Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHeavy pokeCountered by spell shield

Build vs Varus

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Blackfire Torch
1Mage
Liandry's Torment
2Mage tank
Shadowflame
3vs Tank

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Luden's Echo
5Mage

Summoner spells

41288%
4146%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Zhonya's Hourglass
5vs AD

Anti AP

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC
Banshee's Veil
5vs AP

Anti Tank

Void Staff
5vs Tank
Stormsurge
vs Tank
Cryptbloom
vs Tank

DPS

Luden's Echo
Mage
Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage
Hextech Rocketbelt
Mage tank
Seraph's Embrace
Mage
Horizon Focus
Mage

Other options

Oblivion Orb
Mejai's Soulstealer
100.0% WR3 games
SorcerySorcery
Arcane CometArcane Comet
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
TranscendenceTranscendence
ScorchScorch
PrecisionPrecision
Presence of MindPresence of Mind
Coup de GraceCoup de Grace
Ability HasteAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
MelMel
VarusVarus
Favorable
Favorable
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

LevelQWER
316s40s18s
614s40s18s1m40
912s40s18s1m40
1112s40s18s1m20
1612s40s14s1m
1812s40s10s1m

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