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Bacchus - An Alcoholic's Chugging Guide (Y11, All Modes, Patch 11.1, "Year 11")

205 34 1,396,334
7.2
by Branmuffin17 updated January 23, 2024

Smite God: Bacchus

Build Guide Discussion 92 More Guides
Choose a Build: The Keg Stand (Conquest / Standard Support Build)
The Keg Stand (Conquest / Standard Support Build) The Barrel Belly (Non-Conquest Bruiser Build)
Tap Mouse over an item or ability icon for detailed info

Bacchus Build

Starting Items (Balanced Aggression, Choose Starter)

Notes Standard support start giving you some good early sustain. You can adjust the number of potions as preferred.

Sentinel's Gift will upgrade to Sentinel's Embrace. Alternatively, you can choose War Flag -> War Banner or Benevolence -> Compassion as preferred.

Notes

Standard support start giving you some good early sustain. You can adjust the number of potions as preferred.

Sentinel's Gift will upgrade to Sentinel's Embrace. Alternatively, you can choose War Flag -> War Banner or Benevolence -> Compassion as preferred.

Build Item Sentinel's Gift Sentinel's Gift
Build Item Glowing Emerald Glowing Emerald
Build Item Healing Potion Healing Potion
4
Build Item Mana Potion Mana Potion
2
Build Item Sturdy Shard Sturdy Shard

Example Build (Balanced Aggression)

Notes This is a tanky support build that provides CDR and some offensive function for a more aggressive style of play.

You can sub out Ethereal Staff if you want a specific counter item.

Upgrade your starter once you reach level 15.

Notes

This is a tanky support build that provides CDR and some offensive function for a more aggressive style of play.

You can sub out Ethereal Staff if you want a specific counter item.

Upgrade your starter once you reach level 15.

Build Item War Banner War Banner
Build Item Gauntlet of Thebes Gauntlet of Thebes
Build Item Breastplate of Determination Breastplate of Determination
Build Item Void Doumaru Void Doumaru
Build Item Glorious Pridwen Glorious Pridwen
Build Item Ethereal Staff Ethereal Staff

Example Build (Aura Support)

Notes This build benefits a more passive style of play, providing protection and anti-CC benefits to nearby teammates. Sticking close to teammates with this build and use your abilities to lock down and peel rather than initiate.

- Embrace / Thebes / Sov / Heart provide protections to teammates
- Spirit and Magi's provide CDR
- Magi's Shelter protects teammates against hard CC

Sub out items as needed for counter-building.

Notes

This build benefits a more passive style of play, providing protection and anti-CC benefits to nearby teammates. Sticking close to teammates with this build and use your abilities to lock down and peel rather than initiate.

- Embrace / Thebes / Sov / Heart provide protections to teammates
- Spirit and Magi's provide CDR
- Magi's Shelter protects teammates against hard CC

Sub out items as needed for counter-building.

Build Item Sentinel's Embrace Sentinel's Embrace
Build Item Gauntlet of Thebes Gauntlet of Thebes
Build Item Sovereignty Sovereignty
Build Item Heartward Amulet Heartward Amulet
Build Item Spirit Robe Spirit Robe
Build Item Magi's Shelter Magi's Shelter
Build Item Sturdy Shard Sturdy Shard

Example Build (Mitigation Tank)

Notes This is a build with 3 items that provide damage mitigations, while also balancing general protections and CDR. Sub out Regrowth and Oni as needed.

Notes

This is a build with 3 items that provide damage mitigations, while also balancing general protections and CDR. Sub out Regrowth and Oni as needed.

Build Item Compassion Compassion
Build Item Gauntlet of Thebes Gauntlet of Thebes
Build Item Prophetic Cloak Prophetic Cloak
Build Item Spirit Robe Spirit Robe
Build Item Breastplate of Regrowth Breastplate of Regrowth
Build Item Oni Hunter's Garb Oni Hunter's Garb

Protection Aura Options

Notes These aura items are all useful, but I feel they are best picked up in different situations.

Gauntlet of Thebes (Balanced Protections): provides strong balanced protections. Get it early to build stacks. Very tanky once evolved, and offers a small amount of magical and physical protections to nearby teammates.

Sovereignty (Physical Protection & Health Sustain): the physical protections makes it a good pickup against more physical threats, and also allows you to tank more damage from minions and towers.

Heartward Amulet (Magical Protection & Mana Sustain): as the magical variant to Sovereignty, can be considered against very strong magical comps/facing 3 magical enemies. MP5 is very helpful.

Notes

These aura items are all useful, but I feel they are best picked up in different situations.

Gauntlet of Thebes (Balanced Protections): provides strong balanced protections. Get it early to build stacks. Very tanky once evolved, and offers a small amount of magical and physical protections to nearby teammates.

Sovereignty (Physical Protection & Health Sustain): the physical protections makes it a good pickup against more physical threats, and also allows you to tank more damage from minions and towers.

Heartward Amulet (Magical Protection & Mana Sustain): as the magical variant to Sovereignty, can be considered against very strong magical comps/facing 3 magical enemies. MP5 is very helpful.

Build Item Gauntlet of Thebes Gauntlet of Thebes
Build Item Sovereignty Sovereignty
Build Item Heartward Amulet Heartward Amulet

CDR + Protection Options

Notes Bacchus loves CDR. All of these items are effective for him. Consider depending on your build style.

Breastplate of Valor (Anti-Physical, High CDR): this is your main source of physical protection that also provides high CDR. Typically upgrade to Breastplate of Determination.

Genji's Guard (Anti-Magical, Mana Sustain): incredible mana regen which means you'll never run out. This is a very balanced item that should be considered especially when facing 3 magical enemies.

Spirit Robe (Balanced Protections, Anti-CC): one of the most well-rounded protection items, and the passive's damage mitigation works very well in stacking with Bacchus' own inherent mitigations in Drunk-O-Meter.

