Mobazane's Balmond M3: The Legend And The Build

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into one of the most iconic moments in Mobile Legends history: Mobazane's legendary Balmond performance at the M3 World Championship. This wasn't just a game; it was a masterclass in aggression, map control, and understanding a hero's potential. We're gonna break down why this performance was so impactful and, most importantly, dissect the build that allowed Mobazane to wreak havoc on the competition. Whether you're a seasoned Balmond player or just looking to learn from the best, buckle up – this is gonna be a wild ride!

The Rise of a Legend: Mobazane at M3

Let's set the stage. The M3 World Championship was the pinnacle of Mobile Legends esports, and Mobazane, representing BTK (BloodThirstyKings), was there to shake things up. Known for his aggressive playstyle and mastery of unorthodox heroes, Mobazane picked Balmond, a hero often overlooked in the competitive scene. This immediately raised eyebrows. Most teams favored meta heroes with more reliable crowd control or burst damage. However, Mobazane saw something special in Balmond's kit – a relentless executioner capable of snowballing out of control with the right strategy and build. His Balmond wasn't just a pick; it was a statement. It said, "We're not here to play the meta; we're here to define it."

What made Mobazane's Balmond so effective? It wasn't just about individual skill; it was about understanding how Balmond fit into BTK's overall strategy. They utilized Balmond's early game power to pressure lanes, secure objectives, and disrupt the enemy's farm. Mobazane was constantly rotating, ganking, and applying pressure, forcing the opposing team to react to him. This created space for his teammates to farm and secure advantages elsewhere on the map. Furthermore, Mobazane's map awareness was impeccable. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, whether it was to secure a kill, defend a tower, or contest a Lord. His ability to read the game and anticipate his opponents' movements was a crucial factor in his success.

Mobazane's aggressive playstyle was perfectly suited to Balmond's kit. Balmond's first skill, Soul Lock, provides a movement speed boost and allows him to chase down enemies with ease. His second skill, Cyclone Sweep, deals sustained damage in an area, making him a formidable opponent in team fights. And his ultimate, Lethal Blow, is a true executioner's move, dealing massive true damage to low-health targets. Mobazane used these skills to their full potential, diving into the fray, dishing out damage, and securing kills left and right. He wasn't afraid to take risks, and his aggressive plays often caught his opponents off guard. This bold approach, combined with his exceptional mechanical skill, made him a force to be reckoned with.

Deconstructing the Build: Powering Up Balmond

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the build. This is where the magic happens, guys. Mobazane's Balmond build wasn't just about raw damage; it was about creating a balance between damage, sustain, and mobility. It allowed him to stay in the fight longer, deal consistent damage, and chase down fleeing enemies. This build is designed to maximize Balmond's strengths and mitigate his weaknesses. So, grab your notebooks, because we're about to break it down item by item.

Core Items:

• Bloodlust Axe: This is a must-have on Balmond. The spell vamp provided by Bloodlust Axe allows Balmond to sustain himself in fights, constantly healing as he deals damage with Cyclone Sweep. This is crucial for staying alive in prolonged engagements and allows him to farm more efficiently in between ganks. Without Bloodlust Axe, Balmond is significantly squishier and less able to withstand sustained damage.
• Warrior Boots/Tough Boots: The choice between these two boots depends on the enemy composition. If the enemy team has a lot of physical damage, Warrior Boots are the way to go, providing much-needed armor. If the enemy team has a lot of magic damage or crowd control, Tough Boots are a better choice, reducing magic damage and crowd control duration. Adaptability is key here. Assess the enemy team's strengths and weaknesses and choose the boots that will best protect you from their threats.
• War Axe: This item is core for damage dealers who sustain damage over time. The longer you are in battle, the more damage and movement speed you gain. Since Balmond is in the middle of the fight using Cyclone Sweep, it makes him a deadly force.

