How does Magic Penetration work in LOL?

Magic Penetration in League of Legends is a crucial statistic that allows champions to bypass a portion of their target's magic resistance when dealing magic damage. This mechanic enables mages and other magic damage dealers to maintain their effectiveness against enemies who build defensive items.

By reducing the effective magic resistance of opponents, Magic Penetration increases the overall damage output of magical abilities and effects.

Understanding Magic Penetration

Magic Penetration comes in two primary forms: flat penetration and percentage penetration. Flat penetration reduces the target's magic resistance by a set amount, while percentage penetration ignores a proportion of the target's magic resistance. These two types work in tandem to enhance a champion's magical damage potential.

It's important to note that Magic Penetration doesn't actually lower the target's magic resistance stat. Instead, it causes damage calculations to treat the target as if they had less magic resistance than they actually possess. 

Also Read: What is Armor Penetration in League of Legends?

Types of Magic Penetration

Flat Magic Penetration

Flat Magic Penetration is straightforward in its application. It treats the target's magic resistance as being reduced by a fixed amount when calculating damage. For example, if you have 15 flat Magic Penetration and your target has 30 magic resistance, your spells will behave as if the target only had 15 magic resistance.

This type of penetration is particularly effective against targets with low magic resistance, as it can potentially reduce their effective resistance to zero or even into negative values, although it cannot actually reduce magic resistance below zero for damage calculation purposes.

Percentage Magic Penetration

Percentage Magic Penetration, on the other hand, ignores a percentage of the target's total magic resistance. This makes it especially potent against targets with high magic resistance values. For instance, 40% Magic Penetration against a target with 100 magic resistance would result in your spells treating the target as if they only had 60 magic resistance.

Also Read: What is Anti-Heal in League of Legends?

Key Magic Penetration Items

To optimize your magic damage, carefully consider the enemy team composition and your champion's role when deciding how to prioritize these key magic penetration items:

1. Shadowflame: Provides flat magic penetration and bonus penetration against low-health or shielded targets, making it effective against squishier enemies.
2. Sorcerer's Shoes: Offers flat magic penetration along with movement speed, providing a cost-effective early game power spike.
3. Stormsurge: Grants both ability power and magic penetration, with an active ability that temporarily increases movement speed and ability power.
4. Void Staff: Provides a high percentage of magic penetration, making it extremely effective against targets with high magic resistance.
5. Cryptbloom: Offers a unique combination of magic penetration and healing reduction, useful against teams with strong sustain.

Also Read: What is AD in League of Legends?

When to Build Magic Penetration?

When facing magic resistance-stacking opponents or aiming to amplify damage against squishier targets, prioritizing Magic Penetration items is advisable. Against tank-heavy compositions, percentage penetration items are crucial, while flat penetration excels in the early to mid-game against squishier teams.

Looking for a high-quality LoL account with top champs and rare skins? Find one in our marketplace and jump right into high-level play without the grind!

You've just leveled up your knowledge with our latest definition. Now, let's keep the momentum going! Our definitions page is your one-stop resource for all things League of Legends. From A to Z, we've got every term covered.