Magi's Cloak (Anti-CC): Helpful against lots of enemy CC, consider the upgrade Magi's Shelter to provide CC protection to nearby teammates.

Prophetic Cloak (Constant Mitigations): Best to build earlier to start building stacks and get the passive mitigations up.

Pridwen (Late-game CDR): Solid pickup in the late game if you're looking for CDR. The shield is helpful for gods like Bacchus that use their ult in the middle of a teamfight.

Notes

Bacchus loves CDR. All of these items are effective for him. Consider depending on your build style.

Breastplate of Valor (Anti-Physical, High CDR): this is your main source of physical protection that also provides high CDR. Typically upgrade to Breastplate of Determination.

Genji's Guard (Anti-Magical, Mana Sustain): incredible mana regen which means you'll never run out. This is a very balanced item that should be considered especially when facing 3 magical enemies.

Spirit Robe (Balanced Protections, Anti-CC): one of the most well-rounded protection items, and the passive's damage mitigation works very well in stacking with Bacchus' own inherent mitigations in Drunk-O-Meter.

Magi's Cloak (Anti-CC): Helpful against lots of enemy CC, consider the upgrade Magi's Shelter to provide CC protection to nearby teammates.

Prophetic Cloak (Constant Mitigations): Best to build earlier to start building stacks and get the passive mitigations up.

Pridwen (Late-game CDR): Solid pickup in the late game if you're looking for CDR. The shield is helpful for gods like Bacchus that use their ult in the middle of a teamfight.

Build Item Breastplate of Valor Breastplate of Valor
Build Item Genji's Guard Genji's Guard
Build Item Spirit Robe Spirit Robe
Build Item Magi's Cloak Magi's Cloak
Build Item Prophetic Cloak Prophetic Cloak
Build Item Pridwen Pridwen

Counter Items

Notes Consider these items to counter specific enemy types:

Midgardian Mail (Universal Anti-Basic Attack): The physical protection and health are great, but this also counters basic attacks from both magical and physical gods, due to the AS/MS slow.

Spectral Armor (Anti-Crit): very specific counter to enemies building into crit items. With this, crit damage will only deal 60% of the standard crit bonus. Only choose if you are having extreme difficulties with crit-based enemies.

Contagion (Anti-Physical / Anti-Heal): Great if looking for physical protection and facing a lot of enemy healing/lifesteal.

Pestilence (Anti-Magical / Anti-Heal): You already have anti-heal in your kit, but if there are multiple enemy healers and you would like more magical protection, this is still a great choice to counter them.

Winged Blade (Anti-Magical / Anti-Slow): If you're finding yourself slowed constantly, this can give you the added mobility you need to get to the place you're needed ASAP.

Divine Ruin (Offensive Anti-Heal): You can almost completely shut down enemy healing by picking this up. And while mid-lane mages will often take this, it'll be easier for you to apply it to a mage in the back line.

Erosion (Anti-Shield): Pick this up specifically to counter enemy shielding from gods like Geb, Odin Ravana and Hera.

Notes

Consider these items to counter specific enemy types:

Midgardian Mail (Universal Anti-Basic Attack): The physical protection and health are great, but this also counters basic attacks from both magical and physical gods, due to the AS/MS slow.

Spectral Armor (Anti-Crit): very specific counter to enemies building into crit items. With this, crit damage will only deal 60% of the standard crit bonus. Only choose if you are having extreme difficulties with crit-based enemies.

Contagion (Anti-Physical / Anti-Heal): Great if looking for physical protection and facing a lot of enemy healing/lifesteal.

Pestilence (Anti-Magical / Anti-Heal): You already have anti-heal in your kit, but if there are multiple enemy healers and you would like more magical protection, this is still a great choice to counter them.

Winged Blade (Anti-Magical / Anti-Slow): If you're finding yourself slowed constantly, this can give you the added mobility you need to get to the place you're needed ASAP.

Divine Ruin (Offensive Anti-Heal): You can almost completely shut down enemy healing by picking this up. And while mid-lane mages will often take this, it'll be easier for you to apply it to a mage in the back line.

Erosion (Anti-Shield): Pick this up specifically to counter enemy shielding from gods like Geb, Odin Ravana and Hera.

Build Item Midgardian Mail Midgardian Mail
Build Item Spectral Armor Spectral Armor
Build Item Contagion Contagion
Build Item Pestilence Pestilence
Build Item Winged Blade Winged Blade
Build Item Divine Ruin Divine Ruin
Build Item Erosion Erosion

Utility / Offensive Items

Notes Most of these have some offensive teamfight function (except Oni Hunter's Garb). They can be picked up anytime, but some are fairly situational, so consider with some caution.

Ethereal Staff (Health Steal): Nice passive effect in stealing health from others and giving it to you. Comes with CC reduction and pretty good power as well.

Relic Dagger (Relic Utility): Specifically beneficial when you've picked up good teamfight relics, as the relic CDR means you can utilize the added effects more often. The glyph Bewitched Dagger is great to counter basic attackers.

Stone of Binding (Offensive Support): This is an item that provides additional offensive potential for your team

Oni Hunter's Garb (Defensive Teamfight Mitigations): This has magical protection, but the passive mitigates ALL incoming damage in a teamfight when multiple enemies are near.

Emperor's Armor (Structure Siege / Defense): Useful in the mid game, allows for strong defense of structures or diving offensively under enemy towers to secure a kill.

Manticore's Spikes (Team Offense): Good support stats combined with a passive that Bacchus easily gets use out of with multiple hard CC abilities.

Void Doumaru (Enemy Protection Reduction): Magical protections, MP5 and CC reduction combine with an aura of magical protection reduction to help your magical teammates deal more damage.

Shogun's Kusari (Attack Speed): a very strong attack speed aura is great when you have multiple basic attacking teammates.

Notes

Most of these have some offensive teamfight function (except Oni Hunter's Garb). They can be picked up anytime, but some are fairly situational, so consider with some caution.

