Karma vs Alistar
Skill matchup
Build vs Alistar
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Karma: Echoes of Helia, Moonstone Renewer, Redemption, Ionian Boots of Lucidity, Dream Maker, Zaz'Zak's Realmspike, Mikael's Blessing, Malignance.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Alistar's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Alistar charges his roar by stunning or displacing enemy champions or when nearby enemies die. When fully charged he heals himself all nearby allied champions.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14s | 14s | 12s | – |
| 6 | 12s | 14s | 12s | 2m |
| 9 | 10s | 13s | 12s | 2m |
| 11 | 10s | 12s | 12s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 10s | 10s | 11s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 10s | 10s | 10s | 1m20 |
Playing as Karma
Tips to maximize your impact
- Deal damage to refresh Mantra
Hit the enemy with your spells: Gathering Fire (passive) lowers the cooldown of Mantra (R) with each damaging ability.
- Mantra then Q to poke
To poke, cast Mantra (R) then Inner Flame (Q) at a group: the explosion leaves a ring of fire that slows and deals more damage.
- Mantra then W at low health
At low health, cast Mantra (R) then Focused Resolve (W): you restore part of your missing health at the start and end of the tether, and the root lasts longer.
- Mantra then E for the whole team
In teamfights, cast Mantra (R) then Inspire (E) on an ally surrounded by the others: everyone gets a shield and move speed, to engage or to escape.
Playing against Alistar
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Trade after his Headbutt
Take a trade right after his Headbutt (W): without it, he can't engage from range, and its cooldown is 14 to 10 seconds.
- Watch who can follow him
Back off when his carry is close enough to follow him, and play hard when they're far away: an Alistar engage only kills if someone follows up.
- Respect his level 2
Once he hits level 2, stay out of Headbutt (W) range: combined with Pulverize (Q), he knocks you into the air as soon as he arrives.
- Save your CC for after his R
If you have CC, save it for after Unbreakable Will (R): the spell removes the CC on him when cast, but doesn't protect him from what comes next.
Other Karma matchups
Patch 16.21.1