Ahri vs Katarina
Skill matchup
Build vs Katarina
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Ahri: Malignance, Shadowflame, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Lich Bane, Rabadon's Deathcap, Dark Seal, Blackfire Torch.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Katarina's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Whenever an enemy champion dies that Katarina has damaged recently, her remaining ability cooldowns are dramatically reduced.If Katarina picks up a Dagger, she uses it to slash through all nearby enemies, dealing magic damage.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11s | 15s | 12s | – |
| 6 | 9s | 15s | 12s | 1m15 |
| 9 | 7s | 14s | 12s | 1m15 |
| 11 | 7s | 13s | 12s | 1m |
| 16 | 7s | 11s | 10s | 45s |
| 18 | 7s | 11s | 8s | 45s |
Playing as Ahri
Tips to maximize your impact
- Charm first, combo second
Land Charm (E) before your combo: it's your only CC, and a target walking toward you takes Orb of Deception (Q) both ways.
- Bring your orb back through the target
Position so Orb of Deception (Q) hits on the way out and on the way back: the return deals true damage.
- Farm to heal
To stay in lane, clear the wave with Orb of Deception (Q): Essence Theft (passive) heals you every 9 minions or monsters killed, and more after a takedown.
- Save a dash to get out
Engage with Spirit Rush (R) but save a dash to get out: you can cast it up to 3 times, and each takedown gives you another.
- Push, then roam
Push your wave with Orb of Deception (Q), then roam: the dashes of Spirit Rush (R) get you there fast and back out just as fast.
Playing against Katarina
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Stay away from her daggers
Stay away from her daggers on the ground: when she picks one up, Voracity (passive) hits every nearby enemy, and Shunpo (E) lets her blink to it.
- Trade after her Shunpo
Trade right after Shunpo (E): it's her only blink, and it has a 12 to 8 second cooldown, less if she picks up a dagger.
- Save your CC for her Lotus
If you have CC, save it for Death Lotus (R): it's a channel, and interrupting it stops its damage.
- Don't count on your healing
Don't count on your healing during Death Lotus (R): each knife applies Grievous Wounds, which reduces healing received.
Patch 16.21.1