Ethereal Staff (Health Steal): Nice passive effect in stealing health from others and giving it to you. Comes with CC reduction and pretty good power as well.

Relic Dagger (Relic Utility): Specifically beneficial when you've picked up good teamfight relics, as the relic CDR means you can utilize the added effects more often. The glyph Bewitched Dagger is great to counter basic attackers.

Stone of Binding (Offensive Support): This is an item that provides additional offensive potential for your team

Oni Hunter's Garb (Defensive Teamfight Mitigations): This has magical protection, but the passive mitigates ALL incoming damage in a teamfight when multiple enemies are near.

Emperor's Armor (Structure Siege / Defense): Useful in the mid game, allows for strong defense of structures or diving offensively under enemy towers to secure a kill.

Manticore's Spikes (Team Offense): Good support stats combined with a passive that Bacchus easily gets use out of with multiple hard CC abilities.

Void Doumaru (Enemy Protection Reduction): Magical protections, MP5 and CC reduction combine with an aura of magical protection reduction to help your magical teammates deal more damage.

Shogun's Kusari (Attack Speed): a very strong attack speed aura is great when you have multiple basic attacking teammates.

Build Item Ethereal Staff Ethereal Staff
Build Item Relic Dagger Relic Dagger
Build Item Stone of Binding Stone of Binding
Build Item Oni Hunter's Garb Oni Hunter's Garb
Build Item Emperor's Armor Emperor's Armor
Build Item Manticore's Spikes Manticore's Spikes
Build Item Void Doumaru Void Doumaru
Build Item Shogun's Kusari Shogun's Kusari

Relics to Consider

Notes All of the above relics are functional. Choose as preferred, though Sundering Spear and Blink Rune are the two most strongly suggested.

Sundering Spear (Single Target Takedown): Strong offensive relic to target a single enemy god. Easy to connect after hitting an enemy with Belly Flop or stunning with Belch of the Gods.

Blink Rune (Initiation / Chase): Use to surprise enemies or close distance. Time it well with a prepared ult.

Bracer of Radiance (Utility / Vision): Provides ward function while also providing an area giving power or MS to anyone walking through it.

Heavenly Wings (Chase / Escape): Great for an added boost of MS.

Magic Shell (Health Shield): Give a health shield to nearby teammates to help keep them alive. The upgrade Phantom Shell gets people out of player-made objects.

Divine Barrier (Objective Protection / Zoning): Use to defend objectives or zone enemies in narrow corridors.

Notes

All of the above relics are functional. Choose as preferred, though Sundering Spear and Blink Rune are the two most strongly suggested.

Sundering Spear (Single Target Takedown): Strong offensive relic to target a single enemy god. Easy to connect after hitting an enemy with Belly Flop or stunning with Belch of the Gods.

Blink Rune (Initiation / Chase): Use to surprise enemies or close distance. Time it well with a prepared ult.

Bracer of Radiance (Utility / Vision): Provides ward function while also providing an area giving power or MS to anyone walking through it.

Heavenly Wings (Chase / Escape): Great for an added boost of MS.

Magic Shell (Health Shield): Give a health shield to nearby teammates to help keep them alive. The upgrade Phantom Shell gets people out of player-made objects.

Divine Barrier (Objective Protection / Zoning): Use to defend objectives or zone enemies in narrow corridors.

Build Item Sundering Spear Sundering Spear
Build Item Blink Rune Blink Rune
Build Item Bracer of Radiance Bracer of Radiance
Build Item Heavenly Wings Heavenly Wings
Build Item Magic Shell Magic Shell
Build Item Divine Barrier Divine Barrier

Bacchus's Skill Order Notes For camp clear, Belch of the Gods is going to give you the best early damage, but you can opt for Belly Flop at level 1 for more mobility (and possible first hit on minion wave).

You can prioritize Belly Flop or Belch of the Gods first at your discretion. Note that while Belch provides higher total damage potential, it can be interrupted by stuns, silences, etc. If you aren't worrying about that type of CC, feel free to max Belch first.

Notes

For camp clear, Belch of the Gods is going to give you the best early damage, but you can opt for Belly Flop at level 1 for more mobility (and possible first hit on minion wave).

You can prioritize Belly Flop or Belch of the Gods first at your discretion. Note that while Belch provides higher total damage potential, it can be interrupted by stuns, silences, etc. If you aren't worrying about that type of CC, feel free to max Belch first.

Chug

1 X Y
Chug
4 15 16 18 19

Belly Flop

2 A B
Belly Flop
2 3 6 7 10

Belch of the Gods

3 B A
Belch of the Gods
1 8 11 12 14

Intoxicate

4 Y X
Intoxicate
5 9 13 17 20
Chug
4 15 16 18 19

Chug

1 X
Bacchus takes a drink from his jug, healing him and giving him additional buffs.

Ability Type: Buff
Drunk-O-Meter: 40%
Protections: 0 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 35
Magical Power: 0 / 7 / 14 / 21 / 28 / 35
Heal: 0 / 22 / 29 / 36 / 43 / 50
Duration: 6s
Cost: 20
Cooldown: 8s

*NOTE* This ability is available at Level 1 at Rank 0.
Belly Flop
2 3 6 7 10

Belly Flop

2 A
Bacchus jumps into the air and, not so gracefully, comes slamming to the ground belly first, knocking all enemies into the air and dealing damage. If he is Tipsy, all enemies are also Slowed after they land.

Ability Type: Circle, Leap, Damage
Damage: 90 / 130 / 170 / 210 / 250 (+70% of your Magical Power)
Slow: 20%
Slow Duration: 2s
Radius: 15
Cost: 60 / 65 / 70 / 75 / 80
Cooldown: 14s
Belch of the Gods
1 8 11 12 14

Belch of the Gods

3 B
Bacchus lets out an obnoxiously loud belch, doing damage every .5s for 2s and reducing enemy healing. Lane Minions take a small amount of extra damage. If he is Tipsy, enemies are Stunned for 1s. Bacchus is immune to knockback for the duration.

