Aphelios vs Xerath

Aphelios
vs
44.3%

over 637 games

Xerath

Hard matchup

Heavy pokeHeavy AP damageHigh burstHeavy CC

You are stronger late game. Farm safe and avoid early trades.

Build vs Xerath

Build adapted to this matchup

Recommended items for Aphelios: The Collector, Infinity Edge, Lord Dominik's Regards, Gluttonous Greaves, Stormrazor, Hexoptics C44, Phantom Dancer, B. F. Sword.

Starting items

Doran's Bow
Health Potion
x2

Core build

The Collector
1
Infinity Edge
2
Lord Dominik's Regards
3

Standard

Gluttonous Greaves
4
Stormrazor
5

Summoner spells

FlashBarrier61%
FlashHaste23%

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Other options

Stormrazor
Hexoptics C44
Phantom Dancer
B. F. Sword
Runaan's Hurricane
Immortal Shieldbow
Bloodthirster
Mortal Reminder
Maw of Malmortius
Guardian Angel
Mercurial Scimitar
Quicksilver Sash
Executioner's Calling
Serrated Dirk
Rapid Firecannon
Yun Tal Wildarrows
Wit's End
Edge of Night
Hubris
50.0% WR74 games
PrecisionPrecision
Press the AttackPress the Attack
TriumphTriumph
Legend: BloodlineLegend: Bloodline
Cut DownCut Down
InspirationInspiration
Triple TonicTriple Tonic
Cash BackCash Back
Attack SpeedAdaptive ForceHealth

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

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

LevelQWER
39s14s13s–
67s14s13s2m10
95s13s13s2m10
115s12s13s1m55
165s10s12s1m40
185s10s11s1m40

Playing as Aphelios

Tips to maximize your impact

  1. Slow, then root with Gravitum

    With Gravitum as your main weapon, hit your target to slow them, then cast Weapon Abilities (Q): the cannon roots every enemy it has slowed.

  2. Pick your weapon before your R

    Switch to the right weapon with Phase (W) before Moonlight Vigil (R): you then attack each champion hit with your main weapon, and its effect applies.

  3. Plan your next weapon

    Before an objective, check Weapon Queue System (E): it shows the weapon Alune will give you next, and an empty weapon goes to the back of the queue.

Playing against Xerath

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

  1. Stay behind your minions

    Keep minions between you and Xerath: Shocking Orb (E) stuns the first enemy hit, for longer the farther it has traveled.

  2. Change direction

    Don't stand still, and change direction often: Arcanopulse (Q) hits a target moving forward or backward in a straight line much more easily.

  3. Engage while he charges

    If you can engage, go in while he charges Arcanopulse (Q): he slows down by up to 50%, and he has no dash to escape.

  4. Interrupt his Rite of the Arcane

    If you have CC and can reach him during Rite of the Arcane (R), use it: he channels the ult, and interrupting it stops his shots.

Patch 16.21.1