Ahri vs Swain
Skill matchup
Build vs Swain
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Ahri: Malignance, Shadowflame, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Blackfire Torch, Lich Bane, Dark Seal, Rabadon's Deathcap.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Swain's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Swain's ravens collect Soul Fragments that heal him and permanently increase his maximum health.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7s | 20s | 12s | – |
| 6 | 5s | 20s | 12s | 2m |
| 9 | 3s | 19s | 12s | 2m |
| 11 | 3s | 18s | 12s | 2m |
| 16 | 3s | 16s | 11s | 2m |
| 18 | 3s | 16s | 10s | 2m |
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 Swain
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Dodge Nevermove on its return
Get out of the Nevermove (E) path as it comes back: it only roots on its return to Swain, then he can pull each rooted champion to him.
- Leave the area of his eye
Leave the area as soon as Vision of Empire (W) appears: it strikes and slows 1.5 seconds later, and each champion hit gives him a Soul Fragment.
- Keep your distance during his ult
During Demonic Ascension (R), back off and hit from range if you can: he only drains nearby enemies, and his form ends when he stops draining.
- Cut his healing during his ult
If you have Grievous Wounds, apply it during Demonic Ascension (R): the drain heals him every second, and that healing keeps him alive.
Patch 16.21.1