Ability Type: Cone, Stun, Damage
Damage per Tick: 30 / 45 / 60 / 75 / 90 (+15% of your Magical Power)
Minion Damage Per Tick: 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
Stun: 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3 / 1.4 / 1.5s
Healing Reduction: 40%
Healing Reduction Duration: 5s
Cost: 60 / 65 / 70 / 75 / 80
Cooldown: 12s
Intoxicate
5 9 13 17 20

Intoxicate

4 Y
Bacchus smashes his jug of wine on the ground, intoxicating all nearby enemies and doing damage. If he is Smashed, Bacchus also gains a magical power buff because of his anger over his lost wine!

Ability Type: Circle, Intoxicate, Damage
Damage: 230 / 300 / 370 / 440 / 510 (+60% of your Magical Power)
Intoxication Debuff Duration: 6s
Magical Power Buff: 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60
Buff Duration: 5s
Radius: 30
Cost: 95
Cooldown: 90s

Introduction (~A Taster~)

Recent updates:

2024/1/23: Guide is current as of Patch 11.1, "Year 11." Builds updated. Starting Processes, Maps, Warding is all WIP.

Revision History



Hello everyone! My name is Branmuffin17 (PC IGN: Muffinman17), and I'm a SMITEFire admin and casual SMITE player on PC. Welcome to my sixth venture outside of my original project, The Overarching Assault Guide.

Bacchus and I share a common love...alcohol. That's why I've paired up with him to create this, my first Guardian guide. Well, that, and my last guide, Medusa - Getting Everyone Stoned, is infused with, um...references, and I guess alcohol is just natural progression. So...cheers.

I'll assume you know the basic gist of gameplay in the various modes, so I won't be teaching or talking much about rotating, minions, tickets, proof, IBU, etc., except in the direct context of Bacchus' gameplay. If you want details on general info, I invite you to check out my other guides:

The
Overarching
Conquest Guide
The
Overarching
Arena Guide

For Conquest, you may find the Support and Warding chapters to be useful.

This is a work in progress, as it should be. I'm always open to new ideas and different approaches.


This picture is WAAAAY better than one of Bacchus, amirite?


Bacchus is a drunkard guardian. Although he shares some traits with other Guardians (namely being inherently tanky with good CC abilities), he has greater damage potential than most, which makes him extremely entertaining to play, as well as annoying to play against.

.... Strengths ....

+ Inherently tanky
+ Great AOE CC abilities
+ Good escape
+ Good damage potential
. Weaknesses .

- Drinks mana like alcohol
- Watered down wave clear
- Initiation is also escape
- is easily interrupted

As a Support / Tank, you'll usually find yourself building protections, health and counter-items. However, depending on game mode, you may be able to build with a greater focus on damage. No worries; I'm providing you with multiple build types. Let's get our drink on! I mean...would you like a cheese tray with that?

Abilities (~I Can Drink Wine Through My Nose~)

Passive:



Drunk-O-Meter
As Bacchus Chugs, he gains buffs. Tipsy: Take 5% less damage and gain 10 magical power. Smashed: Take 10% less damage and gain 30 magical power.

Always Chug to keep your meter in the "Smashed" zone, at least before using any of your other abilities. It's a delicate balance, much like fine wine, but you want to be aware of your mana consumption and timing for the additional 6 second protections you gain from Chug.
Skill #1:



Chug
Bacchus takes a drink from his jug, healing him and giving him additional Buffs. Can be used at Rank 0 to increase his Drunk-O-Meter, but does not provide protections. 0/15/20/25/30/35 protections, 0/7/14/21/28/35 magical power, 0/22/29/36/43/50 heal. 20 mana. CD 8 seconds.

Max this last.

The additional protections this provides are helpful, and at max rank fairly significant. Always make sure your breathalyzer Drunk-O-Meter is telling you you're "Smashed" to be assured of the added benefits from all of your other abilities. Drink right before or right after initiating with enemies to utilize the additional protections.

Don't forget to use it every time you're in base for a free refill.

Drinking On The Job
Skill #2:



Belly Flop
Bacchus jumps into the air and slams to the ground, knocking all enemies into the air and dealing damage. If "Tipsy," all enemies are also slowed (20% for 2 seconds) after they land. CD 16 seconds. 70% scaling.

Max this first or second.

Fairly quick jump speed and moderate AOE radius with a nice knockup effect. Max this first, due to the easy confirmation of full burst damage.

If you can safely be the aggressor, use this to initiate a fight, and follow with Belch, ult, etc. However, if you're not sure of the situation, or there are enemy minions present, save it as an escape or for mid-fight disruption.

Doing This In Real Life Hurts
Skill #3:



Belch of the Gods
Bacchus lets out an obnoxiously loud belch, doing damage every 0.5 seconds for 2 seconds (4 ticks) and debuffing enemy healing (50% for 4s). If "Tipsy," enemies are stunned for 1 second ON THE FINAL TICK. Bacchus is immune to knockups (but pretty much not anything else, dammit) while channeling this ability. CD 14 seconds. 60% scaling (15% per tick).

Max this first or second.

This is Bacchus' trademark bodily function. Huge audible and visible notification, and probably smells like a mix of chicken and vinegar. Generously-sized cone AOE to possibly hit multiple enemies. If the enemies don't have hard CC in their kit, or you're looking just to help damage minions, initiate with this ability for some damage and a possible stun. Remember that only the final tick stuns, so you can choose a specific end target as you're channeling the ability. Just watch out, because this move is easily interrupted by freezes, stuns, etc.

Whenever possible, target healers for the end stun. If you're tipsy (you should always be), the 3 second healing debuff will seriously hinder their sustain.

If you pick up Spear of the Magus as your penetration item, initiating with this will help max your stacks before you follow up with Belly Flop or Intoxicate for increased damage.

