Matchup
Heavy AP damageHigh sustainSustained DPSHeavy CC
Skill matchup
Build vs Swain
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
73%
16%Anti AD
Anti Heal
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Other options
72.7% WR11 games
Precision
Lethal Tempo
Presence of Mind
Legend: Alacrity
Cut Down
Inspiration
Biscuit Delivery
Approach Velocity
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
Ashe
SwainCareful
Careful
Aggressive
Swain's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Ravenous Flock (P)
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 | 22s | 12s | – |
| 6 | 5s | 22s | 12s | 2m |
| 9 | 3s | 21s | 12s | 2m |
| 11 | 3s | 20s | 12s | 2m |
| 16 | 3s | 18s | 11s | 2m |
| 18 | 3s | 18s | 10s | 2m |
Playing against Swain
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
1
Stay out of his R drain range — if you can't burst him, back off and wait for R to expire.
2
His E root triggers on the RETURN: dodge the returning projectile, not the outgoing one.
3
Grievous Wounds reduces his R drain and passive heals — buy it early.
4
Swain is vulnerable to long-range champions who can poke him without entering his drain zone.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 8, 2026