Cao Cao is the chosen one, and he hasn't been nerfed yet. Was he saving a KPL limited edition for later? (Part Two)

Cao Cao's bug-fixed version is more than just about his mobility. This warrior is all about the feel of the controls. In the first week of S41, while players were busy celebrating the arrival of the 10th anniversary version, the developers were actually updating the content, stating that they would give him an epic optimization. With the benefits in sight, the news was ignored. No one paid much attention to his strength. Instead, they were busy discussing how to make good use of the limited-time vouchers and the cost-effectiveness of the skins. The most anticipated thing was the Glory Crystal, which offered 30 free draws. Everyone was going crazy. Who had time to care about Cao Cao's strength or weakness?

Optimize the feel

The synchronized frame rate of Cao Cao's basic attack animation effectively increases his attack speed, giving the illusion of delivering 18 strikes with a single basic attack. This frequency rivals Lan's twelve-sword style, boasting high damage and long range. One might mistake him for a marksman. If this warrior were seriously placed in the development lane for a hard sniper attack, he would be unstoppable, easily winning any duel. Furthermore, the two-piece set bonus and his ultimate's abnormal healing mark the beginning of his power spike, allowing him to launch counterattacks everywhere – the first condition for his rise to prominence.

Equipment bonus

The second condition is the equipment bonus. Cao Cao is one of the beneficiaries. The Iceborn Gauntlet has been adjusted, removing the mana and health regeneration benefits, but increasing physical resistance, which strengthens his ability to stand and fight. In addition, the Yellow Shield has a built-in 0.5-second cooldown reduction, which can be triggered by both basic attacks and skills, providing an additional 1350 health points, replacing the Unyielding Sign.

Health recovery mechanism

Thirdly, there's the skill mechanics themselves. Everyone knows about the ultimate's healing effect; from now on, health regeneration will be based on the number of nearby heroes, potentially doubling to nearly 3000 points. This damage increase and healing, applied to Cao Cao's output methods, forms a perfect closed loop, seemingly eliminating any drawbacks or weaknesses. With warrior-type attributes, playing a semi-tank build is also viable, offering far greater survivability than a pure tank. In summary, Cao Cao possesses the perfect combination of timing, location, and support; he's a chosen one with guaranteed stats and benefits from the current meta, making him the only T0 warrior on the side lane.

Of course, to play a hero well, in addition to equipment, you also need to choose the right runes. I recommend 8 Mutation, 2 Red Moon, 10 Eagle Eye and 10 Hunting. In the early game, use cooldown boots and Thorn Gauntlet to transition and speed up the use of your ultimate to exchange health. But don't get carried away. You are always in a weak period before you have two items, so pay more attention to this.