Gwen vs Nocturne
Build vs Nocturne
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Gwen: Dusk and Dawn, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Plated Steelcaps, Riftmaker, Zhonya's Hourglass, Void Staff, Stormsurge.
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 Gwen
Tips to maximize your impact
- Land 4 autos before your Q
Land 4 autos before Snip Snip! (Q): each auto adds a snip, on top of the first and the last.
- Hit with the center of your Q
Land the center of Snip Snip! (Q): in the center, part of the damage becomes true damage and each snip applies A Thousand Cuts (passive).
- Mist against poke
Place Hallowed Mist (W) against poke and ranged CC: enemies outside the mist can't target you, except towers.
- Use all three casts of your R
Cast all three Needlework (R) activations within 6 seconds: the first throws one needle, then three, then five, with growing damage.
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 Gwen matchups
Patch 16.21.1