Swain vs Lucian

Swain
vs
Not enough games
Lucian
Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHigh burstSplit push

Build vs Lucian

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

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Blackfire Torch
1
Rylai's Crystal Scepter
2
Zhonya's Hourglass
3

Standard

Boots of Swiftness
4vs Slow
Liandry's Torment
5

Summoner spells

FlashTeleport60%
FlashHaste40%

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Other options

Liandry's Torment
Spirit Visage
Morellonomicon
Frozen Heart
Randuin's Omen
PrecisionPrecision
ConquerorConqueror
Presence of MindPresence of Mind
Legend: HasteLegend: Haste
Last StandLast Stand
SorcerySorcery
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
CelerityCelerity
Attack SpeedMove SpeedHealth

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Lucian's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Lightslinger (P)

Whenever Lucian uses an ability, his next attack becomes a double-shot. When Lucian is healed or shielded by an ally, or when a nearby enemy Champion is immobilized, his next 2 basic attacks will deal bonus magic damage.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
39s14s16s–
67s14s16s1m50
95s13s16s1m50
115s12s16s1m40
165s10s15s1m30
185s10s14s1m30

Playing as Swain

Tips to maximize your impact

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 Lucian

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

  1. Punish his dash

    Punish him after an aggressive dash: Relentless Pursuit (E) has a 16 to 14 second cooldown, only reduced when his double shots hit.

  2. Step back after each burst

    Back off after each of his spells: Lightslinger (passive) doubles the next auto, so his damage comes in short bursts.

  3. Poke him from outside his range

    If your attack range beats his 500 units, poke him from outside it: he then has to use Relentless Pursuit (E) to get back on you.

  4. Drag the game out

    If you survive the laning phase, play for time: Lucian is strongest early and loses impact once everyone has their items.

Patch 16.21.1