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Karthus vs Lucian

Karthus
vs
Not enough games
Lucian
Analyze a draft with Karthus
Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHigh burstSplit push

Build vs Lucian

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

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Other options

Void Staff
Zhonya's Hourglass
Stormsurge
Malignance

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Lucian's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Lightslinger (P)

Whenever Lucian uses an ability, his next attack becomes a double-shot. When Lucian is healed or shielded by an ally, or when a nearby enemy Champion is immobilized, his next 2 basic attacks will deal bonus magic damage.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
39s14s16s–
67s14s16s1m50
95s13s16s1m50
115s12s16s1m40
165s10s15s1m30
185s10s14s1m30

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 Lucian

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

  1. Punish his dash

    Punish him after an aggressive dash: Relentless Pursuit (E) has a 16 to 14 second cooldown, only reduced when his double shots hit.

  2. Step back after each burst

    Back off after each of his spells: Lightslinger (passive) doubles the next auto, so his damage comes in short bursts.

  3. Poke him from outside his range

    If your attack range beats his 500 units, poke him from outside it: he then has to use Relentless Pursuit (E) to get back on you.

  4. Drag the game out

    If you survive the laning phase, play for time: Lucian is strongest early and loses impact once everyone has their items.

Other Karthus matchups

Patch 16.21.1