Azir vs Xerath
Hard matchup
You are stronger late game. Farm safe and avoid early trades.
Build vs Xerath
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Azir: Nashor's Tooth, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Zhonya's Hourglass, Dark Seal, Dusk and Dawn, Void Staff.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Xerath's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
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 as Azir
Tips to maximize your impact
- Line your soldiers up on the wave
Place your Arise! (W) soldiers so their spear thrust goes through the wave and your opponent: it hits every enemy in a line.
- Dash to a soldier with a clear path
To escape, cast Shifting Sands (E) toward a soldier behind you: the spell shields you, but stops on the first enemy champion in its path.
- Get behind them before your R
To get behind your target, cast Conquering Sands (Q) during the Shifting Sands (E) dash to a soldier. Emperor's Divide (R) then knocks them back toward your team.
- Protect your team with your wall
Cast Emperor's Divide (R) between your team and those charging at it: the soldiers knock them back, then stay as a wall that blocks the way.
Playing against Xerath
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Other Azir matchups
Patch 16.21.1