scaling

Definition

Scaling refers to how a champion or character grows in power over the course of a match. Late-game scalers (Kassadin, Kayle, Nasus) are weak early but dominate after item completion and level-up. Early-game lane bullies (Renekton, Pantheon) want to end the game before the scalers come online. Drafting around the scaling curve is a core strategy axis in MOBAs.

Example

"Their comp out-scales us — we have to end before 30 minutes." The opposing team's late-game power exceeds the speaker's team.

Related terms

• carry
• tempo
• meta