A versatile mage who has switched to support roles, once transformed into a damage-dealing tool, will find themselves constantly targeted and unable to escape.

Mages are one of the core members of the team, the second damage dealer, and their performance is quite crucial in late-game team fights. However, the meta dictates their power spikes. Take Zhuge Liang, for example. In the mid-lane, relying solely on a wave of minions and his multiple dashes forces the game into a war of attrition. He lacks entry options, his ultimate, Spirit Bomb, is easily blocked, and all his abilities counter him. This straightforward approach is inherently unplayable. But after switching to the jungle role, his strength increases several times over. By farming jungle monsters and completing his items earlier, he can flank with his passive ability, significantly improving his reaping capabilities and showcasing a completely new form, becoming an undeniable force.

Mid-lane dedicated support, the duo marksman playstyle is even more aggressive.

Mages have more utility than you might imagine. With no future in the mid lane and being rendered useless by the current meta, you need to change your strategy to maintain your presence. Perhaps adjust your item build, or even switch to support if necessary for a completely new experience. Instead of attacking from the front, roam and support from behind, maximizing your benefits. When paired with a marksman, the enemy team isn't fighting a pair of twins, but two damage dealers. Even with one less, you can still hold your own. Of course, mages are inherently fragile, so don't expect too much damage absorption. The playstyle requires aggressiveness and doesn't allow for retreat.

Wang Zhaojun

As we approach the end of Season 41, do you know which mages, after abandoning their role as damage dealers, have gained new advantages? The first one that must be mentioned is Wang Zhaojun, the first mage-type support to break away from the norm and gain widespread recognition. She is slightly unpopular in lower and mid-tier ranks because marksmen prefer hard supports, but she is readily accepted in high-tier games simply because of her outstanding control abilities.

His entire body is slowing down enemies. Whether it's his small skills or passive, his first skill slows down enemies and reveals their vision, making it less risky to check bushes. It can also target stealth heroes like Ake and Lanling King with high accuracy. His second skill freezes enemies over a wide area for a considerable time. His third skill drops hail, bringing great benefits to the team. When combined with jungle control to gank, it guarantees the enemy's survival rate is zero.

With powerful control abilities and a disgusting slowing effect, the most important thing is that she can be left to defend the lane alone without any worries. Marksmen are easily killed by assassins, and even if the team is wiped out, as long as Wang Zhaojun is still there, she will help everyone stay until the end.