Matchup
Heavy AP damageHeavy pokeHigh burstCountered by spell shield
Build vs Xerath
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Anti AD
Anti CC
Anti Tank
DPS
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
Karthus
XerathNeutral
Neutral
Neutral
Xerath's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Mana Surge (P)
Xerath's basic attacks periodically restore Mana. Whenever Xerath kills a unit, this cooldown is reduced.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9s | 14s | 13s | – |
| 6 | 7s | 14s | 13s | 2m10 |
| 9 | 5s | 13s | 13s | 2m10 |
| 11 | 5s | 12s | 13s | 1m55 |
| 16 | 5s | 10s | 12s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 5s | 10s | 11s | 1m40 |
Playing against Xerath
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
1
Gap-close on Xerath: he's very vulnerable in melee. Assassins and engages destroy him.
2
His Q has a windup during which he slows down — engage when he's charging his Q.
3
All his abilities are skillshots: move constantly in unpredictable patterns.
4
His R makes him immobile: if you can find him during his R, interrupt him with CC.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026