Swain vs Poppy
Build vs Poppy
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, Fimbulwinter, Dark Seal, Frozen Heart.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Poppy's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Poppy throws her buckler that bounces off the target. Poppy can pick it up to gain a temporary shield.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8s | 20s | 14s | – |
| 6 | 6s | 20s | 14s | 2m20 |
| 9 | 4s | 18s | 14s | 2m20 |
| 11 | 4s | 16s | 14s | 2m |
| 16 | 4s | 12s | 12s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 4s | 12s | 10s | 1m40 |
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 Poppy
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Stay away from walls
Stay away from walls against her: Heroic Charge (E) stuns you if she slams you into an obstacle.
- Step on her buckler
Step on the Iron Ambassador (passive) buckler when it lands: she can no longer pick it up, so she doesn't get her shield.
- No dashes during Steadfast Presence
If you have a dash, don't use it near her during Steadfast Presence (W): the field stops it, and you're slowed and grounded.
- Interrupt her Verdict charge
If you have CC, use it when she spins her hammer for Keeper's Verdict (R): the longer she charges, the farther she sends her target.
Other Swain matchups
Patch 16.21.1