Hwei vs Locke
Skill matchup
Build vs Locke
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Hwei: Blackfire Torch, Liandry's Torment, Shadowflame, Sorcerer's Shoes, Dark Seal, Zhonya's Hourglass, Rabadon's Deathcap, Luden's Echo.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Locke's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Locke's attacks deal additional magic damage On-Hit, increased based on enemy missing Health.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10s | 18s | 10s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 18s | 10s | 2m |
| 9 | 6s | 17s | 10s | 2m |
| 11 | 6s | 16s | 10s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 6s | 14s | 10s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 6s | 14s | 10s | 1m20 |
Playing as Hwei
Tips to maximize your impact
- Poke with Devastating Fire
Poke with Devastating Fire (QQ) in lane: the fireball explodes on the first enemy hit and adds damage based on their max health.
- Two spells for your signature
Hit the same champion with two damaging spells: Signature of the Visionary (passive) then leaves a signature beneath them that explodes shortly after.
- Pick the right subject
Pick the subject that fits the moment: Devastating Fire (QQ) for damage, Pool of Reflection (WW) to protect your allies, Crushing Maw (EE) to pull a group together.
- Block a path with lava
Block a chokepoint with Molten Fissure (QE): the line of eruptions leaves pools of lava that slow and damage enemies.
- Ult a champion near their team
Cast Spiraling Despair (R) on a champion surrounded by allies: the vision expands around them, slowing harder and damaging nearby enemies before it explodes.
Playing against Locke
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Back instead of staying low
Back instead of staying in lane at low health: Silver Stake (passive) adds damage to his autos that grows with your missing health.
- Trade after his E
Trade after Ashen Pursuit (E): it's his only instant movement, and its 10-second cooldown only resets if he gets a takedown.
- During his W, only hit to kill
During Soul Ignition (W), only hit him if you can kill him: at the end, he heals back part of the last damage taken, yours included.
- Stay above his threshold
Marked by Purgatory (R), stay above its threshold: if you have a heal or a shield, use it, because he seals marked enemies who drop below it.
- Contest his artifact
If the Purgatory (R) artifact lands, hold the area where it fell: by picking it up, Locke raises his execute threshold for each sealed champion, for the rest of the game.
Other Hwei matchups
Patch 16.21.1