Brand vs Xerath
Skill matchup
Build vs Xerath
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Brand: Blackfire Torch, Rylai's Crystal Scepter, Liandry's Torment, Sorcerer's Shoes, Zhonya's Hourglass, Oblivion Orb, Shadowflame, Morellonomicon.
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 Brand
Tips to maximize your impact
- Three spells for the explosion
Hit the same target with three spells: at 3 stacks, Blaze (passive) becomes unstable and detonates 2 seconds later, dealing heavy damage around it.
- Set them ablaze before the stun
Start with Conflagration (E), then Sear (Q) to stun the target while they're ablaze, and finish with Pillar of Flame (W), which deals 25% more damage to them.
- Spread the fire from minions
Cast Conflagration (E) on a minion that's ablaze near your opponent: when the target is ablaze, the spread range doubles and reaches them.
- Save your R for a group
Cast Pyroclasm (R) when several enemies are close: the torrent bounces up to 5 times, first to champions that are ablaze but not yet at 3 stacks.
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 Brand matchups
Patch 16.21.1