Matchup

Aphelios

86%

14%

vs

48.8%

over 1264 games

Varus

64%

36%

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHeavy pokeCountered by spell shield

Skill matchup

You are stronger late game — farm safe and avoid early trades.

Build vs Varus

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

—

Core build

1DPS

2DPS

3vs Hybride

Standard

4AS

5DPS

Summoner spells

67%

22%

Anti AD

4vs AD

5vs AD

vs AD

Anti AP

4vs CC

5vs AP

vs AP

Anti Tank

5vs Tank

vs Tank

DPS

74.1% WR27 games

Precision

Press the Attack

Triumph

Legend: Bloodline

Cut Down

Inspiration

Triple Tonic

Cash Back

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)

Mid (15-30)

Late (30+)

Aphelios

Varus

Neutral

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

Level	Q	W	E	R
3	16s	40s	18s	–
6	14s	40s	18s	1m40
9	12s	40s	18s	1m40
11	12s	40s	18s	1m20
16	12s	40s	14s	1m
18	12s	40s	10s	1m

Playing against Varus

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

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

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

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

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

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