Galio vs Swain
Hard matchup
Build vs Swain
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Galio: Hextech Rocketbelt, Imperial Mandate, Zhonya's Hourglass, Mercury's Treads, Hollow Radiance, Dark Seal, Oblivion Orb, Stormsurge.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Swain's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
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 | 20s | 12s | – |
| 6 | 5s | 20s | 12s | 2m |
| 9 | 3s | 19s | 12s | 2m |
| 11 | 3s | 18s | 12s | 2m |
| 16 | 3s | 16s | 11s | 2m |
| 18 | 3s | 16s | 10s | 2m |
Playing as Galio
Tips to maximize your impact
- Land your tornado during the taunt
Engage with Justice Punch (E), release Shield of Durand (W), then place Winds of War (Q) during the taunt: the tornado deals damage based on max health.
- Recharge your shield before a trade
Against a magic-damage opponent, don't take free hits before a trade: after a few seconds without taking damage, Shield of Durand (W) gives you a magic shield.
- Charge your taunt
Charge Shield of Durand (W) before releasing it, after a Flash if needed: a longer charge means a longer taunt, more damage and a wider area.
- Fly into fights
Watch the map and join fights with Hero's Entrance (R): your allies in the area get a magic shield, and your landing knocks enemies into the air.
Playing against Swain
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Dodge Nevermove on its return
Get out of the Nevermove (E) path as it comes back: it only roots on its return to Swain, then he can pull each rooted champion to him.
- Leave the area of his eye
Leave the area as soon as Vision of Empire (W) appears: it strikes and slows 1.5 seconds later, and each champion hit gives him a Soul Fragment.
- Keep your distance during his ult
During Demonic Ascension (R), back off and hit from range if you can: he only drains nearby enemies, and his form ends when he stops draining.
- Cut his healing during his ult
If you have Grievous Wounds, apply it during Demonic Ascension (R): the drain heals him every second, and that healing keeps him alive.
Other Galio matchups
Patch 16.21.1