Karthus vs Jhin

Karthus
vs
Not enough games
Jhin
Heavy AD damageHigh burstHeavy pokeHeavy CC

Build vs Jhin

The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup

Recommended items for Karthus: Blackfire Torch, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Void Staff, Zhonya's Hourglass, Stormsurge, Malignance.

Starting items

Scorchclaw Pup
Health Potion

Core build

Blackfire Torch
1
Shadowflame
2
Rabadon's Deathcap
3

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Void Staff
5

Summoner spells

ExhaustSmite100%

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Other options

Void Staff
Zhonya's Hourglass
Stormsurge
Malignance
DominationDomination
Dark HarvestDark Harvest
Cheap ShotCheap Shot
Grisly MementosGrisly Mementos
Treasure HunterTreasure Hunter
PrecisionPrecision
Presence of MindPresence of Mind
Coup de GraceCoup de Grace
Adaptive ForceAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Jhin's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Whisper (P)

Jhin's hand cannon, Whisper, is a precise instrument designed to deal superior damage. It fires at a fixed rate and carries only four shots. Jhin imbues the final bullet with dark magics to critically strike and deal bonus execute damage. Whenever Whisper crits, it inspires Jhin with a burst of Move Speed.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
37s12s2s–
66s12s2s2m
95s12s2s2m
115s12s2s1m45
165s12s2s1m30
185s12s2s1m30

Playing as Karthus

Tips to maximize your impact

  1. Aim for isolated champions

    Aim Lay Waste (Q) at a champion away from their minions: if the blast hits only one enemy, it deals much more damage.

  2. Wall before your combo

    Place Wall of Pain (W) in their path before your combo: anyone who crosses it is slowed and loses magic resist.

  3. Keep playing after you die

    After you die, keep casting your spells: Death Defied (passive) keeps you in spirit form for a while, and you can still cast Lay Waste (Q) and Requiem (R).

  4. Requiem for the finish

    Save Requiem (R) to finish off wounded enemies, often right after a teamfight: it hits every enemy champion wherever they are, after a 3-second channel.

Playing against Jhin

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

  1. Trade while he reloads

    Trade right after his 4th shot: Whisper (passive) then has to reload, and only his spells can hit you while he does.

  2. Respect his W after a hit

    After Jhin or his allies hit you, step out of the line of Deadly Flourish (W): it roots you if you were damaged in the last 4 seconds, and it has huge range.

  3. Punish his lack of mobility

    If you can engage, go for him when his support walks away: with no dash or leap, Jhin can only back off on foot.

  4. Interrupt his ult

    During Curtain Call (R), he stays in place to channel: if you have CC, interrupt him, otherwise flank him.

Patch 16.21.1