A Belch For The Ages
Ultimate:



Intoxicate
Bacchus smashes his jug on the ground, intoxicating all nearby enemies (6 seconds) and doing damage. If he is "Smashed," he gains a magical power buff (20-60 power). CD 90 seconds. 70% scaling.

Level this when available.

Pretty good damage in a fairly large radius, and the "intoxication" debuff, which makes enemy gods stagger slowly, lasts a long time. Great to use in a large teamfight to make it harder for enemies to hit their skill shots or escape.

Share Your Drink

Ability Combos (~Perfect Pairings~)

Making an entrance to a scene requires knowledge and awareness of the situation and the disposition of the audience. Here are some tips to make sure you're the life of the party (and don't end up dead in a ditch).

Simple Tastes


Without going into crazy detail, the two key abilities are his Belly Flop and Belch of the Gods. Chug can be used either before or after the combo as needed for damage mitigation.
  • Use Belly Flop first for a strong, surprising and quick initiation and knockup, followed immediately by Belch of the Gods. This is a good 1-2 if you are setting up enemies for your teammates, as the knockup will give your team extra time to get in range.

  • Use Belch of the Gods first, and once the last tick stuns the enemy, you can easily confirm contact with Belly Flop. This is best used if you know you're not going to get interrupted with hard CC (e.g. stunned / frozen / knocked up). The last tick of Belch is key, as it's the only tick that stuns.

A Round, On Me!

(Cautious of CC) Ensure protections before initiation
Initiation/gap closer + CC/slow
AOE damage + CC/intoxicate
(Elongated Fight) Add protections to stay in the fight
AOE damage + CC/stun

This is an "all-in" combo, as you'll be using your only escape option ( Belly Flop) as the initiator. Chug right before initiating if you anticipate some major CC after going in (or need to use it to get back to "Smashed" status). Chug after your ult if you think you'll get hits in before getting damaged.

Timed well, this will allow you to hit multiple enemies with multiple abilities, and create havoc right at the start of a teamfight. Make sure your teammates are all there to support you, as you can be burst down quickly if focused.


Duck Out Before The Cops Get There

(Cautious of CC) Ensure protections before initiation
AOE damage + CC/stun
AOE damage + CC/intoxicate
(Elongated Fight) Add protections to stay in the fight
Escape or finisher CC/slow

This is the safer option, as it saves Belly Flop as either a finisher or escape. Can be more difficult to hit multiple enemies, as they'll probably watch your beerwine belly swagger in. Can be effective when targeting a specific enemy, or if your enemies are already distracted by your teammates.

Conquest / Standard Support (Gameplay)

Starting Process



Standard Start (w/ ADC): The most common start will ADC and Support pull jungle buff camps together to clear efficiently before heading to lane, and will stay together in the Duo lane for the first few minutes. In these scenarios, the object is to clear the wave as quickly as possible and maintain pressure on the enemy to gain an upper hand on farming, providing you with a variety of options. This will be covered immediately below.

Head to the Back Harpy Camp (1). Your ADC will start at the Support Buff (1). When the camps spawn, the ADC will draw their camp to you, where you and the ADC will clear all minions together. Pick up the Support Buff that drops. Immediately go to the Purple Buff (2) and clear that camp before going to lane (3) to clear the minion wave.

When in lane, if your wave clear is stronger than the enemy's, you can apply pressure. Depending on your threat level, you can push them back toward their tower, apply poke damage, etc. Use that pressure to get a head start on clearing the next incoming wave or secure one the Scorpion camp (4).

Your general priority from this point is mainly to clear the minion waves and farm up as efficiently as possible, while applying pressure / damaging the enemy whenever possible and protecting your ADC. Damaging can obviously secure kills, but can just as importantly force them to use up potions, back and lose farm, etc.

You should be looking to secure as much farm as possible. Don't forget to use your free Vision Shard. When safe, try to steal camps on the enemy's side (1* (Void), 4* (Lesser Scorpion)). Go for the Alpha Harpies whenever they respawn. You can venture as far as the Oracle Harpies (5) and the Greater Scorpion (6, first spawns at 05:00) if you have nothing else to do, and as long as you know where the enemy Jungler is.

You'll mostly stay in lane with the ADC in the early game, but will need to choose a time to start rotating, where you will likely spend most of your time between the Duo and Mid-lanes. After your first back, you can start looking to clear and pick up the Support Buff (7), though it will help if you've got a teammate to help you clear.


Early Gameplay Elements

Mid to Late Game

Warding Locations

Non-Conquest Modes (Gameplay)

Early Game

Mid-Game

Late-Game

Wine References (~Thank Me Later~)

Firstly, if you've never seen it before, check out the movie Sideways. Entertaining, witty, funny. Filmed in and around California's Santa Ynez valley (a bit north of Santa Barbara), which is chock full of great wineries/vineyards.

Some places where they filmed: Kalyra Winery, Los Olivos Cafe, Foxen Winery, The Hitching Post II.


If you love wine and find yourself in south/central California, I highly suggest visiting some of these wineries, for great ambiance and delicious alcoholic beverages.
  • Gainey Vineyard: My wife's and my favorite. We've been wine members for years. Sprawling location, and they have a beautiful member's lounge (set up a time in advance) where you can kick back on a couch or at the bar and converse with the sommelier, order a cheese platter, etc. They also host a yearly wine crush all-day party with live music, where they serve food, pour endless wine (their limited selections), allow you to walk through the vineyards, taste grapes, squeeze juice, stomp, etc. Highly suggest their Limited Selection Syrah and Pinot Noir.

  • Evan's Ranch: Sister winery to Gainey. They actually pour some in the member's lounge, but also have their own tasting room in nearby Los Olivos. Much more limited in harvest and variety, they have 2 types each of 3 different varietals: C******nay, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. All 6 are amazing.

  • Coquelicot (ko-klee-ko): The name is actually the coolest part, but their wines are quite tasty too. No official vineyard to visit, but their tasting room is practially next door to the Evan's Ranch tasting room. Cool peeps generally work there, too.

