Karthus vs Lee Sin
Skill matchup
Build vs Lee Sin
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Karthus: Blackfire Torch, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Liandry's Torment, Zhonya's Hourglass, Void Staff, Malignance.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Lee Sin's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
After Lee Sin uses an ability, his next 2 basic attacks gain Attack Speed and return Energy.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10s | 8s | 8s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 8s | 8s | 1m50 |
| 9 | 6s | 8s | 8s | 1m50 |
| 11 | 6s | 8s | 8s | 1m25 |
| 16 | 6s | 8s | 8s | 1m |
| 18 | 6s | 8s | 8s | 1m |
Playing as Karthus
Tips to maximize your impact
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 Lee Sin
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Step up when he misses Q
Step up when Sonic Wave (Q) misses you: without it, he has no dash to reach you, and it has a 10 to 6 second cooldown.
- Spread out from your allies
In teamfights, spread out from your allies when facing him: the champion he kicks with Dragon's Rage (R) damages every enemy they collide with and knocks them into the air.
- Watch your early jungle
Ward your jungle entrance early on: Lee Sin often looks to invade early to get ahead.
- Drag the game out
If you survive his first minutes, play for time: Lee Sin is strongest early and loses impact once everyone has their items.
Other Karthus matchups
Patch 16.21.1