Swain vs LeBlanc
Build vs LeBlanc
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Swain: Blackfire Torch, Rylai's Crystal Scepter, Zhonya's Hourglass, Plated Steelcaps, Liandry's Torment, Spirit Visage, Morellonomicon, Frozen Heart.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
LeBlanc's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
When LeBlanc drops below 40% Health, she becomes invisible for 1 second and creates a Mirror Image that deals no damage and lasts for up to 8 seconds.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6s | 15s | 14s | – |
| 6 | 6s | 15s | 14s | 45s |
| 9 | 6s | 13.75s | 14s | 45s |
| 11 | 6s | 12.5s | 14s | 35s |
| 16 | 6s | 10s | 12.5s | 25s |
| 18 | 6s | 10s | 11s | 25s |
Playing as Swain
Tips to maximize your impact
- Aim Nevermove past your target
Cast Nevermove (E) past your target: it only roots on the way back, as it returns to you. Then recast it to pull rooted champions to you.
- Poke through the wave
Poke with Death's Hand (Q) even behind minions: its bolts pierce enemies, and its cooldown drops from 7 to 3 seconds.
- Collect Soul Fragments
Hit champions with Vision of Empire (W) and pull them with Nevermove (E): each Ravenous Flock (passive) Soul Fragment heals you and raises your max health.
- Stay close during your ult
During Demonic Ascension (R), stay close to enemy champions: the drain extends your form, and a takedown refills your Demonic Energy.
- Support distant fights with your eye
Cast Vision of Empire (W) on a fight breaking out elsewhere: its range is 5500 to 7500, and a busy or rooted enemy struggles to dodge the hit 1.5 seconds later.
Playing against LeBlanc
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Break her chain
As soon as Ethereal Chains (E) tethers you, move away from her: if you stay chained for 1.5 seconds, you're rooted and take extra damage.
- Trade after her Distortion
Trade while Distortion (W) is on cooldown: it's her dash both to get in and to get out, and it comes back in 15 to 10 seconds.
- Save your protection for her burst
If you have a shield or a heal, save it for her combo: Sigil of Malice (Q) detonates as soon as another spell hits you, and all her damage lands at once.
- Aim at her return point
If you have CC, aim at the starting point of her Distortion (W): within 4 seconds, she can return there by recasting the spell.
- Don't hit the wrong LeBlanc
When she drops below 40% health, find the real LeBlanc before hitting: Mirror Image (passive) makes her invisible for 1 second and leaves a copy that deals no damage.
Other Swain matchups
Patch 16.21.1