Matchup
Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHeavy pokeCountered by spell shield
You are stronger early — look to snowball before your opponent scales.
Build vs Varus
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
88%
7%Anti AD
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Other options
100.0% WR3 games
Domination
Electrocute
Sudden Impact
Grisly Mementos
Relentless Hunter
Precision
Coup de Grace
Triumph
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
Katarina
VarusAggressive
Neutral
Passive
Varus's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Living Vengeance (P)
On kill or assist, Varus temporarily gains Attack Damage and Ability Power. This bonus is larger if the enemy is a champion.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 16s | 40s | 18s | – |
| 6 | 14s | 40s | 18s | 1m40 |
| 9 | 12s | 40s | 18s | 1m40 |
| 11 | 12s | 40s | 18s | 1m20 |
| 16 | 12s | 40s | 14s | 1m |
| 18 | 12s | 40s | 10s | 1m |
Playing against Varus
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
1
Varus has NO mobility: assassins and engages kill him easily.
2
His R root spreads: spread out when an ally is rooted to avoid the chain.
3
Charged Q slows him: engage while he's charging to catch him immobile.
4
Cleanse or QSS cancels his R root — essential for carries.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026