  • Demetria Estate: By appointment only. BEAUTIFUL location, sit outside under trees while the sommelier walks around with different wines. The last time we went here, my wife cried because she was pregnant and wanted to drink from here so badly. We wouldn't have even gone, but we had set the trip up well in advance...designated driver, says me!!! LOL

  • Sunstone: They usually have some cool stuff going. Beautiful grounds, and beautiful tasting room areas inside the building. My wife still remembers the sweet, late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc they served us 7+ years ago.

  • Roblar Winery: BEAUTIFUL building...but perhaps a bit too designed to be that way, if that makes sense. Nevertheless, they have some delicious wines (Syrahhhhhh), and if you're a member, they have a cool upstairs tasting room.

A couple random things:
  • Looking for a place to stay during your wine trip? Try The Ballard Inn.
  • Drinking at home and don't want to wait an hour or more decanting? Use a Vinturi or other similar aerator. Don't know if they work? Do a side-by-side comparison yourself.
  • Don't forget to go through Solvang, the Danish Capitol of California. Beautiful city with a lot of quaint shops. I actually sat down at a piano and played some of The Smashing Pumpkins' Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in one of the shops. Fun!

Hope some of you get to visit! Let me know if you do!!!

Beer References (~You're Welcome~)



Ever since I switched over from roller to ice hockey, I've gotten into beer (common after-game refreshment). I hadn't ever really had them before (yeah, I know...but I purposefully avoided them), moved quickly through standard beers (Coors Light was the standard after-game choice for the team)...landed solidly on Newcastle, Blue Moon w/ oranges, Corona Extra w/ limes, Stella Artois, and the occassional Guinness. Only took me around 6 months to move over to real beer...IPA is where it's at! Mostly standard IPA, though I like some double IPAs, stouts, and others also.

If you're of legal drinking age, and are in the US, you might be able to find some of the following recommendations, though most are probably easier to find in Southern California, since many are local here.

  • Karl Strauss: Mosaic Session IPA - Delicious...bold citrus flavor, easy on the palette, and on the low end of ABV (5.5%), means you can have a couple back-to-back and not fall asleep (like I do when I've had too much alcohol). One of my go-tos.

  • Russian River Brewing Company: Pliny the Elder (Double IPA) - This is my other go-to. Often difficult to find, I've located a place 5 minutes away from my house that almost always has it in stock. One of the most highly rated beers of all time.

  • Ballast Point: Sculpin, Pineapple Sculpin, Grapefruit Sculpin, Unfiltered Sculpin, Aloha Sculpin, Dorado, Watermelon Dorado - These are all delicious. Can't go wrong.

  • Firestone Walker: I dunno...pretty much EVERYTHING? They have standards (Lion & Bear) like Pale 31, Union Jack, Easy Jack, Luponic Distortion...but oh, their Vintage series...Sucaba, Helldorado, Parabola, Stickee Monkee...delicious (and powerful).

  • Noble Ale Works: Tongue Tickles DIPA - OOF...one of my favorites. So, so good.

  • Beachwood Brewing: - If you can ever find it...Amalgamator. Anything else they make is also great, but this...this takes the cake.

The list goes on, of course, but these represent a good place to start.

Coffee References (~Sober Up~)

Alright, so you don't really "sober up" by drinking coffee. Doesn't mean it's not nice to drink after you've had too much! (or haven't had any and you're starting your day)

This is my current setup:


  • Espresso Machine: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II - Prosumer grade dual-boiler system...extremely solid machine, powerful steam wand, etc. Highly recommended. If I was rich? Oh...no question...it would be THIS.

  • Grinder: Niche Zero - Versatile and consistent grinder, can handle anything from extremely coarse (e.g. French Press) to extremely fine (espresso). One of my newest toys, I've been using it for both espresso shots and pour-overs.

  • Beans (Espresso): Klatch Coffee - Belle Espresso - After trying a variety, I've stuck mostly with this. The Belle is a beautiful bean...medium-dark, the way my tongue prefers. Extremely consistent, and I get the beans 1-2 days after roast...freshness is absolutely key, and I use the beans around 3-17 days after roast. Great as a standalone shot, and mixes beautifully with milk. Whole only, please.

  • Knock Box: Dreamfarm Grindenstein - Basic, does what it's supposed to. There are some fancier ones out there though...

  • Cups: Intelligentsia Black Cat Project, by NotNeutral - NotNeutral makes some beautiful cups, and these fit perfectly on the top of my machine...2x Large Latte, 2x Cappuccino, 2x Demit***e (espresso), plus 1 Rattleware 3oz Shot Glass Pitcher for when I'm measuring my shots.

  • Tamper: Espro Calibrated Tamper - Takes the variability out of one of the steps in making a great espresso shot! Highly recommended.

  • Coffee Bean Storage: Coffeevac - Does what it's supposed to...seems to keep the beans fresh.

  • Pour-Over: The fancy version of drip coffee. There are probably 3 different brands that are most well-known; Chemex, Hario V60, and Kalita Wave. After a lot of research, I ended up going with the Kalita (size 185, good size for 2 servings, aka cup for the wife and me). Delicious and clean, I now prefer this over French Press.

  • Gooseneck Kettle: A recent gift to myself for pour-overs, I just picked up this beautiful Stagg EKG Electric Kettle. Well-made, temperature control and hold, quick to heat up, and pours like a dream.

  • Weigh Scale: Timemore Black Mirror - Does what it's supposed to...buy a 500 gram calibration weight as well. Matte finish with numbers that stay hidden when not turned on. Auto-timer function for pour-overs and quick response make it a great scale.

  • Lighting: IKEA Dioder Multicolor - Custom-installed these, ran the cabling through the machine and out the bottom. Gives it a great look.

  • Syrups: Monin brand - For when you or your guests want a flavored latte. Their syrups seem to be higher quality, and better tasting, than other popular brands like Torani. My personal favorite is their French Vanilla, though their Gingerbread and Pumpkin Pie are also good.

