Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHeavy pokeCountered by spell shield

Build vs Varus

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Malignance
1Mage
Hextech Rocketbelt
2Mage tank
Rabadon's Deathcap
3Mage

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Shadowflame
5vs Tank

Summoner spells

41260%
41437%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Zhonya's Hourglass
5vs AD

Anti AP

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC
Banshee's Veil
5vs AP

Anti Tank

Shadowflame
5vs Tank
Void Staff
vs Tank
Stormsurge
vs Tank
Cryptbloom
vs Tank

DPS

Luden's Echo
Mage
Blackfire Torch
Mage
Cosmic Drive
Mage tank
Lich Bane
Mage
Liandry's Torment
Mage tank

Other options

Mejai's Soulstealer
Oblivion Orb
100.0% WR4 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
VarusVarus
Aggressive
Neutral
Passive

Varus's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Living Vengeance (P)

On kill or assist, Varus temporarily gains Attack Damage and Ability Power. This bonus is larger if the enemy is a champion.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
316s40s18s
614s40s18s1m40
912s40s18s1m40
1112s40s18s1m20
1612s40s14s1m
1812s40s10s1m

Playing against Varus

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Varus has NO mobility: assassins and engages kill him easily.

2

His R root spreads: spread out when an ally is rooted to avoid the chain.

3

Charged Q slows him: engage while he's charging to catch him immobile.

4

Cleanse or QSS cancels his R root — essential for carries.

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