Graves vs Nocturne
Skill matchup
Build vs Nocturne
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Graves: Hubris, The Collector, Lord Dominik's Regards, Plated Steelcaps, Immortal Shieldbow, Infinity Edge, Youmuu's Ghostblade, B. F. Sword.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Nocturne's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Every few seconds, Nocturne's next attack strikes surrounding enemies for bonus physical damage and heals himself. Nocturne's basic attacks reduce this cooldown.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8s | 20s | 15s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 20s | 15s | 2m40 |
| 9 | 8s | 18s | 15s | 2m40 |
| 11 | 8s | 16s | 15s | 2m10 |
| 16 | 8s | 12s | 13s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 8s | 12s | 11s | 1m40 |
Playing as Graves
Tips to maximize your impact
- Clear your line of fire
Position with no minion between you and your target: each New Destiny (passive) auto fires 4 bullets that can't pass through units.
- Blind their carries
Cast Smoke Screen (W) on their carries: inside the smoke, they're slowed and can't see anything outside it for 4 seconds.
- Back away as you fire your R
Fire Collateral Damage (R) with your back to the danger: the shot knocks you backward, enough to reposition while dealing damage.
- Chain dashes during your clear
Cast Quickdraw (E) often during your clear: it reloads a shell, gives armor and magic resist, and each bullet that hits lowers its cooldown.
Playing against Nocturne
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Break his tether
Move away as soon as Unspeakable Horror (E) tethers you to him: if you get out of range before the tether ends, you aren't feared.
- Pop his barrier first
If you have CC, cast a cheap spell first: Shroud of Darkness (W) only blocks one ability, for 1.5 seconds.
- Move closer to your allies
When Paranoia (R) darkens your vision, move closer to your allies: you can't see them anymore, and he can launch himself at an isolated champion.
- Ward your flanks
Ward your jungle and your flanks: Paranoia (R) lets him launch himself at you from long range, and vision helps you see him coming.
Other Graves matchups
Patch 16.21.1