I did a lot of research before I bought all of these, and there was a lot of trial and error in learning how to make a "good" espresso shot. It's not nearly as simple as you might think.

If you find you have some interest, and want to chat, let me know! I can offer suggestions based on different budgets, and possibly help you work through issues you might be experiencing.

Oh, and here's a great book if you're super into coffee: The World Atlas of Coffee

Some Of My Guides



If you liked this guide, check out my other ones below!


The Overarching Series



The
Overarching
Assault Guide

The
Overarching
Conquest Guide



Individual God Guides



Bacchus:
An Alcoholic's Chugging Guide

Freya:
Pulsing to
the Beat

Ganesha:
Selflessly
Gifting Kills

Shifu Guan Yu:
The Battle
Master

Loki: The Backstabbing Bastard

Medusa: Getting Everyone Stoned


God Guide Collaborations



Anubis:
Towards The
New Season

with Daelinn

Ares:
50 Shades
Of Flame

with KingScuba

Nox:
I See A
Red Door...

with Tlaloc1050

Con(~hic!~)clusion

So thatsh it! If you, erm, like what I've done (hic!) and how I try to make it bettererrr, anyone can suggest a god for me to get drunk with work on next ...and of coursh, I have to wanna play him =P but I'll letcha know...

Thanks for reading, and I appreciate any and all comments, suggestions, etc. Feel free to add me/invite me if you want to play! Also, I'm up for virtually drinking with you while we play...if you don't expect much from me, I won't expect much from you...Cheers!

Brandon / PC IGN: Branmuffin17

Credits

Thanks to the following people:

For general Arena knowledge and in-depth help with builds / calculations

For general knowledge

For aesthetic ideas and templates to make the guide prettier (just like Bacchus)

For experienced build help and discussion

Leave a Comment

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1
Mikerowayve | November 28, 2023 5:51pm
Insane damage mit build, fought 3 gods at once and won
1
sharkuterie | October 22, 2022 5:48am
For slightly more dmg, you can go sands of time and build stone of Gaia then Thebes for the health regen then go into pride for the cool down and protections. After that, you go spirit robe for the ccr and ethereal staff for cdr, I believe. Stone of Gaia will be your replaceable item tho. You can change it into for dmg or more situational items
1
Branmuffin17 (394) | October 22, 2022 12:36pm
Hi Sharkuterie,

I appreciate the comment. While I get your build concept and the items you choose in general are all solid support items, I don't like inserting Gaia as first main item, nor do I think it's a good item to choose overall right now. As a tank that needs to get in people's faces, having a pretty long time before you start getting protections wouldn't be my preference...not only are you suggesting Gaia first which has health but no prots, but Thebes still needs stacking and you're delaying that by getting Thebes later.

You're arguing for "more damage," and while Sands can fit that to a degree due to the early CDR, you're better served waiting a bit and grabbing BoV or Prid immediately after Thebes (as first main item). And while Sands can be fun, I would only consider that in non-conquest modes...as support, you get so much more out of any of the support starter items.

I would assume if you like to grab Sands that you're likely forcing yourself into The Alternate Timeline, since you'd overcap CDR by grabbing Pendulum.

In any case, again, appreciate the comments, but I strongly suggest grabbing Thebes and then CDR in most cases.
1
SirShoeString (1) | March 25, 2021 7:51pm
You should remove thebes off the tank build, yeah its a good item but in conquest the fact that you have to stack it does not make it very good anymore. The game is just much faster than it was in S7, you wanna get rotating as fast as possible and with thebes you just can't especially with his terrible clear. You would be better off with a sovereignty or stone of binding.
1
Branmuffin17 (394) | March 26, 2021 12:51am
The tank build's purpose is much more on tanking than bruiser function, and I just realized I didn't have an early aggression build. Gotta redo those. Thanks for the comments, ShoeString and Biggie.
1
Big Damage (37) | March 25, 2021 10:31pm
I agree. With the addition of Sentinel's Embrace Thebes isn't always needed, yeah it's nice if you can fit it in but for Bacchus especially Stone of Binding is probably the way to go. I would probably redo the build order like this:

Sentinel's Embrace > Reinforced Shoes > Stone of Binding > Pridwen > Sovereignty > Oni Hunter's Garb / any magical prot > Swap boots for Gauntlet of Thebes / Mail of Renewal (if renewal is actually good I haven't tested it enough yet)

Swap binding super late for e-staff
1
Kriega1 (143) | May 1, 2020 1:50pm
Not necessary to list Magus for Bacchus, awful item on him. Also add Soul Reaver as an option.
1
Branmuffin17 (394) | May 1, 2020 1:59pm
Oops, forgot to take those out XD, that's a holdout from S6. Thanks for checking through it.
1
Kriega1 (143) | May 1, 2020 2:16pm
Also Divine and maybe Deso as well.
Load more comments (8 more replies) →
1
Branmuffin17 (394) | August 17, 2019 11:13am
There, it's updated. Happy now?
1
Branmuffin17 (394) | February 14, 2019 3:01pm
Bacchus is back, baby!!!
1
boogiebass (46) | February 14, 2019 4:14pm
You missed the troll build.
Shoes of the magi
BoV
Pestilence/oniHunters
Spear of magus
Gem of Iso
Rod of Tahuti
1
Gulfwulf (81) | February 14, 2019 4:46pm
That's not a troll build, son. This is a troll build:

Hunter's Blessing
Traveler's Shoes
Bumba's Mask
shield of regrowth
Telkhines Ring
Demonic Grip
Hastened Ring
Load more comments (6 more replies) →
1
DV-8 (33) | July 13, 2018 9:56pm
Hey, man. Was thinking about this the other day in our all guardian joust, lol.

I was thinking Divine Ruin could be a solid option for him, especially against healing comps (obviously). Thought it could get good use in a bruiser support build or something.

