[edit (17-1-2013)] Removed crystalline flask from Starters items, since it's not worth the money coming Preseason Balance Update 2 Patch.


Hey everyone, xDashie here, back with another solotop guide for you!

(Br)olaf has been the love of my life ever since I play top. His power and tankiness is beyond many their comprehension, and can even carry the most difficult matches - if you play him correctly!

You may have played Olaf, but you're about to learn about Laaaaanelaf (you need to cheer that out when you dive into 1v5. Makes everything so much better).

Masteries

For Lanelaf I always go 9/21/0, picking up ignite improvement, 3 points of CDR and then some scaling AD+ARP I choose CDR over AS because AS is build in your passive, and CDR makes you swing out that 250 true damage a little bit faster. I dive deep into the defensive masteries, skipping all Tenacity and Slow buffs - since you're Olaf, and you got all this build in in your ult already.


Runes

Someone might notice these are the same as I use for Irelia. That's correct. You want flat AD for some early help with lasthitting, and gives your Q a little bit of extra harass power. Armor and Magic resist are obvious choices. I go 3 movement speed quints since, again, this champion revolves around a lot of movement. There is a big chance you are the person to initiate in teamfights because you're tanky, do an incredible amount of (true) damage, but without a gapcloser you'll just have to run in and chase people.


Spells

As I mentioned, there is a big chance you're the initiator in your team, so helps you run in, and chase after the ADcarry / APcarry (which should be your main focus).
is an obvious choice to help counter regeneration champions both in lane and in teamfights.

In no circumstance I use different spells, though you are free to choose any of the following:
If they're 3+ AD this might be a valid option. Also useful if laning against Darius.
If AFK farming is the way you play, take this. Offers great overall-pressure for the enemy team.
I'd only use Barrier if they're 3+ AP.

For Lanelaf you don't need to build damage to deal tons of it. Your E and Q are more than enough to scare off anyone. This is the reason why you can nearly go full tank.



Gives great lane sustain, and money over time. What else would you want!


Cooldown reduction helps you swing your true damage out faster, health gives some tankyness, and did I mention the active? Not only great for the team to have such an early speed boost, but also awesome for in lane to get away from ganks, or run under the tower to snatch a quick kill.


Core Build

OR+ and any of the following:
OROROR

You'll have to choose here: What do you need first?
gives such a health boost that is overall a great option (since armor got so expensive in S3 and health is better against AP too).
was a Season2 favorite item as the cooldown reduction was massive for Olaf, armor helps in lane and towerdiving, and mana allows you to throw your axes more often.
is great if you got someone building Frozen Heart already, and rather than reducing enemies AS it gives you a Sheen-like passive that also slows people around the hit target.
why build tanky so early if you're winning your lane already anyway? BC is THE AD-caster item of the year, for it's armor-shredding passive.

Don't worry if you picked the wrong item first, you'll have to build them all anyway later on. It's just that you need to wonder WHAT kind of boost you need early in the game: tankyness or strength.


As you're already in the middle of the teamfight (as usual), helps your teammates quickly close the gap and help you out.
Just an awesome item as it helps you get out of base and back into action after recalling as fast as possible.


Endgame Build

OR++OR

Considerable Last Items



Your last choice. Also, if your match took THIS long to get full build - either your enemy hasn't surrendered yet or someone on your team is feeding - HUEHUEHUE. Ahum *resumes being professional about it* Anyway.

is an all-round item which gives you tons of damage - if thats what your team needs.
you aren't fed but your ADc is? This item might be a good choice then - I would'nt buy it if youre with only 2 AD champs though.
Some more armor and health, and an active that slows all enemies around you. If you're always in the middle of the fight thats quite useful.
Don't feel like feeding anymore? Gives some MR and Armor, if the enemy's damage is balanced.

Just remember how your poke works in lanephase. Try hitting every axe, and when it does run in, do your E on him and back off. At some point he'll be low enough to (tower)dive in for the kill.

If you are having trouble with this build, consider watching me using these items at my stream, http://twitch.tv/shadalai .

Thanks for reading, and good luck LAAAANELAFFING!