Elise vs Graves
Skill matchup
Build vs Graves
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Elise: Lich Bane, Shadowflame, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Stormsurge, Dark Seal, Rabadon's Deathcap, Void Staff.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Graves's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Graves' shotgun has some unique properties. He must reload when he runs out of ammo. Attacks fire 4 bullets, which cannot pass through units. Non-champions struck by multiple bullets are knocked back.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 13s | 26s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 9.5s | 26s | 16s | 1m40 |
| 9 | 6s | 24s | 16s | 1m40 |
| 11 | 6s | 22s | 16s | 1m20 |
| 16 | 6s | 18s | 14s | 1m |
| 18 | 6s | 18s | 12s | 1m |
Playing as Elise
Tips to maximize your impact
- Start human, finish spider
Start in human form with Cocoon (E) then Neurotoxin (Q), strong on a high-health target. Finish in spider form with Venomous Bite (Q), strong on a low-health target.
- Drop on your target to finish
In spider form, save Rappel (E) to finish or to escape: landing on your target empowers Spider Queen (passive), and Rappel's long cooldown leaves you vulnerable afterward.
- Speed up your spiders
In spider form, cast Skittering Frenzy (W) once you're on your target: you and your spiderlings gain attack speed, and they attack the target you bite.
- Gank early and often
Gank early and often: Cocoon (E) stuns the first enemy hit from range, and Elise is strongest before everyone has their items.
Playing against Graves
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Keep units between you and him
Stay behind your minions or your frontline: the 4 bullets of each New Destiny (passive) auto can't pass through units.
- Hit him from outside his range
If you're ranged, hit him from a distance: his autos only reach 425, and New Destiny (passive) forces him to reload when his shotgun is empty.
- Get out of his smoke
Leave Smoke Screen (W) quickly rather than fighting inside it: the smoke slows you and cuts off all vision outside it.
- Drag the game out
If your team scales better over time, play for time: Graves is strongest in the early and mid game.
Other Elise matchups
Patch 16.21.1