Considering something along the lines of:

Shoes of the Magi, Sovereignty, Void Stone, Spirit Robe, Divine Ruin, Situational.
1
Gulfwulf (81) | July 14, 2018 12:13am
Bacchus already has anti-heal with Belch of the Gods, DV-8. I'd pick Pestilence instead.
1
DV-8 (33) | July 14, 2018 12:15pm
Divine would be more for damage potential, really. You can pretty much one shot carries and other squishies.

Belch is a situational anti-heal device, dependent on cooldown and only lasting 4 seconds. Divine lasts 8 seconds and can be applied more often.

Not to necessarily say that Divine is better in all situations, I just thought Bran should consider it as an option at the very least.
Load more comments (1 more replies) →
1
BestMinionEver (69) | June 30, 2017 4:40am
Hey Bran I'm just browsing for inspiration to figure out how i want my layout to be on my guides. And this guide is so smooth, so I will probably do something along these lines my self.

But I have one question when it comes to the combo section. I could not find my favorite combo in your guide. Chug-belch-flop to secure the knockup 100%. Also knockup does not get deminishing returns. Not sure if intoxicate does?!?!

That was all. Nice guide and I'll make sure to read it properly some day :)
1
Branmuffin17 (394) | June 30, 2017 10:11am
Yo Marki,

I guess you have to read the entire combo section in order to pull out your favorite combo. Specifically, it's the last combo topic, "with intoxicate down." I say that all the previous combos work just getting rid of intoxicate, and I say you can use Chug before initiating.

Technically, then, it would be the "Duck Out" combo, using the first option of Chug, moving into Belch of the Gods, (not using Intoxicate, skipping option #2 of Chug cuz you already chose option #1, then moving into Belly Flop. And when I have to explain it that way, then yes, thank you very much, I need to add it as a first combo because that's way too convoluted. Thanks for pointing that out, LOL.

And thanks for the compliments. It's taken a long time to get my guide format to this point.
1
Mattdew | February 19, 2017 4:32am
tbh, this works surprisingly well
better than my full damage bacchus build
1
Branmuffin17 (394) | February 19, 2017 10:04am
Awesome, glad you had success with it! He has plenty of damage in his kit without going full glass cannon, and the added protections and other things will keep you alive while your teammates finish them off =)
1
Time2medicate (4) | February 14, 2017 6:23pm
Which build is the one used when we played when you did all that damage?
1
Branmuffin17 (394) | February 14, 2017 7:50pm
Let's see, here's the PS4 Joust match you're talking about. It was with you ( He Bo) and newbie ( Awilix), vs. Jing Wei, Terra, and Kukulkan.

My build was based on Build #3 in the guide: Shoes of Focus, Void Stone, Dynasty Plate Helm, Gem of Isolation, Mantle of Discord, Spear of Desolation, and I replaced Helm with Midgardian Mail. I chose Void before Dynasty because we were facing 2 magical gods, so I wanted magical D first. I chose [[Gem of Isolation 4th this time just because...mostly, I wanted a bit of health, since I didn't have any items with health up to that point. I chose Mantle of Discord next because I wanted the CDR. I don't know why I chose Desolation...probably was thinking of PC/S4 Deso...but in all honesty, I probably should have chosen Spear of the Magus in any case. It would have cut into invincible Terra's protections some...and helped your damage more.

I replaced Dynasty with Midgardian, specifically for extra health and to cut into Jing's DPS a bit...but didn't stop them in the end.

I ended up at 6/4/7, with the highest damage of the match @ 38,582 (next closest was enemy Jing @ 28,780). I also took and absorbed the most damage...29,405 taken, plus 45,752 mitigated (about 75k total). Enemy Terra was second with 37,767 taken and 33,676 mitigated (around 70k total).

Here's another PS4 match... This one was a lower-level match. It was Ronin ( Cupid w/ me, plus a random playing Aphrodite. We were against Chaac, Neith, and Scylla (all on one team).

In this one, I got Shoes of Focus, Dynasty Plate Helm, Void Stone, Spear of the Magus, Gem of Isolation, Mantle of Discord, and replaced Dynasty with Breastplate of Valor for the added CDR (yes, I went 5% over max CDR...unusual for me but felt the protection and mana was worth it, and didn't need to counter attack speed quite as much.

Highest damage on my team at 33,587, with a huge amount of damage taken (39,952) and mitigated (63,041). Went 13/1/7...basically ran over the other team, lol.

On PC, I recently played the general build in a siege match with Jaberg, TheMrRay06, and GGF. I went Watcher's Gift (amazing sustain for S4 even in Siege), Shoes of Focus, Dynasty Plate Helm, Void Stone, Spear of the Magus, Gem of Isolation, Spirit Robe, and replaced Dynasty with Breastplate of Valor.

Went 7/5/15 in a losing effort, with 2nd highest damage on my team, and only outdamaged by Freya on the enemy team. Yes, I outdamaged GGF's Apollo. I'm sure that wasn't one of his proudest moments...but my Bacchus has "outplayed" him in other situations before, so I'm sure he's not shocked.

Anyway, took 27,610 damage, mitigated 34,509. The better choice probably would have been for me to go full tank or at least work to counter Freya a bit more, but I absolutely destroyed her and Ullr a few times...Ullr tried to 1v1 me from full health at one point later in the match and it didn't end well for him XD. Then again, not surprised, based on his build (looking at it hurts soooooo bad)... Jotunn's Wrath, Warrior Tabi, Odysseus' Bow, Asi, Hastened Fatalis (?!?), Titan's Bane.

So overall, I'd say it's a solid build. Usually guaranteed to do some solid damage...and in this build, you sort of need to feel your way...you don't have to follow the specific order, and just get what you feel is best at the time.
2
Time2medicate (4) | February 15, 2017 12:19am
Thanks now I have to read your long explanation for a simple question lol
1
newbiemj (12) | February 14, 2017 7:35pm
Dunk squad build 3 I believe
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