Situational Items:

• Endless Battle: This item provides a mix of stats that are all useful on Balmond, including physical attack, mana regen, HP, movement speed, and cooldown reduction. The True Damage proc after using a skill is particularly effective, adding a burst of damage to his combo. Endless Battle is a great all-around item that can help Balmond deal more damage, stay alive longer, and move around the map more quickly.
• Blade of Despair: If you're ahead and want to snowball your lead, Blade of Despair is the perfect item. This item provides a massive amount of physical attack, making Balmond's skills hit even harder. The passive effect, which increases damage against enemies with low HP, is also very effective, allowing Balmond to execute targets with ease. However, be careful not to build Blade of Despair if you're behind, as it's a very expensive item and won't provide as much value if you're constantly dying.
• Immortality: This item provides a second life, allowing you to survive a fatal blow and potentially turn the tide of a fight. The resurrection effect can be especially useful in team fights, giving you a chance to reposition, heal, and continue dealing damage. Immortality is a great item to build if you're being focused by the enemy team or if you need a safety net in case you make a mistake.
• Malefic Roar: This item is a must-have against tanky opponents. The physical penetration provided by Malefic Roar allows you to shred through their armor, dealing significantly more damage. If the enemy team has a lot of tanks or durable heroes, Malefic Roar is essential for staying relevant in the late game.

Emblems and Spells:

• Emblems: Mobazane typically used the Assassin emblem set with Killing Spree as the main talent. This emblem set provides physical attack, movement speed, and critical chance, all of which are beneficial for Balmond. Killing Spree provides additional HP and movement speed after securing a kill, further enhancing his snowball potential.
• Spells: Retribution is the standard spell for jungle Balmond, allowing you to secure objectives like the Turtle and Lord. However, if you're playing Balmond in a lane, Flicker can be a good alternative, providing an escape tool or a way to engage on enemies.

Mastering the Playstyle: Aggression and Map Awareness

Building the right items is only half the battle. To truly master Balmond, you need to understand how to play him effectively. Mobazane's success wasn't just about his build; it was about his aggressive playstyle and impeccable map awareness. He was constantly looking for opportunities to gank, invade the enemy jungle, and secure objectives. He wasn't afraid to take risks, and his bold plays often caught his opponents off guard.

Here are some key tips for mastering Balmond's playstyle:

• Early Game Domination: Balmond is strongest in the early game. Use this to your advantage by pressuring lanes, invading the enemy jungle, and securing early objectives. Don't be afraid to be aggressive, but be mindful of your positioning and avoid overextending.
• Objective Control: Balmond is excellent at securing objectives like the Turtle and Lord. Use Retribution to your advantage and coordinate with your team to take these objectives as quickly as possible. Controlling these objectives will give your team a significant advantage in the mid and late game.
• Team Fight Presence: In team fights, your role is to disrupt the enemy backline and deal sustained damage with Cyclone Sweep. Focus on diving onto squishy targets and forcing them to retreat. Be mindful of your positioning and avoid getting caught out of position.
• Map Awareness: Map awareness is crucial for any Mobile Legends player, but it's especially important for Balmond. Keep an eye on the minimap and track the movements of your opponents. This will allow you to anticipate their ganks, rotate to help your teammates, and make informed decisions about when to engage.

The Legacy of Mobazane's Balmond

Mobazane's Balmond at M3 wasn't just a highlight reel; it was a game-changer. It showed the world that even seemingly underpowered heroes can be viable in the competitive scene with the right strategy and execution. It inspired countless players to pick up Balmond and experiment with different builds and playstyles. It proved that aggression and map awareness are just as important as mechanical skill.

More than that, it cemented Mobazane's legacy as a legendary Mobile Legends player. He wasn't just a skilled individual; he was a visionary who saw potential where others didn't. He dared to be different, and his boldness paid off in a big way. His Balmond pick at M3 will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Mobile Legends history.

So, there you have it, folks! A deep dive into Mobazane's legendary Balmond performance at M3. Remember, it's not just about copying his build; it's about understanding the principles behind it and adapting it to your own playstyle. Go out there, practice, and maybe you can become the next Balmond legend!