke Support win 52.3% of 2,363 Low Elo games together, +1.7 points vs expected, 2-patch window 26.19-26.20.

Researched on LoL patch 26.20. Tips are written to hold at any rank; stats come from Low Elo ranked games up to patch 26.20.

Why this duo works

Pyke can create early kills and map pressure that help Smolder reach his scaling point, while Smolder can farm safely when Pyke roams. The pairing needs Pyke to adjust his usual all-in timing because Smolder does not always have early damage to follow.

Playing the duo

Pyke's Death From Below(R) gives bonus gold to an assisting ally, which can help a scaling Smolder reach his item spike sooner; Smolder also has safe waveclear and can keep farming while Pyke makes a roam.

Pyke prefers early all-ins, while Smolder is more comfortable farming and scaling; the pair works better when Pyke creates a lead without forcing fights Smolder cannot follow.

How to play as Smolder

Follow Pyke's catches when you have the range and health to add damage, but do not abandon safe stacking to chase a low-probability fight. When Pyke roams, use your safe waveclear and ask him to return before the lane becomes diveable.

How to play as Pyke

Do not force an early all-in unless Smolder can follow safely. If the lane cannot fight, roam to create pressure elsewhere and let Smolder farm; use your execute to help convert successful picks into his gold lead.

Sources

These notes come from r/ADCMains.