This guide aims to provide players with a detailed understanding of how to maximize Xerath’s potential in both mid and support roles in under 3 minutes.
Your Quick Mid Guide
Your Quick Support Guide
Threats
Fusions
Items
Core Items for Most Games:
Core Items Versus High HP Teams:
Alternative Item Builds:
- While we’ve discussed core items, it’s essential to adapt based on the game’s flow. Facing a team with heavy magic resist? Consider adding a Void Staff.
- If the enemy has a lot of crowd control, a Banshee’s Veil can be a lifesaver. Always assess the situation and adjust your build accordingly.
- Rylai’s Crystal Scepter (enhances crowd control during the game’s later stages)
Combos and Mechanics
Quick list of combos and mechanics:
Extended E Range Combo
Reliable Ultimate Combo
Extended Q Range Combo
Max Damage Long Range Combo
Standard Stun Combo
Poke Combo
Burst Timing Combo
Mobility Compensation
Given Xerath’s lack of inherent mobility, it’s crucial to enhance his ability to navigate the battlefield. The recommended summoner spells are Flash and Ghost, which collectively provide both escape and chase potential.
Champion Select Strategy
Xerath’s versatility and resilience against counters make him a valuable asset in champion select. Players can confidently first-pick Xerath after they master it, allowing teammates to make informed choices without the fear of being countered.
Matchups and Counters: While Xerath stands tall against many champions, it’s essential to know the battlefield. Champions with high mobility or those who can dive can pose a threat. For instance, while you might have the range advantage against a Zed or LeBlanc, their ability to close the gap quickly can be a challenge. On the flip side, Xerath can easily dominate champions who lack mobility or engage tools. Knowledge is power, so familiarize yourself with these matchups to always have the upper hand.
Early Game Tactics
During the laning phase, Xerath players have two primary strategies:
- Aggressive Push: Utilize Xerath’s range to pressure the opponent under their tower, potentially drawing attention from the enemy jungler.
- Defensive Farming: In matchups against assassins like Fizz, it’s advisable to play conservatively, focusing on farming and positioning safely.
It’s essential to strike a balance; while pushing, ensure you’re also harassing the enemy champion. Successfully lowering their health can mitigate the threat of jungle ganks.
Ultimate Utilization
Xerath’s ultimate, due to its significant early damage and vast range, can dictate the game’s tempo. Players should frequently scan the map, capitalizing on opportunities to assist allies or secure kills.
Mid Game Strategy
Post the 14-minute mark, Xerath begins to emerge as a significant threat. A benchmark for success is achieving 180 AP by the 18th minute, factoring in both runes and items. Upon reaching level 9, switching to the blue trinket is advised for enhanced vision.
Safety Precautions
Given his immobility, Xerath players should exercise caution. When traversing areas without vision, ensure at least one summoner spell is available. This precaution reduces the risk of unexpected confrontations.
Warding Tips: Vision wins games, and for an immobile champion like Xerath, it’s even more critical. When playing mid, ward the river’s side bushes and the pixel brush to safeguard against jungle ganks. If you’re venturing deep, dropping a ward at the enemy jungle’s exit paths can give you ample warning. As support, the river, tri-bush, and dragon or Baron pits are your best friends. Keep them warded, and you’ll not only protect yourself but also provide invaluable information for your team.
Target Prioritization
While Xerath excels at targeting ADCs and APCs, it’s also viable to focus on squishy supports like Janna, Senna, and Zyra during mid-game skirmishes. Tanks and fighters should generally be secondary targets unless aiding an ally’s escape or securing a kill.
Gameplay Dynamics: League of Legends is as much about strategy as it is about skill. As Xerath, you’re not just a damage dealer; you’re also a zone controller. Use your abilities to shape the battlefield, forcing enemies to move where you want them. This not only sets up kills but also protects your team.
Skill Mastery
Xerath’s effectiveness heavily relies on accurately landing skill shots, necessitating consistent practice. During teamfights, maintain a position in the backline, always being vigilant of potential threats.
Late Game Approach
In the game’s later stages, Xerath’s damage output becomes formidable. It’s crucial to initiate with his ultimate before teamfights, capitalizing on its high damage and range.
Support Role Nuances
In the support role, Imperial Mandate stands out as a core item. Skill sequencing is vital; initiate with E, followed by W and Q to set up kills for your ADC.
Playing Xerath as support is a unique experience. Beyond just poking and zoning, consider your ADC’s playstyle. If they’re aggressive, use your abilities to set up kills. If they’re more passive, focus on zoning and protecting. And always, always keep an eye out for the enemy jungler. Your wards are your best defense against unexpected ganks.
Frequently Asked Questions
While Xerath’s concept is straightforward, mastering his skill shots and positioning can be challenging. However, with practice, players can become formidable Xerath mains.
Yes, besides mid, Xerath is also played as a support due to his poke and crowd control capabilities. However, mid remains his primary role.
Xerath can be mana-intensive, especially if you’re frequently casting spells. To manage his mana:
- Prioritize last-hitting with basic attacks and use your Q sparingly in the early game.
- Consider items like Lost Chapter (which builds into Luden’s Tempest) for mana sustain.
- Utilize the Manaflow Band rune, which restores mana upon hitting enemy champions with abilities.
- Be mindful of your passive, Mana Surge, which restores mana when you auto-attack champions (and a smaller amount when attacking minions).
Xerath can struggle against assassins, especially those who can quickly close the gap. Proper positioning and timely use of his E are crucial when facing such champions.
