Baron is a supremely fun character to play, and versatile. I've seen a lot of guides for CP Baron, which is an effective way to play him, but not the only way.
Personally, I have had better luck playing WP Baron, partly because of his Jump Jets buff from WP, but also because of the oh so sweet Rocket Launcher passive. If you are having troubles making CP Baron work for you, I definitely suggest trying your hand at WP Baron.
WP Baron can do Lane or Jungle. I wouldn't suggest Roam as his lack of a large starting HP pool and no starting life-steal means that face-tanking anything is kind of off the table, unless you want to invest in more defensive items.
The Item sets I've mention above cover just about any situation, and it's up to you to gauge the enemy teams strengths and weaknesses, and what you are having the most trouble with in game. For example, if I am laning, and facing a strong CP Samuel, then I will focus on Shield defensive Items and try to complete an Aegis earlier than usual.
So here's how I play the WP Baron for full effect, Laning or Jungling.
Start with the Swift Shooter and some Pots to get started, the extra attack speed is absolutely necessary as Barons base attack speed is attrocious. You'll never get a truly fast attack speed, but it's important to boost it above base. Once I have exhausted my two potions and (hopefully) killed off my opposing laner, I will back with about 1700-2400 gold in pocket. That's when I pick up my first Heavy Blade and upgrade to a Blazing Salvo. With an extra 300 I grab my boots for a little more mobility.
When Laning, especially early game, remember that your porcupine rockets are not your main source of DPS, but rather an aid and a zoning tool. Use them strategically to reveal enemies in brush or to harass opponents trying to get close.
On my next back, I go after another Heavy Blade and a Six Sins. If I can afford it at this point, I determine what the enemy team is building and buy a countering defensive Item. For CP I pick up a Light Shield and for WP I grab the Light Armor.
It should be said that after the early game phase, usually when the enemy team begins ganking, you want to start roaming. Help the Jungler, slap the Gold Mine, and generally zone and harass the enemy Jungler while keeping an eye on your lane. Don't let your turret fall, but don't be afraid to go for a walk in the woods.
Now that I have built my items thusfar, As soon as I have 750 gold, I run down to the jungle shop, or back if need be, to pick up Breaking Point. It's important to grab this first as it stacks weapon damage as you deal damage. The earlier you get this, the more stacks you can get as the game progresses into the late stages.
You should have the Core Build before the Kraken appears (or before anyone caps it). That is, One Sorrowblade, Breaking Point, Tornado Trigger, Travelling Boots at least, and either Aegis or Metal Jacket.
If you're facing a heavy armored team, such as a Rona, Phinn, Lance, or Glaive; I would pick up the Tension Bow instead of Sorrowblade first, and build Sorrowblade after that.
In your Final slot, which is the Icing on the Cake slot because by this point you can one shot minions with basic attacks and chunk health off of your opponents Laner, I pick up a DPS slot item that'll kick the pants off my enemies. This is really based on what you are fighting. If your opponents are moving slowly (Phinn, Glaive, Saw, Reim) I would grab the Contraption for some map wide Zoning, LoS, and the hilarious effect of low health Phinn blowing up on a land mine. Keep in mind that the contraption also effects energy total and CD, so it is still worth it for using your Porcupines and Jump Jets more often. If I'm fighting a more mobile team however (and usually squishier), I want to grab either a second Tornado Trigger, or a Tyrant's Monocle. That chunking I was talking about? Ya, that but faster.
If you find you are dying too much in a match and want to curb your death streak, I suggest picking up a second defensive Item. Aegis, Fountain of Renewal or Crucible are each good options for this slot.
In the end game, stick close to your team, or what turrets you have left if your brothers in arms are awaiting respawn. You have massive DPS capabilities and can kill the opposing team entirely if they group too closely, but keep in mind your limitations. You are not the tankiest character out there. If you try to fight 3v1, you will lose. 2v1 after all items are built, you will definitely be able to kill one, but the second may avenge his fallen ally. Be aware of your limitations as Baron, and your strengths will shine as brightly as the sun.
Now get out there and Rocket your way to victory!
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