Matchup
Heavy AP damageHeavy pokeHigh burstCountered by spell shield
Skill matchup
Build vs Xerath
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
59%
28%Anti AD
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Other options
100.0% WR5 games
Resolve
Aftershock
Font of Life
Bone Plating
Unflinching
Inspiration
Hextech Flashtraption
Cosmic Insight
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
Alistar
XerathNeutral
Neutral
Neutral
Xerath's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Mana Surge (P)
Xerath's basic attacks periodically restore Mana. Whenever Xerath kills a unit, this cooldown is reduced.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9s | 14s | 13s | – |
| 6 | 7s | 14s | 13s | 2m10 |
| 9 | 5s | 13s | 13s | 2m10 |
| 11 | 5s | 12s | 13s | 1m55 |
| 16 | 5s | 10s | 12s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 5s | 10s | 11s | 1m40 |
Playing against Xerath
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
1
Gap-close on Xerath: he's very vulnerable in melee. Assassins and engages destroy him.
2
His Q has a windup during which he slows down — engage when he's charging his Q.
3
All his abilities are skillshots: move constantly in unpredictable patterns.
4
His R makes him immobile: if you can find him during his R, interrupt him with CC.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026