Ekko vs Karthus
Skill matchup
Build vs Karthus
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Ekko: Dusk and Dawn, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Zhonya's Hourglass, Dark Seal, Nashor's Tooth, Void Staff.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Karthus's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Upon dying, Karthus enters a spirit form that allows him to continue casting spells.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | – |
| 6 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 3m20 |
| 9 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 3m20 |
| 11 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 3m |
| 16 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 2m40 |
| 18 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 2m40 |
Playing as Ekko
Tips to maximize your impact
- Hit with your Q both ways
Throw Timewinder (Q) at a champion, then position so the device passes through them again on its way back: it expands into a slowing field, and the return hits again.
- Three hits for your Resonance
Hit with Timewinder (Q) out and back, and weave in the empowered auto from Phase Dive (E): the third hit triggers Z-Drive Resonance (passive), with bonus damage and speed.
- Step into your sphere
Cast Parallel Convergence (W) where the fight will happen, then step into the sphere when it appears: you stun the enemies inside and gain a shield.
- Engage, then rewind time
Engage, deal your damage, then cast Chronobreak (R): you return to where you were 4 seconds earlier, in stasis, and recover health based on what you lost.
Playing against Karthus
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Stay near your minions
Stay near your minions or your allies: Lay Waste (Q) deals much more damage when the blast hits only one enemy.
- Jump on him if you can
If you can engage, jump on him: Karthus has no dash or leap to escape.
- Don't stay low once he hits 6
Once he hits level 6, back instead of staying at low health: Requiem (R) hits every enemy champion wherever they are, 3 seconds after he starts channeling.
- Save your protection for Requiem
If you have a shield, a heal or invulnerability, save it for Requiem (R): it hits every enemy champion 3 seconds after he starts channeling.
- Move away after he dies
Once Karthus is dead, move away: Death Defied (passive) keeps him in spirit form for a while, and he can still cast his spells.
Other Ekko matchups
Patch 16.21.1