To initiate means to start a fight by actively engaging the enemy team, usually with a gap closer, hard CC, or a powerful engage ability. The champion who initiates commits first, creating the opening for their teammates to follow up and turn the engagement into a full battle. Good initiation often decides whether a fight begins on favorable terms or collapses immediately.
Initiators typically function as durable Frontline champions or disruptive bruisers capable of absorbing the first wave of damage. Their role is to create space, lock down priority targets, and force the enemy into a defensive reaction. Proper initiation also denies opportunities for opponents to Kite or reposition, allowing the initiating team to collapse decisively and control the tempo of the fight. Timing, vision control, and coordination all determine whether an initiation succeeds or backfires.
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