Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPS

Build vs Aphelios

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Malignance
1Mage
Hextech Rocketbelt
2Mage tank
Zhonya's Hourglass
3vs AD

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Shadowflame
5vs Tank

Summoner spells

41257%
41443%

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Shadowflame
5vs Tank
Stormsurge
vs Tank
Void Staff
vs Tank

DPS

Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage
Blackfire Torch
Mage
Cosmic Drive
Mage tank

Other options

Mejai's Soulstealer
100.0% WR6 games
DominationDomination
ElectrocuteElectrocute
Taste of BloodTaste of Blood
Grisly MementosGrisly Mementos
Ultimate HunterUltimate Hunter
SorcerySorcery
TranscendenceTranscendence
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
Attack SpeedAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
AhriAhri
ApheliosAphelios
Aggressive
Neutral
Passive

Aphelios's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

The Hitman and the Seer (P)

Aphelios wields 5 Lunari Weapons made by his sister Alune. He has access to two at a time: one main-hand and one off-hand. Each weapon has a unique Basic Attack and Ability. Attacks and abilities consume a weapon's ammo. When out of ammo, Aphelios discards the weapon and Alune summons the next of the 5.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
39s0.8s0s
69s0.8s0s2m
99s0.8s0s2m
119s0.8s0s1m50
169s0.8s0s1m40
189s0.8s0s1m40

Playing against Aphelios

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Identify his active weapons: Gravitum (purple) = AoE root danger, Infernum (blue) = massive AoE damage with R.

2

Aphelios is immobile with no dash — engages and assassins punish him very easily.

3

He's weaker when transitioning between weapons (Calibrum/Severum remaining) — force fights at that point.

4

Destroy his Crescendum turrets quickly — they deal a lot of area damage if ignored.

Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026