Smolder is a notorious resource-intensive champion with a very weak early lane phase, often making him an unwelcome pick for teammates.
While his late-game scales well with stacks, his carry potential might not always meet expectations; prioritize Essence Reaver, Infinity Edge, and Rapid Firecannon.
Players often have a negative perception of Smolder users, so play carefully. Avoid mid/top lane picks and inefficient items like Tear or Shojin.