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What is QSS in League of Legends?

QSS definition
QSS definition

Quicksilver Sash (QSS) is a powerful item in League of Legends that allows players to remove most crowd control effects from their champion. This item provides 30 magic resistance and a unique active ability called "Quicksilver," which can be used every 90 seconds to cleanse debuffs.

QSS vs. Cleanse

differences between cleanse and qss

While Quicksilver Sash (QSS) and the summoner spell Cleanse serve similar purposes in removing crowd control effects, they have distinct differences that are crucial for players to understand. Both QSS and Cleanse can remove a wide range of crowd control effects, including blinds, charms, slows, roots, stuns, drowsy effects, sleep, and taunts. This makes both options valuable for escaping dangerous situations or maintaining combat effectiveness.

Key Differences between QSS and Clense are:

  1. Suppression and Ultimate Abilities: QSS has a significant advantage in removing suppression effects and certain ultimate abilities. It can counter Malzahar's and Mordekaiser's ultimates, which Cleanse cannot do. This makes QSS particularly valuable against these champions.
  2. Summoner Spell Debuffs: Cleanse excels in removing summoner spell debuffs. It can cleanse the effects of Exhaust, Ignite, and Smite, which QSS cannot do. This gives Cleanse an edge in duels where these summoner spells are used.
  3. Disarm and Ground Effects: QSS can remove disarm effects (which prevent auto-attacks) and grounding effects (which prevent the use of movement abilities). Cleanse does not have this capability.
  4. Airborne Effects: Neither QSS nor Cleanse can remove airborne effects, making knock-ups and suspensions uniquely powerful forms of crowd control.
  5. Tenacity Buff: Cleanse provides a brief Tenacity buff after use, reducing the duration of subsequent crowd control effects. QSS does not offer this benefit.
  6. Accessibility and Cooldown: QSS is an item that must be purchased and occupies an inventory slot, while Cleanse is a summoner spell chosen before the game starts. QSS typically has a longer cooldown (90 seconds) compared to Cleanse (210 seconds), but can be used more frequently in extended games.

Understanding these nuances allows players to make informed decisions about whether to opt for QSS, Cleanse, or potentially both, depending on the enemy team composition and specific threats they need to counter. The choice between them can significantly impact a player's ability to survive and thrive in crucial moments of a match.

Also Read: What is Ignite in League of Legends?

Upgrade Paths of QSS

QSS can be upgraded into two Legendary items, each catering to different playstyles. Mercurial Scimitar is offensive-oriented, providing attack damage, critical strike chance, and lifesteal. It's favored by marksmen and damage-focused champions. Silvermere Dawn offers a defensive option, increasing health and attack damage, making it suitable for bruisers and frontline fighters.

Both upgrades enhance the QSS active ability by adding a brief movement speed boost upon use. This allows champions to reposition effectively after cleansing crowd control effects. The choice between these upgrades depends on the champion's role, team composition, and enemy threats, transforming QSS from a purely defensive tool into a versatile item that can significantly impact combat strategy and survivability.

Also Read: What is Smite in LoL?

Limitations and Considerations

It's important to note that QSS doesn't remove persistent effects that accompany crowd control, such as damage over time or slows from abilities. Additionally, it cannot cleanse self-inflicted slows or remove stasis effects like Zhonya's Hourglass.

While QSS and its upgrades can be game-changing, they often compete with other crucial items in a player's build. Many champions, especially those not focused on attack damage, may opt to keep QSS without upgrading it further, balancing the need for crowd control removal with other itemization priorities.

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