Matchup
Skill matchup
Build vs Graves
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
99%
1%Anti AD
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Other options
Resolve
Grasp of the Undying
Shield Bash
Conditioning
Overgrowth
Inspiration
Magical Footwear
Approach Velocity
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Skarner
GravesGraves's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Graves' shotgun has some unique properties. He must reload when he runs out of ammo. Attacks fire 4 bullets, which cannot pass through units. Non-champions struck by multiple bullets are knocked back.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 13s | 26s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 9.5s | 26s | 16s | 1m40 |
| 9 | 6s | 24s | 16s | 1m40 |
| 11 | 6s | 22s | 16s | 1m20 |
| 16 | 6s | 18s | 14s | 1m |
| 18 | 6s | 18s | 12s | 1m |
Playing against Graves
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Minions and tanks block his autos (like a shotgun) — position yourself behind units to reduce his damage.
His W blinds you: get out of the smoke cloud quickly instead of fighting inside it.
Graves is an early/mid game jungle champion — if you scale better, play safe and wait for late game.
He has relatively short range (425) — long-range ADCs outrange him easily.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026