Volibear
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Good (7.5/10)
Epic Relics
Low Investment
Volibear is generally considered a strong and fun champion, particularly at 3 stars where he can reliably clear most content. Players enjoy his 'big units go brrr' playstyle and his ability to clear boards with his play effect. However, his constellation upgrades, specifically his 4-star and 6-star powers, are widely criticized as underwhelming, poorly designed, or 'win-more', leading many to stop investing after 3 or 5 stars. He is also heavily reliant on mana-generating relics like Starforged Gauntlets to overcome his slow early game.
Titanic Swarm
Essential for Volibear to overcome his slow early game. The +1 starting mana allows him to deploy his high-cost units much faster.
Considered Best-in-Slot for Volibear. When he is played, it generates two 0-cost units from his regions, which are often Titanic, providing massive immediate board presence.
Synergizes perfectly with his need to cheat out high-cost units. It reduces his cost based on allies in play and generates Sigils of the Storm when it damages/kills them, further accelerating his game plan.
Strategy
This is the most highly recommended build for Volibear. The goal is to accelerate his mana with Starforged Gauntlets, use Disciple of Shadows to cheat him out even earlier (while generating Sigils), and then flood the board with massive 0-cost units using Portal Pals. This build transforms him from a slow champion into an overwhelming force.
Direct Nexus Assault
Allows Volibear to immediately challenge and strike an enemy upon play. If played when the opponent has only one unit, this can result in a direct Nexus strike.- Provides the necessary mana ramp to get Volibear onto the board quickly.
- Provides insurance and additional board presence after the initial strike.
Strategy
This build focuses on ending the game the moment Volibear hits the board. By using Cease and Desist, you can force a favorable trade or, ideally, strike the enemy Nexus directly if their board is clear. Be aware that Cease and Desist can have buggy interactions with a full board of Sigils.
The Nasus Synergy
Triggers a strike on the weakest enemy whenever a champion is played, providing excellent board control.
Shuffles doubled-stat champions into the deck. When drawn and played, they trigger Scales of Judgment, creating a powerful loop.- Provides the crucial +1 starting mana.
Strategy
This build leverages Nasus's signature relic, Scales of Judgment, to turn every champion play into a removal tool. Oath of the Guardians ensures a steady supply of massive champions to trigger this effect, creating a highly synergistic and fun playstyle.
Rare Relic Board Clear
Allows Volibear to strike an enemy upon summon. If the first strike kills the target, a second Stalker's Blade will target a different enemy.- Provides a second strike on summon, maximizing his immediate impact.
Grants Overwhelm, ensuring that excess damage from his massive stats pushes through to the Nexus before he levels up.
Strategy
For newer accounts without Epic relics, this build focuses on maximizing Volibear's impact the moment he is played. Double Stalker's Blade allows him to clear multiple threats immediately, while Troll King's Crusher ensures his high attack translates into Nexus damage.
Other Relic Options
A strong alternative to Portal Pals. It reliably draws and discounts Titanic units from his curated deck pool.
Volibear's signature relic. While thematic, it is often considered a trap or situational, as the +2 skill damage is less impactful than mana ramp or unit generation. It can be useful for buffing Avalanche in specific encounters.
Can be used in a triple-Gatebreaker 'cheese' build for immediate Nexus damage, though it is less consistent than other options.
Provides survivability and can re-trigger 'Play' effects if Volibear is revived.
Players disagree about Icon of Valhir. Some consider it a weak 'trap' relic that provides minimal impact compared to mana ramp, while others find it useful for ensuring Avalanche clears early boards.
Constellation
Volibear's constellation is widely considered one of the most disappointing in the game. While he is incredibly strong at 3 stars, his later upgrades (specifically C4 and C6) are viewed as poorly designed, redundant, or 'win-more'. Many players advise stopping investment at 3 or 5 stars.
Subterranean Thunder
When you slay a unit, summon a Sigil of the Storm.
Sky Splitter
+1 Starting Mana. When you summon a Titanic ally, it strikes the weakest enemy.
Subterranean Thunder II
When you slay a unit, summon 2 Sigils of the Storm.Review
This is Volibear's most significant power spike. It allows him to reliably clear boards and generate Sigils, making him a powerhouse even without further investment.
In My Sights
Round Start: Grant the weakest enemy Vulnerable.Review
Widely considered one of the worst C4 powers in the game. Granting Vulnerable is often redundant because his Titanic units usually have enough power to kill targets regardless. Players strongly desire a rework for this node.
Manaflow
Game Start: Get a mana gem.Review
A very strong upgrade. The +1 starting mana is essential for Volibear's slow deck and can sometimes replace the need for Starforged Gauntlets.
Doom of All
When you summon a Titanic ally, grant it +2|+2 for each stack of Sigil of the Storm.Review
Considered underwhelming and 'win-more'. It provides a large stat boost, but players argue that if Volibear is in a position to utilize it, he is likely already winning. It is also noted to be buggy with certain relics.
Gameplay Tips
- Manage Your Sigils
Volibear's Sigils of the Storm take up board space. Be careful not to overfill your board with small units, or you may not have room to play Volibear or other Titanic units when they are discounted.
- Leverage Avalanche
Avalanche is a key tool for surviving the early game. Don't be afraid to use it to damage or kill your own smaller units, as this will generate Sigils of the Storm to accelerate Volibear's deployment.
- Draft Big Bombs
When drafting cards during an adventure, prioritize high-cost Titanic units. Volibear's kit is designed to cheat these out, so having a deck full of 'bombs' is more effective than drafting low-cost filler.
- Beware of Fast Aggro
Volibear struggles against very fast, aggressive decks that can flood the board before he can stabilize. Prioritize powers or support champions that offer early game control or healing to survive the initial onslaught.
- The Cease and Desist Bug
If using Cease and Desist, ensure you have an empty board space when playing Volibear. There is a known bug where playing him onto a full board with Sigils can cause him to obliterate himself instead of attacking.