Gnar is a unique top-lane champion with two forms. He can switch between a nimble ranged version and a powerful melee version. His playstyle focuses on using mobility, smart timing, and a well-managed Rage bar.

His design revolves around wearing down opponents from a distance. Then he transforms and slams foes with crowd control. This article covers both forms, each ability, and key tips to master him. Discover how to play Gnar in League of Legends. Explore abilities, forms, and winning tips to dominate the Rift as this versatile champion.

Understanding Gnar’s Forms

Mini Gnar

Mini Gnar relies on ranged attacks and mobility. He gains bonus attack range, movement speed, and attack speed. His lower health and reduced defenses mean he must keep a safe distance.

A key strength is poke damage. His Boomerang Throw is a constant threat in lane. Mini Gnar’s range advantage also allows him to chip away at enemy champions without taking heavy retaliation.

Mega Gnar

When Gnar’s Rage bar reaches full, he morphs into Mega Gnar for 15 seconds. His health, armor, and damage increase. He trades mobility for raw power and new skill effects.

Mega Gnar excels in team fights. His crowd control can disrupt entire enemy groups. Once he reverts to Mini Gnar, he must wait 15 seconds before generating Rage again.

Gnar’s Abilities

Rage Gene

This passive fuels Gnar’s transformation. Dealing or receiving damage generates Rage. Once the bar is full, Gnar can cast one of his Mega abilities to transform immediately. If he waits four seconds, he transforms automatically.

While in Mega form, Gnar cannot build Rage. The timer shows how long he remains in his powered-up state. Once he returns to Mini form, he is “tired.” He can’t generate Rage for 15 seconds, so timing is critical.

Boomerang Throw (Mini Q)

Gnar throws a boomerang that deals physical damage and slows enemies. It then returns to him. Catching it refunds 40% of the total cooldown. The first target hit takes full damage. Subsequent targets take half.

This ability defines Gnar’s poke strategy. A well-timed throw can chunk enemies. Always try to catch the boomerang on its return to reduce downtime.

Hyper (Mini W Passive)

Basic attacks and abilities place a stack of Hyper. At three stacks, Hyper deals bonus magic damage based on the target’s max health. It also grants a burst of movement speed. This damage caps at 300 when hitting monsters.

Hyper applies each time Gnar hits a target. The third stack triggers the bonus. Mini Gnar’s poke becomes more potent when players weave in multiple attacks or ability hits.

Hop (Mini E)

Gnar leaps to a target location. If he lands on a unit, he bounces again. The second jump travels a short distance in the same direction. Enemies struck on landing take physical damage and a brief slow.

Hop provides escape, gap-close, and mid-air outplay potential. Good use of Hop helps Gnar survive ganks. Landing on an enemy can also secure kills.

GNAR! (Ultimate in Mega Form)

In Mega form, Gnar knocks enemies back and deals physical damage. Those who collide with terrain take extra damage and get stunned rather than slowed. Timing this ability can disrupt teams and secure big plays.

While in Mini form, GNAR! passively boosts Hyper’s movement speed. The ability transforms into an area-altering crowd control tool when Gnar is Mega.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Ranged poke in lane can wear down melee champions.
• Mobility from Hop makes him hard to gank.
• Mega Gnar can swing team fights with a multi-person stun.

Weaknesses:

• Reliant on timely transformations.
• Mini Gnar is fragile if Hop is on cooldown.
• Enemies can retreat when Rage is high to avoid big engages.

Early, Mid, and Late Game Strategy

Early Game (0 – 15 minutes)

• Use the range advantage to harass opponents when they try to farm.
• Track your Rage bar. Engage right before a transformation for extra damage.
• At level 6, look for a kill or set up a gank with your Ultimate if you are about to become Mega Gnar.

Stay alert when your Hop is down, as you become more vulnerable. If your opponent baits out Hop, enemy junglers can punish you.

Mid Game (15 – 25 minutes)

• Wait until you are close to transforming before joining team fights.
• Group with your teammates when your Rage bar is almost full. Mega Gnar’s crowd control can turn a skirmish.
• If no fights are happening, split push. Gnar is effective at pressuring side lanes while the rest of the team handles objectives.

Managing Rage is the key. Aim to enter fights in Mega form. If you’re still in Mini form with low Rage, your impact may be reduced.

Late Game (25+ minutes)

• Stick with your team. Your Ultimate can wipe out grouped enemies.
• Delay fights if your Rage bar is empty. Wait for it to fill before diving in.
• Keep track of your tired phase after leaving Mega form. This window makes you less threatening.

Gnar’s versatility can shift from high damage to powerful peels. In some cases, a defensive build helps you survive longer. Play around team needs.

Facing Gnar

General Tips

• Punish him when his Hop is on cooldown.
• Avoid close spaces when he might turn Mega. His Ultimate can slam you into walls.
• Harass him in Mini form if he wastes Boomerang Throw or Hyper stacks.
• Watch his Rage. If he’s low, he can’t transform soon. This is the best time to pick fights.

Power Spikes

• Level 6: He can transform and use Ultimate. Step away from walls when he’s near full Rage.
• First Item (often Black Cleaver): Makes his poke stronger and helps shred armor.
• Level 11: Second point in Ultimate. Damage and lower cooldown become threats.

Final Thoughts on Gnar

Gnar in League of Legends rewards precision and planning. He can fit many team compositions by toggling between poke and frontline control. Players who manage his Rage bar and space properly will see steady success. Gsood communication with allies helps maximize Mega Gnar’s team fight potential. With patience and awareness, Gnar can swing entire games through well-timed transformations and disruptive crowd control.

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