Why do people buy this item over and over? I usually play as AP Nuker or CC, and so I have no use for it, but in the last game I played Caitlyn. I got one Doran's Blade at the beginning, just to get some health, that 10 Damage that can help, and that 3% that I can barely notice. What I noticed is that if the enemy tries to kill me, I can't use lifesteal to heal myself nor can I use potions in the early game to survive. Now I see people buying more Doran's Blades; is it really worth it? Would it be better to start with a Vampiric Scepter, play maybe a little more defensively, and save the money for the boots and for an Infinity Edge, for example?
So let's see: 2 Doran's Blades are worth 950g, and they give you +160 Health, +20 Damage and 10 life per attack. I see people buying 3 of them, but I usually buy 2 of them.
I would rather buy a Vampiric Scepter (800g) and a Ruby Crystal (475g) and if I wait 10s I can even buy a Healing Potion (35g). I know I get a little less damage, but what I noticed this way is that you can stay longer in the lane and if you are skilled with a Champion you can still get those last hits. And another thing I find useful: With my items I can build something later (Vampiric Scepter -> Bloodthirster). With the Doran's Blade I have to sell them later, and it results in another cost loss.
What are your thoughts on this?
Best Answer
The only role that can viably buy an early Vampiric Scepter is a jungler. This is because lifesteal procs off auto attacks, and in early game you should not be auto attacking creeps because it will push your lane too much.
One of the main ideas behind stacking Doran's is that it provides a cheap advantage for early game harrasment. If two champions with similar base stats are harassing each other, the champ with 2 Doran's will have greater sustain in lane and most likely will win the harrasments. Having more health allows you to win the skirmishes against your opponent, survive jungler ganks, last hit easier, and stay in the lane after a failed jungle gank or harassment.
This does put you behind for getting your first big purchase item, however given that a B. F. Sword (the most common big purchase for AD champs) is 1550g, spending an early 475g on a second Doran's, and consequently getting greater CS (note that after ~25 CS the dorans has paid for itself) and champ kills, can actually allow you to get that B. F. Sword sooner.