Karthus
Recommended Build
Most popular build path
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Anti AD
Anti CC
Anti Tank
Domination
Dark Harvest
Cheap Shot
Grisly Mementos
Ultimate Hunter
Sorcery
Axiom Arcanist
Gathering Storm
Abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Upon dying, Karthus enters a spirit form that allows him to continue casting spells.
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | – |
| 6 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 3m20 |
| 9 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 3m20 |
| 11 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 3m |
| 16 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 2m40 |
| 18 | 0s | 15s | 0.5s | 2m40 |
Your Q (Lay Waste) deals double damage if it hits only one target — aim at champions isolated from minions.
The passive lets you cast spells for 7s after death — keep spamming Q and activate your R while dead.
R (Requiem) hits ALL enemies on the map — use it after a teamfight to finish off wounded survivors.
W (Wall of Pain) reduces MR and slows — place it on enemies before comboing to maximize your damage.
Playing as Karthus
Tips to maximize your impact
Your Q (Lay Waste) deals double damage if it hits only one target — aim at champions isolated from minions.
The passive lets you cast spells for 7s after death — keep spamming Q and activate your R while dead.
R (Requiem) hits ALL enemies on the map — use it after a teamfight to finish off wounded survivors.
W (Wall of Pain) reduces MR and slows — place it on enemies before comboing to maximize your damage.
Playing against Karthus
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Zhonya's, Edge of Night, and Banshee's block/cancel his R — buy one of these items if Karthus focuses you.
His Q deals double damage on isolated targets: stay in your minions or near allies to split the damage.
Shields, Soraka R, and heals can counter his R if well-timed — save an emergency heal for Requiem.
Karthus is immobile and squishy — dive him quickly to eliminate him before he deals continuous damage.
Stats with Karthus
Your best and worst matchups
Stats against Karthus
Your stats when facing this champion
Counters
Best and worst matchups
Source: op.gg · Patch 16.9.1 · Apr 29, 2026
Versus
Compare against an opponent
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Pro Players
High-elo players who play this champion.
